Thank you for joining us here at YALC. We would love you to introduce yourself?

I’m Joelle Wellington, a New York-born and raised YA thriller author.

Can you give our readers an overview of your YA novel Girls Who Play Dead?

Girls Who Play Dead is a murder mystery thriller about two estranged siblings, Mikky and Kyla, as they navigate the mysterious murder of Kyla’s best friend, Erin, a prominent member of the community and a prolific beauty influencer. Set in the fictional lake town of Prophets Lake, they find themselves on opposite sides of the truth, their relationship fracturing under the weight of it.

And, if you had to do it in just 5 words or less, what would they be?

Suburban gothic. Preteens in Sephora.

What was the inspiration behind Girls Who Play Dead? And what are some of your favourite thriller stories?

I think that quite obviously, The Cut article about preteens in Sephora was a huge inspiration for me. It was what made me want to explore the story of teenage relationships through the lens of the beauty industry. But, I also was extremely inspired by David Lynch’s work, particularly Twin Peaks, and Megan Abbott’s novel, Dare Me, which is one of my favourite books of all time.

Who was your favourite character to write and why?

My favourite character to write was probably Kyla. She’s so angsty and mean and full of grief. It was never fun writing her, but it was always interesting to dive deep into her inner world as she’s definitely not the chattiest of characters. There’s something so fascinating about a Heather Duke or a Gretchen (aka a second-in-command) being thrust into power. I don’t think Kyla is exactly like them at all in terms of personality, but the nature of her ascension in Prophets Lake is similar to that of Heather Duke, and her response is a little similar too.

Which character did you find the most fun to write?

The most fun character to write was Nasim. Just a deliciously petty and self-righteous character. He also happens to be Mikky’s love interest, which I think is particularly fun. I think sometimes, love interests can be a little bland and ,in a book full of not-nice characters (except perhaps Mikky himself), I had to continue to make even the love interest not-nice.

Where do you write?

On my couch.

What made you want to get into writing? Was there a specific book you read which inspired you?

I’ve always wanted to be an author. I literally can’t remember how old I was when I decided that. My parents have kept basically everything I’ve ever made, and I think it’s been my answer since I was, like, four years old. My parents would read me six books every night before bed at my request, so I can’t even think about what specific book I read that inspired me. Reading and books have just always been a huge part of my life.

What is your favourite genre to read?

Would you believe me if I said literary fiction?

Have you read anything brilliant recently?

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, a literary sci-fi.

Where can our readers find you on social media?

On IG, @jowellington, and on Twitter, @joelle_welling

Finally can you give us your favourite quote from a novel (it can be yours!)?

The very first line from my favorite novel ever, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Muchos años después, frente al pelotón de fusilamiento, el coronel Aureliano Buendía había de recordar aquella tarde remota en que su padre lo llevó a conocer el hielo.

or:

Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.