Mac can’t lose another friend. Even if he doesn’t want to be found.The ripple effect caused by Mac’s best friend Amy’s murder has driven Mac’s new love, Kyle, to leave Hemlock and disappear from her life forever. But Mac knows that Kyle plans to enroll in a rehabilitation camp, where he can live with other werewolves. She refuses to accept his decision, especially since the camps are rumored to be tortuous. So she sets out in search of Kyle with a barely sober Jason—and Amy’s all-seeing ghost—in tow.
Clues lead Mac to find Kyle in a werewolf den in Colorado—but their reunion is cut short by a Tracker raid. Now Mac and Kyle are trapped inside the electric fences of Thornhill, a camp for young werewolves. As she devises an escape plan, Mac uncovers dangerous secrets buried within the walls of Thornhill—and realizes that the risk to the people she loves is greater than ever before.
Kathleen Peacock spent her teen years crushing on authors and writing short stories about vampires. She put her writing dreams on hold while attending college, but tripped over them when office life started leaving her with an allergy to cubicles. Her debut, HEMLOCK, is coming May 8th, 2012 from Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, and will be published in the UK under the title DEADLY HEMLOCK from Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
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Where did you get the idea for Hemlock?
I actually got the idea while walking to work and listening to “It’s Been Awhile” by Staind. I was crossing this long bridge and a scene of Mac, Jason, and Kyle just popped into my head. All I knew was that one boy was a werewolf, one was a hunter, and that they both blamed each other for the girl getting hurt. The story evolved from there.
Why werewolves?
The short answer is that the Kyle who popped into my head the morning I had the idea was already a werewolf. The slightly longer answer is that I’ve always loved vampires and werewolves—An American Werewolf in London was practically required viewing in my parents’ house—it was probably inevitable that I would write about one creature or the other.
Who was your favorite character to write?
The answer changes based on the day, but probably Jason or Amy. Jason is so delightfully snarky and broken while Amy is like getting to write a maddeningly creepy version of the Cheshire cat.
What is your favorite scene or quote from Thornhill?
My favorite scene is the one where Kyle and Mac are reunited. Here’s a small taste:
He didn’t notice me. Not at first. He leaned against the window frame and pressed the knuckles of his right hand to the wood, a soft punch that might have been frustration or boredom. Then, with a deep breath, he straightened and turned.
Even at a distance, dark hollows were visible under his eyes, and it looked like a toss-up between what he had done last: slept or shaved. It had only been a few days, but he seemed somehow thinner and taller, like he had been stretched out.
I started to step forward and then hesitated. Relief. Hurt. Worry. A small flash of anger. I’d left everything behind to find him, but now that he was in front of me, I wasn’t sure what to do or feel.
Are you in the process of writing any other novels?
I’m still working on the third Hemlock book (I’m in that blissful lull where I’ve handed in a draft but haven’t heard back from my editors), and I’ve been researching cults for a new project (which may or may not ever get started).
Do you have a favorite author, or one that inspires you?
My favorite author is Douglas Adams. Partly because I like his books, but also because I think he was just such a lovely and witty human being. I have an audio book of him reading The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul. I swear I could listen to it every day and never get tired of it. There’s just something about Douglas Adams that makes me feel like everything will be alright.
What is your favorite book?
I have such a hard time picking just one. How about a handful? Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams, Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy.
.:Randomness:.
Dark, white, or milk chocolate? Milk :)
Cats or dogs? Cats
Coke or Pepsi? PEPSI!!!!!!!!!! (<– I’ve already had too much)
Morning person or night owl? Total night owl.
Oh, this sounds like just my kind of book! Werewolves are always awesome, and I love how the author came up with the idea! Who knew walking to work could become a book?
I plan to pick up this series sometime in the future, that’s if I can get my scheduled more cleared up. *sigh*
Great interview, Jessi! <33
I really need to start reading this series. It sounds so good and I have a copy of Hemlock just sitting on my shelves waiting.
It was lovely of Kathleen to stop by and answer your questions!
I love the sound of this series so much. I can’t believe I haven’t read Hemlock yet, but I will do, soon. I love anything paranormal. :)
Congrats to Kathleen Peacock on the upcoming release of Thornhill. Hemlock sounds like an interesting series.
I have been on a big vampire and zombie kick. I need to diversify. This sounds like a good choice for my TBR.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
This series sounds awesome, I should start reading Hemlock ASAP
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Thank you for the giveaway :)
Read and loved HEMLOCK. I need to hurry and get this one to find out about Kyle. Love the cover on this one, btw.
Awesome interview! I haven’t heard too much of this author before but for the past few days I have seen the cover to this book.
What a great interview! I am ever so pleased you said Practical Magic – I heart that book & film! Also yay for pepsi, not too many people say that!Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Fantastic interview, you two! <33 That's so cool how you got your inspiration from listening to a song, I always find it so interesting to see how an author builds their story, whether it's a scene that's the first thing they think of or an overall topic or idea. Also, that cult book sounds like it could be super interesting! I'm so excited for Thornhill ahh that teaser is not doing anything for my waiting haha :)
Thanks for sharing Jessi!
Ah, I love Adams’s HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE books. Must seek out his other stuff.
I can’t wait to read Thornhill!
this looks and sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Nothing like this ever happened to me when walking to work. I’d like to meet a sexy werewolf!
Really looking forward to reading this.
I LOVEEEEEEED Hemlock and now I can’t wait to read this one! Keeping fingers crossed :)
Nice interview