An Interview with Huntley Fitzpatrick

Hey everyone! I’m here with an interview featuring Huntley Fitzpatrick, author of the amazing novel My Life Next Door. I posted my review her book yesterday, if you want to go check it out. Without further to do, here’s the interview!

1. Which character in My Life Next Door is your favorite? Which one can you relate to the most?

It’s hard to pick a favorite—cliche alert—because it’s a little like picking a favorite child. I can tell you I identify with almost everyone. Probably the one I relate to most is Tim. Whom I intended to be a small character but who sort of strolled on in and did what he pleased in the book. I was not a redheaded eighteen year old alcoholic and drug addict, but I do tend to cover pain or insecurity with humor.

2. In your biography, you mention that you have six kids. Is your life hectic like that of the Garrett's? Do you think having a big family is what influenced you to have a big family in My Life Next Door?

Our life IS hectic like the Garretts. In fact, in one scene in the book I describe what is on the counter in their kitchen. I took in straight from my kitchen. Having a big family was always a dream of mine. I have two half-siblings whom I love dearly, but I grew up mostly as an only child, so I always longed for more kids around. It’s turned out to be every bit as great as I imagined.

3. Describe My Life Next Door in five words or less.

That’s a tough one because I’m excessively verbose. I’ll try. Neighbors become friends, then more.

5. Which YA book do you wish you would have written?

So many. Hard to choose. Okay, The Fault in Our Stars. Shine. Alice Bliss.

6. What would you like readers to take away from reading My Life Next Door?

That most things look different from a distance and that everyone struggles.