Welcome to the second edition of Ask the Author of 2016!
This time I'm bringing you the lovely Jodie Andrefski, author of The Girlfriend Request, who was so nice to take her time and answer my 11 question about her book and random stuff. Check our her book and her A's to my Q's below!
Published: January 11th 2016 by Entangled: Crush
Number of Pages: 216 Pages (Paperback)
Series: No
Updating best friend to girlfriend is more than a change of status…
Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.
Eli can't figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl next door.
Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated… (goodreads.com)
Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated… (goodreads.com)
Interview with Jodie Andrefski
1 – Describe The Girlfriend Request with a twitter pitch.
Falling in love with your BFF? Bad. Creating a fake Facebook profile to get him to love you? Worse.
2 – What sparked the idea for The Girlfriend request?
I love the trope of best friends to “more” and tried to think of a unique way to utilize social media at the same time. I knew I wanted it to be a complete comedy of errors, so felt this would be a great opportunity to meld that trope with a silly mess of circumstances at the same time. I hadn’t read any YA novels dealing with a catfish scheme, so I thought it could be fun!
3 – What do you like most and least about your protagonist Emma?
I think one of the things that I like best about Emma is the fact that she is real. She is smart, yet does completely not well-thought out plans, as so many of us did when we were sixteen. She is also a loyal friend. As for what I like least about her, I wish Emma (like so many of us!) didn’t lack the self-confidence to realize how awesome she is even without a boyfriend.
4 – What do you think makes The Girlfriend Request stand out?
I think the fact that it involves social media along with the romance. The characters struggle with communication because of their feelings…and all of the awkward situations that Emma and Eli find themselves in are realistic. They don’t always behave like completely rational people---because really, how many of us do when it comes to matters of the heart? But when it all comes down to it…Emma and Eli are there for each other…period.
5 – In retrospective, is there anything that you’d change about the story or are you happy with the way it turned out in the end?
I am happy with how the story turned out, although if I were to change anything, I might make there be a little more build up to when Eli realizes he likes Emma.
6 - How long did it take you from first idea until publishing deal?
From starting my first draft through signing my contract to publish, it probably took me a little over a year. However, that doesn’t take into account revisions and so on with my editor and copy editor after the contract was signed. The drafting process usually goes fairly quickly for me…it’s all the drafts after that that take some time.
7 - How do you feel about the fact that from January 11th 2016 on thousands upon thousands of people will be able to read your book?
It is super exciting to think of people reading THE GIRLFRIEND REQUEST, but at the same time, it is a tiny bit nerve wracking in a way, since I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I loved writing it. It’s always fun to hear from readers, to get their thoughts and reactions, and to hear what parts they liked best.
8 – What lead you to writing and wanting to be an author? Is it the way you imagined it would be?
Growing up, I was always an avid reader. My family teases me that from the time I was small I always had my nose in a book. That love of reading kind of naturally progressed to me to wanting to write. I have my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education – English, and one of my favorite parts of when I did teach high school was teaching a Creative Writing elective. In some ways being an author is what I expected, and in other ways….not exactly. Going in, I didn’t fully appreciate just how many layers there are to the publishing process. I am very lucky to have a great team working with me through Entangled Teen—from my editor to my publicist and everyone else. I also have some great CPs (Critique Partners) who were with me through the drafting process. The hardest part is probably (as with any job) finding the time to write and juggle family and other commitments. Also, realizing that during the editing process for one book, you also need to find time to be writing your next plot bunny. But bottom line, I love it and feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.
9 – Which do you prefer: Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter. I like the quick short bursts, which sounds so funny considering I just wrote a book about Facebook! LOL I do have accounts on both though. You can find me on Twitter @2000_words or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JodieAndrefskiWriter
Also, you can “like” Eli’s page (from #TGR) at https://www.facebook.com/EliPerryTGR/ or the Facebook page of Emma’s alter-ego, Kelli Summers, at https://www.facebook.com/Kelli-Summers
10 – What advice could you give aspiring authors?
STAY WITH IT! Seriously. If it is your dream to write, then don’t give up. It takes perseverance and hard work, and thick skin (rejection is completely normal in this field)…but it is so worth it. Also, get yourself a good critique partner to read what you write and offer feedback…this is so important. After you write your first draft, stick it in a drawer and leave it alone for at least 30 days, then go back and re-read it with fresh eyes. Also, set time each and every day to write, even if it is just 30 minutes or so.
11 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Fun question! I think if I could have any super power, I would love the ability to read minds. Or…to teleport myself anywhere I like in an instant. That would be awesome, Paris one day and Ireland the next! No TARDIS needed!
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, and I hope all of your readers enjoy THE GIRLFREIND REQUEST! You can also connect with me on my website at www.jodieandrefski.net
About the Author
I've been passionate about reading since I was a little girl, which lead to a love of writing. I write YA- -especially if it involves at least some kissing.
I have my B.S. in Secondary Education-English from Penn State University, and am also pursuing my M.S. in Mental Health Counseling.
I live in a small town in Pennsylvania with my teenage daughter.
