Author Interview + Contest: Margie Gelbwasser

Stopping in today is the author of one of the most aching, brutal books I have ever read. It's a book that left me a mess for several days after, but also one that really made me think, both as a reader and a writer. And I have to admit, coming up with questions to ask the author of this one was incredibly hard for me. But I did it, and she answered them, and is even giving you guys the chance to win a copy of her book? The book and author in question? Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser, so let's get to it!



This is definitely not an easy book for many readers to stomach, so I can only imagine how it was to write it and be in the character's head. What part of the entire writing process was the most challenging for you?

I was very excited to write in the multiple points of view, but I wanted to make sure they sounded distinctive. I have read books told in multiple POV where one can only tell who the speaker is because of the header on the page. I really wanted readers to be able to know who was speaking even if the header wasn't there. I also didn't want the multiple POV to exist just for the sake of existing. I really wanted each other to have his/her own story. Those were the two most challenging things—making sure the voices were distinctive and to represent each character authentically and wholly.

Which of the four characters do you relate to the most?

While I don't think I would act like any of the characters, I feel most sympathy for Kyle. He's so fragile to me and the most innocent out of all them. I feel he is the only one who is not really given a choice in his life.

If you could pair each of your characters with any character from any book, who would you pick for them?

Oooh, this is such a good questions. Hmm...ok I'll pair Katie with Melinda from SPEAK because they have both been damaged, and I think Melinda can teach Katie to find her voice and be strong.

I would like to pair Julie with Rosaleen Daise and Augusta Boatwright from THE SECRET LIFE OF  BEES. The women can serve as examples of real mothers to her and show her what injustice really is. Perhaps, with them, she can get a better conscience. Alex will make a good match with Atticus Finch from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I know this may sound out there, but he needs a father figure and someone who has been through hard times as well, and I think he can change Alex for the better. Finally, for Kyle, I would choose Professor Dumbledore from the HARRY POTTER series. He is so kind and wise and can show Kyle how to find the inner strength he doesn't think he has. He taught Harry about fighting Voldemort, so he can definitely help Kyle fight his (human) demons.

If you were a demigod, what god/goddess would be your nemesis?

My nemesis would be Hera because the stories portray her as jealous and vengeful, and I don't think it's necessary to behave this way. Be proud, woman, and don't bring others down! But, I don't know if I would cross her because she would probably make my life (unlife?) hell.

What kind of dinosaur would you describe yourself as?

My son is four-and-a-half and loves dinosaurs. We read about them all the time, and he even has one of the walls in his room dedicated to just dinosaurs (the others—in case you're curious—are dedicated to superheroes, the CARS movie, construction vehicles, and firefighters). Anyway....I'm going to go with the Triceratops, but not because I'm most like it. Rather, I aspire to be like that dinosaur. It was a plant eater with a laid back, live and let leave personality. It had its spiky back for protection and didn't want to bother itself with the ferocious games of some of the other dinosaurs. I'm a type A personality. I take things very personally and am so not thick-skinned. I worry a lot. But, I'd like to be more relaxed, more zen. Just eat my lettuce and let the world rumble around me.


Thank you, Margie, for both the stunning book and the interview!

Pieces of Us hits shelves March 8, and you should definitely make sure to pick it up, but in the meantime, I've got a copy for one lucky winner to take home!

To enter, just fill out THIS form.

This contest is US only, and ends March 8.

No entries will be accepted through comments, but you should still totally leave one.