Character Interview: Kumiko & Gunner from TEN by Gretchen McNeil

As part of the TEN blog tour that YA Highway is participating in, I was lucky enough not only to get to read Gretchen McNeil's TEN early, but I also got a chance to sit down with two of the characters: the sharp-witted Kumiko and her, um, less-than-sharp-witted boyfriend, Gunner. Enjoy!

You’re heading to a weekend party, sans parents, on a private island off the Washington coast. Sounds fun. What did you pack?

Gunner: K does the packing.

Kumiko (smirking): He'd forget his head if it wasn't attached.  Aside from the usual array of clothes and unmentionables, I always bring my iPod because you never know what kind of pop crap someone's going to try and force on the party.  Plus a good book in case the party sucks ass. 

Gunner: And comic books.

Kumiko (rolling eyes): And comic books.

You’re a couple, right? You look cozy. How long have you two been dating?

Kumiko (eying Gunner): Officially?  About two months.

How would you describe your relationship?

Gunner (smiling): It's awesome, dude!

Is there anything you’re not looking forward to this weekend?

Gunner: Bugs.  There are bugs on islands.  I don't like bugs.

Kumiko, can you tell me what first attracted you to Gunner? What are his best features?

Kumiko: Well, he's tall and hot.  And strong.  I like the strong silent types. 

Gunner, same question…what first drew you to Kumiko?

Gunner: I dig Asian chicks.  Oh, and she's really, really nice.

Kumiko (elbowing him in the ribs): You're not supposed to tell anyone that.

Gunner: That I like Asian chicks?

Kumiko: No, that I'm nice.  Secret.

Tell me how you know the other people who are going to be at the party. Anything we should know?

Gunner: T.J.  He's my best friend.  And my ex-girlfriend I think.

Kumiko: Minnie's going to be there?

Gunner (shifting in his seat): Um, yeah, baby.  Did I forget to tell you that?

Kumiko (glaring): I'm not sure "forget" is the word you were looking for in that sentence.

What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

(Gunner starts to answer, but Kumiko jumps in): Some quiet time.  Alone.

Gunner: Yeah.  Sex.  That's what I was gonna say!

Kumiko: Thanks, Gun Show.  

Thanks, you two! And have a great time out there! Or...um....you know, stay safe!

___________________________________________________

About the Author:

Gretchen McNeil is an opera singer, writer and clown.  Her YA horror POSSESS debuted with Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins in 2011.  Her follow up TEN – YA horror/suspense about ten teens trapped on a remote island with a serial killer – will be released September 18, 2012, and her third novel 3:59, sci fi horror pitched as The Parent Trap meets Event Horizon, is scheduled for Fall 2013. 

Gretchen is a former coloratura soprano, the voice of Mary on G4's Code Monkeys and she sings with the LA-based circus troupe Cirque Berzerk.  Gretchen blogs with The Enchanted Inkpot and is a founding member of the vlog group the YARebels where she can be seen as "Monday."