P.C. and Kristin Cast are the mother/daughter author duo behind the bestselling House of Night Young Adult series. Here they share both some humorous and serious aspects of writing together as mother and daughter.
What made you decide to write together?
P.C.: We write together? What? Who is this Kristin person of whom you speak?
Kristin: I was forced by my mother, who desperately needed my guidance.
Can you each share a story about one of the books you wrote together?
P.C.: Oh! You mean Chicken Frances --- my daughter. My favorite story is when she wanted me to make Zoey be with Heath forever and I disagreed, so I:
1) Attempted to smother her in her sleep.
2) Killed the character.
Well, okay, only one of those two really worked out.
Kristin: I am not one to brag, however, there have been several times the phrase “you were right” has trickled forth from Mommy Dearest’s lips.
How do you share your writing responsibilities?
P.C.: I write. She edits. I suffer.
Kristin: My editorial burden is large but I am promised candy and prizes so I suffer through.
Do you outline, or do you write as the story unfolds?
P.C.: I do a little of both. Kristin coattails.
Who has final say? Does “Mom always rule,” or how do you handle writing conflicts?
P.C.: Well, I beat her! Don’t all moms handle confrontation with daughters like that?
Kristin: I am often beaten into submission.
What do each of you bring to the table?
P.C.: Well, I pay for the air she breathes and the gravity that holds her to the earth. You know, small things like that.
Kristin: I am young, gorgeous, brilliant, stylish, hygienic, original, perfect, wait… what was the question?
What’s your favorite snack food/drink when you are writing?
P.C.: Good red wine. No wait, I don’t mind semi-good wine.
Kristin: Chocolate covered crickets and wheatgrass.
Do you have advice for anyone who would like to write a book with their mother or daughter?
P.C.: Treat it like a job. If you wouldn’t hire your mother/daughter to help you run a business, don’t try to co-author with her.
Kristin: If you can’t walk up to your mother or daughter and talk honestly about sex and drugs, don’t attempt to write a book together.
P.C. and Kristin Cast are the authors of the bestselling House of Night series. The seventh and latest volume in the series, BURNED, is available now.
