Thank you Kirstin Pulioff for joining us here! Let’s start with some fun trivia – give me some juicy details…! What is your favorite place to eat? Why?
Helvetia Tavern. This is a wonderful burger tavern up in the hills of NW Oregon. You sit outside, and enjoy a view of hillsides, farms, flowers, and animals, while eating the best burgers I have ever had. It showcases the rural charm, with fantastic food. My husband calls me a cheap date. Given my choice, the perfect dinner out is simply a burger, onion rings and a diet coke.
What’s on your reading list right now?
There are so many!!!! My kindle is full of different books that I am dying to read. On top of my list though John Dolan’s “Hungry Ghosts,” the “Hunger Games,” and I want to re-read the Orson Scott Card’s “Speaker of the Dead” series.
We all have our little things when it comes to reading that bug us. What makes you cranky when you read a novel?
I am pretty easy with reading. I love to fall in love with the characters and really feel as if I am there living the struggle with them. With that in mind, I would probably say that my biggest complaint is when I don’t feel connected. I want a full world, with complex characters, and depth to the plotline.
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
I am an outdoors girl. There is something about fresh air that always makes me smile and improves my day… so I like to take walks, hikes, visit the beach, and enjoy nature.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
When I sit down to read, I am looking for a chance to escape. I want a book to transport me to a new world, and entertain me with vivid descriptions, enthralling characters, and a true challenge.
Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
I suppose this is a yes and a no. I am a full time stay at home mom… so that always comes first. During the day, I am 100% focused mommy, and then after bedtime my author cap goes on. I love writing. It is a part of me, and something that brings me great peace.
Next would you answer some general questions about your approach to the writing craft? When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
I use a combination of it all. When I am home, I prefer to write on the computer. It just makes it easier since that is where the final compilation takes place. However… the muse has a way of contacting me when I least expect it, so I carry a notebook with my at all times, and also rely on the microphone function of my phone.
What do you do when you are not writing?
Hmmm… thinking of the next story. Haha. No, if I’m not writing, I am playing and interacting with my family. My two greatest loves… my family and writing.
What draws you to this genre?
I LOVE fantasy. The fantasy setting makes it easier to believe in happily ever after, that good triumphs over evil, that prince charming exists, and that a princess is more than a pretty gown. This genre helps me imagine, escape, and believe in good.
Why do you write?
I think everyone has a creative outlet. Some people draw, some people bake, some people sing or build… I write.
Now some general questions about your writing… Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?
My stories are always dedicated to my family. They have stood behind me, supporting this dream unconditionally. My husband amazes me with his support and love, and my children remind me to follow my dreams and never give up.
Please tell me about your story. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
The Ivory Tower is a YA dystopian thriller. It follows the life of Simone as she discovers the 
truth behind the fabled tower in their protection camp. This story haunted my dreams for weeks. Every night as I fell asleep the story of Simone played out before me. Finally, I had no choice but to write it.
277- the number sewn into Simone’s shirt. The number that dictates her life at the protection camp. Regulated by a system of ringing bells, fortified cars, and rations, the survivors are protected from residual contaminates on the other side of the wall.
Breaking the monotony of the highly structured camp, Simone and her friend skip school to enjoy one of the last nice days of fall. An afternoon gamed leads them to a new part of the forest, uncovering more than they expected. All thoughts of protection and rules are shattered by the appearance of the ivory tower. A tower riddled with a history of danger and death.
When her friend shows up with a bruised face and thinly veiled threats, Simone has to decide how much she is willing to risk to find out the truth of the tower.
Find it on Amazon – $0.99 http://www.amazon.com/The-Ivory-Tower-ebook/dp/B00FJ3A58A/ref=la_B00A2498Z2_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381166040&sr=1-3
What else do you have in the pipeline?
I am also anticipating the winter release of Princess Madeline and the Dragon. This is the third and final book of the Princess Madeline series, a coming of age fairytale for middle grade readers.
Links
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
I love to connect to my fans, and meet new people. Please stop by and say hello at any of these:
Website: www.kirstinpulioff.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KirstinPulioffAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KirstinPulioff
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11281401-kirstin-pulioff
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/author/kirstinpulioff
