Interview With Kate Sise
I was lucky enough to get the chance to interview Katie about the ideas behind this book and how much research she had to do before she could start writing.
1. The Boyfriend App is a unique look at technology and the power it has over people. What inspired you to write this book?
The Boyfriend App was a product of many brainstorming sessions with Brenda Bowen and my agent, Dan Mandel. We were all inspired by the idea of a very bright girl who uncovers secret technology and uses it to create a love potion-type of app. I soon fell in love with the characters, and began to care very much about what happened to them. I raced through the first draft because I needed to know how it would all turn out. That’s usually the key component that inspires me to write a novel: the moment I need to know what happens, then I know I’m hooked.
2. Within the book, there is a lot of ‘geek speak’ and technical terms to do with computers. Did you have to do a lot of research before you began writing?
I did! I had many sessions with an IT professional named Jason Scalia, who taught me so many things about Audrey’s world. Jason was incredible at explaining difficult concepts in a way I could understand. He made it so exciting—and I never thought I’d say that about computers! Noah Harlan and Brian Morrison helped me specifically with the app-building details. I was lucky to be in such great hands.
3. For people who are yet to read this book, how would you describe it in one sentence?
The Boyfriend App is the story of a very smart computer hacker who uncovers secret technology and uses it to create an app that gets a girl any guy she wants, with chaotic results.
4. How long did The Boyfriend App take to write?
The first draft took four months to write. Then I had about three months for revision.
5. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Just keep writing, keep practicing. If you can set aside even an hour a day, you’d be shocked at how quickly you can write a novel. And every book you write will get better and better. I practiced on many different ideas before The Boyfriend App, and each one taught me different things about plotting and structure.
6. Can we expect another book from you in the future?
Yes! I’m working on a second book now. I don’t have too many details yet because it’s in its early stages, but I’m very excited about it!
Quick-fire
What is your:
favourite colour?
blue
favourite song?
Once Upon a Dream
favourite book?
The Great Gatsby
favourite word?
Love
favourite food?
Oatmeal. (I know, I know. But it’s true.)
favourite season?
Fall
favourite tv show?
This is always-changing. Right now it’s “House of Cards.” But if I had to choose my all-time favorite show, I’d say “Friends.”
favourite author?
Tana French
favourite animal?
Dogs
favourite day of the week?
Friday
Huge thanks to the wonderful Katie for taking the time to answer these questions.
1. The Boyfriend App is a unique look at technology and the power it has over people. What inspired you to write this book?
The Boyfriend App was a product of many brainstorming sessions with Brenda Bowen and my agent, Dan Mandel. We were all inspired by the idea of a very bright girl who uncovers secret technology and uses it to create a love potion-type of app. I soon fell in love with the characters, and began to care very much about what happened to them. I raced through the first draft because I needed to know how it would all turn out. That’s usually the key component that inspires me to write a novel: the moment I need to know what happens, then I know I’m hooked.
2. Within the book, there is a lot of ‘geek speak’ and technical terms to do with computers. Did you have to do a lot of research before you began writing?
I did! I had many sessions with an IT professional named Jason Scalia, who taught me so many things about Audrey’s world. Jason was incredible at explaining difficult concepts in a way I could understand. He made it so exciting—and I never thought I’d say that about computers! Noah Harlan and Brian Morrison helped me specifically with the app-building details. I was lucky to be in such great hands.
3. For people who are yet to read this book, how would you describe it in one sentence?
The Boyfriend App is the story of a very smart computer hacker who uncovers secret technology and uses it to create an app that gets a girl any guy she wants, with chaotic results.
4. How long did The Boyfriend App take to write?
The first draft took four months to write. Then I had about three months for revision.
5. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Just keep writing, keep practicing. If you can set aside even an hour a day, you’d be shocked at how quickly you can write a novel. And every book you write will get better and better. I practiced on many different ideas before The Boyfriend App, and each one taught me different things about plotting and structure.
6. Can we expect another book from you in the future?
Yes! I’m working on a second book now. I don’t have too many details yet because it’s in its early stages, but I’m very excited about it!
Quick-fire
What is your:
favourite colour?
blue
favourite song?
Once Upon a Dream
favourite book?
The Great Gatsby
favourite word?
Love
favourite food?
Oatmeal. (I know, I know. But it’s true.)
favourite season?
Fall
favourite tv show?
This is always-changing. Right now it’s “House of Cards.” But if I had to choose my all-time favorite show, I’d say “Friends.”
favourite author?
Tana French
favourite animal?
Dogs
favourite day of the week?
Friday
Huge thanks to the wonderful Katie for taking the time to answer these questions.