Welcome back Chevy Stevens!

This week, we're so happy that Chevy Stevens is here to visit. In case you haven't been in a bookstore lately, she's the author of STILL MISSING, which debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list at #19! Very exciting (for anyone) but especially for a first book.

I had the privilege of reading an Advance Readers' Copy of this book and let me tell you, it's awesome. I don't usually go for thrillers, but this one is a very different kind of thriller.

German Cover

The book has been sold into markets around the world. I particularly like the German cover. So fitting for the book. Chevy shared some of the "draft" covers with me as her publisher, St. Martins was trying to capture this book in an image. All of the possible covers were amazing and it was very cool to have a birds eye view of the  process.

But enough babbling. Chevy agreed to answer a few burning questions.

Welcome, Chevy!





What’s your favorite drink?

I drink gallons of tea every day. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but I do go through a few cups, with lots of milk and sugar. I love the smell of coffee, but one cup and you have to peel me off the ceiling. I’m generally running at high speed, or at least my mouth is, so I don’t need the boost. Alcoholic beverages have never been a big thing for me (are you going to kick me out?), but when I do, I enjoy pretty much anything mixed with vodka. Must be my Russian roots! Lately I’ve developed taste for strawberry margaritas, a perfect summer drink, and I have to admit there’s been some champagne poured recently. But usually two glasses is my limit, then it’s lights out for this cow girl.

Tea? (Eileen says I mock people's choices, so there it was. ;) I for one couldn't survive without coffee. ) What are you reading right now?

I just started THE PASSAGE. I’ve heard great things! The next ones on my list are Karin Slaughter’s BROKEN, Lisa Gardner’s LIVE TO TELL, and I really want to read Linda Castillo’s PRAY FOR SILENCE because I loved her first one. This is going to be an expensive month!

I've been meaning to tackle THE PASSAGE. Let me know what you think. Tell us a bit about STILL MISSING.

STILL MISSING is about a thirty-two-year-old Realtor, Annie O’Sullivan, who is abducted from an open house. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent captive in a remote mountain cabin—which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist—is a second narrative recounting the nightmare that follows her escape: her struggle to piece her shattered life back together, the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor, and the disturbing sense that things are far from over.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what made you want to try?

When I was growing up I daydreamed about being a writer, but I actually planned on going to university for a degree in Fine Arts. I ended up leaving after a couple of months to work full time and spent the majority of my adult life in sales. Sometimes I would fantasize about writing a book and placing it next to my grandfather’s memoir, which is about his escape from Russia, but I never had anything I wanted to write about until the premise of STILL MISSING came to me at an open house. Then I become consumed with the story and sold my house six months later so I could write full time.

So far, what’s the best thing about being a published author? The worst?

The best thing is hearing from readers. I love when they take the time to write and tell me what they thought about the book. I’ve also been feeling very grateful and blessed for all my friends and family who have supported me on this long, long road. Most of them came out to my signings and it was wonderful to see them all there.

*Maureen interrupts* 
To hear what some readers and booksellers have said, (the book was #7 on the IndieBound IndieNext list!), check this out! 



**Interruption over**

The worst part? I don’t know if I’d describe it as the “worst,” because it’s a good problem to have, but I find it challenging to balance the marketing of my first book while I’m trying to write the second. I’m also still getting used to reading about myself in newspapers. I’ve never had this much public exposure before!

Ah, the scary side of the double edged sword of success. I totally get that. But, what I really want to know is: who’s going to win SYTYCD this summer?

At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this season because they were pairing new dancers with all stars and I thought it was distracting. But it’s found its groove and I’ve been enjoying the show. I was betting on Alex, but then he injured himself, which sucked big time. I don’t know if he’s going to win, but I really like Kent, so I’m rooting for him!

I felt the same way about the format, too... but came around to it. I just wish that all the girls hadn't been kicked off so quickly so that we could see some of my favorite dancers (Mark, Neil, Dominic) dance more often. :( I have a feeling you're right that Kent might win. What’s next for you?

I’ll be starting my third book soon and I’m looking forward to finding out more about Nadine, the therapist who is in my first two books. I’ve also been asked to do a couple of speaking engagements so that’s a new challenge. This fall I’ll be at three author festivals in Canada and I’m excited about meeting other writers and getting a chance to talk to more readers.

Fabulous. I for one, can't wait to read books 2 and 3 in this series and love that you're tying them together through the therapist. Such a smart choice.


Thanks so much for stopping by!

UPDATE:

St. Martin's Press is giving away one copy of STILL MISSING to a random commenter this week!


You have until midnight on Friday to post a comment to win! Make sure to check back to find out if you won. I'll try to post the winner's name on the weekend, but I'm going to be at a conference, so if I forget, check on Monday. The winner should e-mail me at info at maureenmcgowan.com  :)