I read Wendy's novel Stork a few weeks ago and I LOVED it! Check out my fun interview with the author, and scroll down for a giveaway of THREE copies of Stork.

My Review of Stork
Wendy's Website
Stork's GoodReads Page

Once I’d settled on Northern Minnesota for my U.S. location, I decided to go with a Scandinavian community. I picked Iceland because its name and island status evokes a cold and remote environment. Plus, I have a long held fascination with Iceland, maybe because it is so unique. I do want to mention that Norse Falls is an entirely fictional place. To my knowledge, there is no community of Icelandic settlers in Minnesota. Oh, and my human Storks, they’re made up, too :)


How do you feel about the book’s cover?

I adore the cover. For those who don’t know, cover art—like title—is contractually controlled by the publisher. Well, for debut authors it is. (Stork is the original title, in case anyone is curious.) Kate, the designer at Candlewick, nailed Katla. Phew. The model appears to have a wry expression on her face, one that conveys Kat’s spunk and humor.



Would you want to be a Stork?

Good question. It is a big responsibility. And it’s not like you get immortality or anything out of the deal. But, then again, it would be a pretty heady feeling. So, sure, why not? Sign me up.



If you were a Stork, which bird do you think would best represent you?

I was asked a similar question before and I said a green parrot. Parrots are tropical—my ideal climate—and green is my favorite color. Should it be a bird I aspire to, then I’d go with the cooing, peace-loving dove. I’m answering these questions on the ninth anniversary of 911 and wondering why we can’t all just respect one another’s different cultures and beliefs. Hulda, the wise leader of the Storks, does.



What’s next from Wendy Delsol?

Next is an adult novel, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls, due out with Penguin in August of 2011. Then, in September of 2011, comes Frost, book two in the Stork trilogy. In addition to editing those two novels, I’ll be writing the third—and as yet untitled—book in Katla and Jack’s adventures this winter.



If you could visit/live in any country in the world, which would it be and how long would you stay?

Having spent two years now researching Iceland and Norse lore, I’d love to go there. By all accounts, it and Greenland should trade names. The people are known for their individualist spirit and friendliness. For now, with two teen boys, two weeks is about the longest trip we can manage. When they’re in college, I’d love to settle in and get to know a place. My parents were both born and raised in England. I’d just love to spend more time in London or one of the quaint English villages.



Do you like super-spicy food?

A food question. Lucky me. No, I do not like super-spicy food. In fact, there is a long list of food items I don’t like. Garlic and cilantro top the list. (I blame my English genes.) Overall, I’m an entirely unadventurous eater. Let’s theorize that I exhaust my allotment of adventure-going and risk-taking on my stories.



What’s your favorite scent?

Love, love, love anything lemon. Lemon bars, lemon verbena soap, chicken piccata, and I’ve been known to sip the occasional lemon drop martini. I’ve always said my ideal house would have a lemon tree in the yard.



Milk, soda, or water? Any specific type?

Milk. 2%. I drink very little soda, less than ten a year, I’d guess. I’m not someone to drink buckets of water, either. I do drink two coffees (with heated milk) in the morning and have cereal with milk for breakfast every day. In the afternoons, I sometimes have tea (usually decaf or herbal).

Finally, some fun from the random plot generator!

You’re writing a story in the wild west. You have three choices of characters: a macho panhandler, a German priest/nun, and a young member of a group of bandits. Who is the antagonist, who is the protagonist, and what role does the third character play?