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It is only once in a lifetime that you meet an author like Ally Condie. Seriously, people. This is the coolest lady in the atmosphere. She's sweet, easy to talk to, and writes DANG good books! I was so happy when she agreed to be part of the bash. Read the sweetness that is her interview, then enter to win Matched! (Even though you all own Matched already, right? RIGHT?!)

What was the biggest thing you felt when you finished Reached? Was it hard to say “goodbye” to the trilogy? I know you recently said on your blog that you were writing something new, but did you have things in mind even before you finished the Matched books?

*The biggest thing I felt was bittersweet. It's hard to say goodbye, but at the same time it feels like the story continues beyond the pages. It was my job to take the characters to a certain point...and then let them go. And that was a bit sad and exciting all at once. And yes, I did have ideas in mind for new stories even before I finished this trilogy. I am always getting new ideas. But I didn't let myself really explore anything until I was done with REACHED--I'd take notes and write bits of a scene here and there, etc., but that was all.

Can you write while someone is watching TV in the next room? Or do you need total silence?

*I need total silence sometimes, and other times nothing bugs me. So I've splurged and purchased a set of noise-canceling headphones for those times when I'm too easily distracted. They have been awesome!

Matched has been published in so many languages! Congrats! Do you own any of the international editions? Do you speak any foreign languages?

*I own most of the international editions (we've sold in thirty countries and counting, which is fun)! The publishers are usually sweet enough to send me a few copies. It's incredibly crazy to see the book in different languages--I love it. I don't speak any languages, which is embarrassing (i took German in high school and college, but am by no means fluent). But, my daughter was adopted from China, and my husband speaks fluent Portuguese, so those editions were extra special to me even though I don't speak the languages myself. :)

What the strangest thing a fan has asked you since being published? (Either since publishing Yearbook or Matched)

*One time this really nice kid asked me to sign his arm. That isn't that strange or weird, but I felt uncomfortable doing it. What if his mom got mad? So I got him a piece of paper and signed it instead. Honestly, I have the nicest fans. I must be lucky!

And lastly, a mad-lib! Please provide: 3 nouns, 3 verbs, and 3 adjectives

pizza, ferret, shinguards
warble, fret, sashay
pompous, decadent, salacious

I have sad news, friends! I actually don't have a copy of Matched nearby to fill in this mad-lib. BUT I will by the end of today. So check back!!


You can win a SIGNED copy of Matched! Today's giveaway is hosted by The Shangri La of Books. Head on over to win. This giveaway is open TO US ONLY.