Jennifer Banash - Interview #13

I had the chance to interview Jennifer Banash author of The Elite series!

Where did the idea of the book come from?

Much of it comes from my own childhood—I grew up in New York, and went to high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, so I really know that world well. Some of the personality traits of my characters definitely come from real life—I’m kind of a vampire in that way—I take the best traits from the people close to me and steal them for my characters. And many of the girls have aspects of my own personality—Madison Macallister is definitely me on a bad day . . .

How long did it take you to complete the book?

I wrote all three books in a year.

How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?

I got a contract for the books based on a sample chapter I'd written, so I sold the series before I'd written it. I wrote it in 2007-2008, and the books began being released in 08. The final book SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, will be released this July.

Did you listen to music when writing this book?

Yep, tons! I HAVE to wear headphones and listen to music as I write. I even made an iTunes mix you can download! To hear the music that inspired The Elite, go to iTunes and type in The Elite and my name.

Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?

Just write. And get an agent--they come in handy.

What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?

I'm currently writing a novel that's loosely based on my own experiences as a club kid in MYC in the late 80's. I plan to finish it this summer.

Thanks for your time Jennifer!