One debut novelist from the Class of 2k9

Today, you're in for a treat. Kristin Walker is in the house! She's a 2k9-er with a fun attitude whose novel will be published by Razorbill next year.

Tell us about your book. It sold just a few weeks ago, right?

Yes! My novel is a YA called MARRIAGE ED., although I hope that title is short-lived. (I'm terrible at titles and names. In fact, earlier drafts of this manuscript had three characters named Carl.) It's about high school seniors who get paired up for a course in marriage education. The results are hilariously disastrous. Or disastrously hilarious. I can never remember which.

What's been happening in the last few weeks?

One word: Revisions. They want to publish the book next summer, so I'm on a schedule tighter than an elephant's jock-strap.

How is becoming an author different from what you envisioned?

I'm still waiting for the paparazzi to stalk me.

And shouldn't there be long, languid hours reclining in a rowboat, composing gems of prose that will instantly sell at auction for seven figures?

What one word describes your emotions at this point in your career?

Excited. No, terrified. Okay, exciterrifited. (Hey, I’m a writer; I can make up new words if I want to. It says so in the rulebook.)

We can't wait to read MARRIAGE ED.! And good luck with the Class of 2k9, Kristin!

Tomorrow we hear from an aspiring writer who is anxiously waiting for The Call. And on Friday, we've come up with an author whose books keep boys (and girls, but mostly boys) cracking up for hours.