Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week!!
Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release!
We will also be hosting a giveaway of the book we are highlighting!!
Introducing Kerri Maniscalco, YABC’s Author of the Week!!
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a small town just outside of New York City where her love of the arts was fostered from an early age. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.
STALKING JACK THE RIPPER, her debut YA gothic horror, is coming September 20, 2016 from JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown. It’s the first in a new series and incorporates her love of forensic science and unsolved history.
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Meet Stalking Jack The Ripper!!
Presented by James Patterson’s new children’s imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion…
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story’s shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
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YABC: Who is your favorite character in this book?
Oooh, tough, but definitely the leading lady, Audrey Rose Wadsworth. I love her quiet rebellion and confident belief in herself. She is forging her own path in this restrictive time and I admire her will to live authentically, no matter what society has to say about it. Her journey isn’t about finding herself, but about the struggle to be herself in a world that’s hesitant to accept someone who colors outside the lines.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel definitely came first and went through a BUNCH of different title changes. After it was purchased, myself, my agent, my editor and the team at JIMMY books and Little, Brown brainstormed new ideas. There were so many fun/intriguing ones, but my publisher actually came up with Stalking Jack the Ripper and I fell in love immediately. It perfectly captures the badassery of Audrey Rose, running around at night, stalking this infamous killer—when she’s not performing autopsies, that is. Once they asked how I felt about it, I couldn’t fathom it being called anything else.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
Oh my gosh. GREAT question. I started writing with the intent to publish back in 2009/2010, and the most important thing I’ve learned is to keep honing your craft and to always be generous with cheering others on when you can. Everyone’s journey is so different, and the one thing we have control over is constantly writing and learning and growing. When one door closes, keep knocking. You never know when your “yes” will be around the next corner.
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016?
Is this a trick question?! ALL OF THEM. I’m lucky to be a member of the Sweet 16s and I’ve gotten to read so many amazing novels already (THE READER, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU, IVORY AND BONE, THESE VICIOUS MASKS, THE GIRL WHO FELL, TEACH ME TO FORGET, THE LOVE THAT SPLIT THE WORLD, DREAMOLOGY, MIRROR IN THE SKY, BLACKHEARTS, REBEL OF THE SANDS, HOW TO HANG A WITCH, KINGDOM OF ASH AND BRIARS, SEVEN WAYS WE LIE, THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE + so many more that have pubbed and are currently on my shelves, waiting to be devoured.) BUT….if I *had* to choose, I’d go with a non-sixteener book (because, I am looking forward to ALL of them, obvi) I’d say EMPIRE OF STORMS by Sarah J. Maas. Or TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabaa Tahir…or…I am really bad at this question…
YABC: What was your favorite book in 2015?
I absolutely LOVED/drooled over Renee Ahdieh’s THE WRATH AND THE DAWN. The historical elements were amazing, and her writing is so delicious and lyrical I could eat it up with a spoon. Speaking of food, I just wanted to eat ALL the food. In fact, I might go make something TWATD inspired right now. *searches through pantry*
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently writing book two in the newly acquired SJTR series. *dances* It’s what I like to call a standalone adventure series (like a gothic Nancy Drew or Victorian CSI), and it picks up from where we leave you in Stalking Jack the Ripper and flows into the next standalone adventure. It’s also inspired by an infamous killer and features Audrey Rose using every tool in her forensic arsenal to stop them. There’s a creepy castle, new setting, and lots of dark twists. It’ll be hitting shelves Fall 2017.
YABC: Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?
I actually enjoy both for different reasons. During the drafting stage I love being surprised by where my characters take me. I basically just strap myself to my laptop and join in the adventure, allowing surprises and twists to form organically. Then, during revisions, I love fleshing out scenes and characters and the atmosphere, bringing it all into a (hopefully) laser-sharp focus.
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Two things: My personal love of forensics. (Yes, I am that girl who wanted to study at the Body Farm in college, and get to visit there now!) And my grandmother. She was the BIGGEST fan of whodunits and after she passed away, I wanted to write a story that she would have loved, to honor her. I know she’s cheering me on from Heaven, and I hope that I’ve done her proud by tackling one of the biggest whodunits in history and turning it on its head.
Stalking Jack The Ripper
By: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Books
Release Date: September 20, 2016
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
One winner will receive a copy of Stalking Jack The Ripper (US only).
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
Loved this book & Kerri is so sweet! What a great interview. I too have an interview post with her coming up soon and I loved the questions you asked. It was fun reading her responses.
This has an interesting premise, I like the idea of the main character wanting things outside her social norms.
I am more than psyched about this book! I’ve been following Kerri everywhere I can, leaning as much as I can about this novel. I’ve been fascinated with the plot since I first heard about and have been pretty much obsessed with trying to obtain a copy of my own before it’s release date. I can’t wait to read this one!
This book has had me drooling over it ever since I saw the cover reveal on Twitter!
Looks good!
Ever since I saw the cover and that is was about Jack The Ripper I have been wanting this one. Love stories that revolve around this mystery.
I can’t wait to read this. I saw someone’s fanart of the book on Tumblr and has gotten me excited to read this.
I can’t wait to read this, it is at the top of my TBR 🙂
Stalking Jack the Ripper sounds great ♡ I think I’m going to love the twist on this book! The cover is awesome! Thank you
So excited to read this! Love the cover!
As someone who has always been obsessed with watching Forensic Files, CSI, Criminal Minds, and etc., this book has just hit the top of my TBR.
When I saw the cover I was instantly pulled in! I’d like to read this book and see how the story goes.
This has been one of my most anticipated reads! It also come out a few days before my birthday, so I consider it a gift from the book gods!
I love the cover, colors and all. Like Sarah above, this is one of my most anticipated books to read of 2016.
The cover is great and the story sounds like an intriguing mystery.
I can’t wait to read Stalking Jack the Ripper! I love the idea of women doing “unconventional” things in historical novels. It’s uplifting and empowering! Reading this interview really pushed me to want to read it. I was somewhat interested before but this post really got me excited- that’s what I love about reading book blogs! You get to learn more about books before you decide whether to purchase them or not. And I loved reading Kerri’s answers and getting to know her better as an author! My grandmother died recently so I can definitely understand wanting to do something that she would love- a shared love/interest. Congratulations to Kerri on the release! I can’t wait to devour it! 🙂