Finale Blog Tour: Q&A with author Becca Fitzpatrick!

The time has come to say goodbye to Patch and Nora with the release of Finale, the fourth and final instalment in the ever-popular Hush, Hush saga. I know it'll be difficult for readers to say goodbye to these characters, but what about the author? How does she feel about saying goodbye? Find out the answer to this question and many more in my interview with Becca Fitzpatrick below. 

Many thanks to the lovely Kat at Simon & Schuster for arranging this, and also, of course, to Becca for answering my questions! 

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Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Release date: October 23rd 2012

Ages: 14+

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on?

  Author Interview: Becca Fitzpatrick.

Photo Credit: Ali Eisenach

Fans of the Hush, Hush series are currently counting down the days to the release of Finale, the final chapter in Patch and Nora's story, and I for one, can't wait to see how it all ends.  How does it feel for you to say goodbye to the series and the characters you created? What will you miss most about the series? 

This past summer, after Finale went to press, I felt a certain sense of melancholy.  It was more difficult than I anticipated to say goodbye to the characters, and start working on a new project.  Instead of brooding about it, I took the summer off and spent time with my kids.  For my own peace of mind, I had to step away from writing for a bit.  Now that Finale's release is so close, and readers are talking up the book, I'm feeling really excited.  The sadness is gone, and I think being able to share the story, and just have it out there, will do me a world of good.  I don't like keeping secrets.  I just want to be able to blab about the book, ha!   


 You hit on a winning formula with the Hush, Hush series.  As a blogger, I know that your series is one of the most popular YA series around, and as a reader I just can't get enough!  After all, what girl could resist Patch? Did you ever predict that the series would take off like it did?  What do you think gives the books such a widespread appeal? 

I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed—I've met so many people and made new friends. I love watching readers get excited about the characters, and hearing their speculations for Finale.  Writing often feels like a solitary endeavor, but with social networking sites at my fingertips, I get the chance to interact with readers on a daily basis.  Most readers tell me their favorite aspect of the books is relating to the characters, and imagining themselves into the story.  Most people know a Nora, or a Vee.  And many readers want to know someone like Patch.  

 I can imagine that your life has changed quite a lot since the publication of Hush, Hush in 2009.  What's been the highpoint of your career as a writer so far?  Can you give readers an insight into how things have changed for you since the release of that first book? 

The highpoint would either be meeting new people on tour who feel a special connection to the books, or having the opportunity to write more books.  My life is incredibly busy between being a full-time mom and writer, but I wouldn't change a thing.  Life is short.  Don't squander your dreams! 

 I love complex characters such as Patch.  I couldn't quite figure him out at all at first, which of course just made me more and more curious about him.  Of all the characters in the Hush, Hush series who was your ultimate favourite to write, and why?

Vee, hands down.  I based her character on two of my childhood friends.  I miss those girls.  They were crazy and wild and got me into a lot of trouble.  They were also very loyal.  They helped shape the woman I am today.   

If you had to pick just one song to describe Patch and Nora's roller coaster relationship, what song would you choose as their song?

Oh, good question!  Maybe “Trouble is a Friend” by Lenka or “Not Enough Time” by INXS.

While we're on the subject of Patch and Nora, what actors would you like to see cast in their roles if the Hush, Hush series ever made it to the big screen?

The actors I like are too old now, but Steven Strait for Patch.  And Emmy Rossum for Nora. 

 I know a lot of readers are going to be looking for their next great read once they finish reading Finale.  Can you name some books you think that fans of your series would also enjoy? 

Absolutely!  The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han, Divergent by Veronica Roth, Fury by Elizabeth Miles, Unearthlyby Cynthia Hand, or Jennifer Armentrout's Luxbooks. 

I recently heard the very exciting announcement about your new novel Black Ice. Can you tell readers what Black Ice is all about, and also let us know what we can expect from you book wise in the future?

Black Ice is a stand-alone psychological thriller that takes place against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Seventeen-year-old Britt Pfeiffer has been training to backpack the crest of the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two occupants—who then take her hostage. In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off into the storm, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. But the task isn't as straightforward as it seems. Finding one chilling piece of evidence after another, Britt uncovers the truth about a series of murders that have taken place in the region…and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

Creepy, right?  I can't say too much more about Black Ice, since I'm still writing the first draft, but the book has many similarities to Hush, Hush.  I think every book I write will have a good mix of romance and suspense, because those are the types of stories I enjoy reading.  

 Finally, is there any message you'd like to send out to your fans as the Hush, Hush series comes to an end and you embark on the next stage of your writing career? 

I'd love to give a heartfelt thank-you for the support and enthusiasm.  I get so much pleasure out of writing books, and feel so grateful for this opportunity.  Here's to hoping for many more books to come! 

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Follow @becfitzpatrick on twitter to keep up with all her latest news!

The Finale blog tour concludes tomorrow at Book Passion for Life.