Okay, so today I talk to Megan Crewe about...all sorts of random stuff. But I promise, it's good stuff:P Read on to find out more.

Let’s start with the basics. Tell us something about your book.

GIVE UP THE GHOST is about a girl who's turned her back on the living in favor of ghostly friends--partly because she's been afraid to trust her classmates ever since her ex-best-friend turned on her in junior high, and partly because the ghosts can dig up the popular kids' dirty secrets so that Cass can expose them for what they really are.

How did you come up with the plot? Was it inspired by your own> experiences

The story started (like most of my stories do) with a 'what if': what if there was a girl who preferred hanging out with ghosts instead of living people? I came up with the plot as I figured out why she felt that way, and what might make that change. Thankfully, I never experienced any bullying as severe as Cass has, but I was teased now and then in junior high, and I witnessed other kids being ostracized or gossiped about behind their backs. And I've never seen a ghost, myself. :)

What’re your favourite book/s?

Far too many to list! You can see my all-time faves at my GoodReads account: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2270302 As a kid, my favorite book was THE CHANGELING by Zilpha Keatley Snyder and as a teen my favorite was BIRTH OF THE FIREBRINGER by Meredith Ann Pierce. I still love both dearly.

Tell us something about yourself. Anything from your favourite colour to the wackiest quirks works.

I love animals of all kinds and am a bit of a pet fanatic. Right now I have two cats, but in the past I've owned ferrets, hamsters, mice, and fish, and I've considered getting rats. At some point, once we get a house, we may get a dog. And I used to want to have a horse (isn't that a typical girl thing?) and took riding lessons, but now I don't think I'd be able to commit enough time.

What would your autobiography be titled if you wrote one?

I doubt I'd ever write one, but imagining I did... Maybe A PRACTICAL DREAMER.

Any other things you’re passionate about other than writing?

Well, reading, of course! I always have a book on the go and it's a thrill getting wrapped up in a new story. I also love traveling--have visited Britain, China, and Italy and hope to see much more of the world.

Rapid Fire round! Which fictional character do you find yourself most similar to?

I've always seen myself as like Martha from THE CHANGELING (mentioned above)--shy but creative as a kid, slowly coming out of my shell in my teens.

If you had to wish upon a falling star right now, what would it be?

For a long and joyous writing career. :)What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was in junior high hanging out with a couple of my friends from choir downtown, we started an impromptu performance of various songs from Les Miserables for everyone walking by. We were just having fun, but I'm sure lots of people thought we were weird!

You’re locked in an elevator. Who would you want in there with you to keep you company and why?

I find books make excellent company! :) As people go, I'd have to say my husband, because we can always find stuff to talk about for hours.

Frankenstein resurrection and world invasion! What does Cass do?

Get her ghost friends to find out as much info as they can, and use what they learn to locate and secure a safe place for her and her family--and Tim, if he wants to come along.

Would you prefer ghosts to breathers as friends?

Nope. Ghosts like the ones in my book are great, don't get me wrong, but as Cass discovers, there's some things you can only get from living, breathing people. Like hugs. Or the ability to remember what's been going on in your life.

Three words to describe yourself and three more to describe your book.

Me: Imaginative, dedicated, practical.
GHOST: Quirky, thoughtful, emotional.

Labels: Ghost Week, Megan Crewe, Tête-à-Tête