I am beyond thrilled to be posting this mini-interview with author Michelle Harrison. I have mentioned before that ever since I "met" her through Twitter, I have been dying to read her Young Reader book - The 13 Treasures. Sadly, it is still not known when it will be released in Canada (or the US) but I have no regrets about buying this off of Amazon UK as I adored the book. You can read my review of it here.Michelle is younger than I am (sigh, I feel like everyone is younger than I am these days! When did THAT happen?) and is living a life that I would love to live - and in a place that I would love to live IN as well. Not that I am bitter. Envious, perhaps. But I swear my eyes are NATURALLY green. ;) I hope you enjoy my 5 Questions with Michelle Harrison as much as I enjoyed reading her answers when I got them in my email mailbox!1. Out of all the genres of Young Adult books out there, how/why did you choose to write about faeries?There are a few reasons why I chose to write a book about faeries. Firstly, I was introduced to the artwork of Brian Froud and Arthur Rackham when I studied illustration a few years back. It made me think about faeries in a whole new light – that they could be mischievous and downright evil as well as sweet and helpful – which is how most people view them.Secondly, I always liked stories about faeries as a child, and at the time I began writing the book (in 2002), the idea of dark faeries was relatively untapped in the children’s book market.2. Will there be any more adventures with Tanya and Fabian in the future? (I hope so!)I’m working on a sequel, The 13 Curses, right now, which is due out next year. The sequel focuses more on Red, but Tanya and Fabian are still a strong part of it.3. Aside from writing what is the most interesting job you have had in your life?Two jobs spring to mind! My current job for a children’s book publisher is very interesting – especially now I have my own book out. It’s great to see how things work from both sides – the publisher and the author’s, and to have the chance to work with and meet some fantastic writers for children.My other ‘interesting’ job was my first bar job when I was 18 in a pub referred to by some as a ‘hooligan’s paradise’. This should give you an idea of the kind of place it was! Some of the more memorable moments include ducking glasses thrown over the bar at closing time, diffusing a fight between two grown men, and retrieving CDs that had been stolen from behind the counter. I have no idea why I took the job, but it toughened me up a lot.4. Why are many of the homes in England named? I have noticed this in other books and in movies as well. Just wondering if it was a cultural thing or if it has any meaning?Interesting point, and one I’ve never given much thought to until now! I think it’s to do with reflecting the origins/importance of a house and when it was built, as well as who owned it. Also, as many of them are in quite remote locations a street name and number wouldn’t work.5. Viking, pirate or ninja - and why?Pirate! I had loads of fun dressing up as a pirate when I worked as a children’s bookseller.BONUS QUESTION: Any news on the release of this book in Canada and the US yet? ;)I still haven't heard anything . . . blame S&S Canada :)You hear that, Simon & Schuster Canada? We want this book in North America! This is great literature and people will buy it and read it and love it and hug it and call it George! Well, maybe not that last part but the rest is true. Meanwhile, those of us who WOULD spend money to help OUR economy, are helping out the UK with their economy!Until then, I will be eagerly staking out Amazon UK for the sequel that Michelle is working on. And many, many thanks to her for participating in my little interview!Places to stalk, erm, learn more about Michelle Harrison:Her homepage - which is very cool.Twitter