LAURIE STOLARZ Laurie Stolarz aurie Stolarz is hanging out in the Clique Lounge with me. Laurie's YA thriller Project 17 is a perfect snowstorm read. Laurie, I hope you brought hot chocolate. That and a good book are the only things you need to get you through a Nor'easter. Here we go... TCL: If you could enter your MC into a MTV-style Celebrity Deathmatch, what protagonist would you challenge and why? LS: I think Derik LaPointe would do great on Fear Factor. TCL: Shoes say a lot about a person, what type of shoe are you? LS: I'll take the comfy, cushy Uggs, thank you. I also like designer heels, but I don't pay designer prices. TCL Says: Just bought myself a pair of Uggs, few months ago. God, but they are comfortable!! TCL: What type of writer are you: plot-driven or character-driven? LS: Both. I start with plot because that helps me see a through-line. It keeps me focused, thinking about the story arc, the rising & falling tension, and the climax. It also helps me consider motivation and smaller plot-strands—and how each plot strand helps support the overall through-line. As I write my novel, I get to know my main character. I'll then go through and rewrite intensively for character. TCL: Word association time. What do you think when I say: Chick-lit: a square, hard-shelled piece of gum. Best seller: The independent bookstore in the next town over—that's what it's called. Best Band Ever: It depends on what my mood is. I honestly like all types of music and I can't narrow it down to one single band or artist. There are way too many good ones—way too many who continue to reinvent themselves in interesting and innovative ways. TCL: Most rockin' author: Rockin' author? I don't know, does Steven Tyler write? TCL: Name the Top 3 books on your TBR List: Soul to Soul by Gary Zukav Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer Luxe by Anna Godbersen TCL: If you had anything to do with it, what would the next hot lit trend be? LS: Spirituality. Teens questioning the meaning of life and their place in it. TCL: What celeb would you love to see play your MC on the big or small screen and why? LS: I can totally picture Chad Michael Murray playing Derik LaPointe. TCL: Whether it's because you admire their work or adore them, who's your author crush? LS: No author crushes. Actors, however, I have many. John Cusack tops that list. TCL: What TV show do you watch that you're ashamed to admit liking? LS: I have no shame. I love reality TV—the cheesier the better. So, yes, that means I was totally get glued to things like The Surreal Life, Rock of Love, and My Fair Brady. TCL: SSP: Tell the cliquesters why your book should be in their TBR list. LS: It's guaranteed to terrify. There are also bits of humor and romance thrown in for good measure. Guaranteed to terrify, the three words known to push a self-admitted Stephen King junkie into a purchase. You know the drill...say it with me, "cop that joint."