An Interview with Wendy Toliver

Whether it's performing in front of a camera, sharing a book with her young sons, or writing a tale of her own, Wendy Toliver likes being a part of a good story. Her debut teen novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF A TEENAGE SIREN, will be released as part of the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies this December. Wendy and I recently talked about playacting, playing the flute, and playing the freelance game.

Congratulations on your forthcoming release.

Thank you, Little Willow! I am extremely excited and honored to be a Simon Pulse Rom Com author.

For readers who aren't familiar with the myth of the siren, care to explain, and share the basic premise of your teen novel?

According to Greek mythology, three Sirens lived on an island. They played beautiful music for passing sailors, luring them closer, right into a wall of deadly rocks. But when Odysseus heard their song and lived to tell about it, the Sirens threw themselves into the sea and drowned. When I read that one of their bodies had been found washed up on a southern Italy shore, it got me thinking. What if one or two of the Sirens didn't drown after all? What if at least one had lived long enough to pass her Sea Nymph gene down to a daughter? What if that gene, after over 2,800 years, had somehow found its way into the chromosomes of Roxy Zimmerman, a plain Jane, fun-loving, 16 year-old band girl? And that is the premise of THE SECRET LIFE OF A TEENAGE SIREN.

The book cover, designed by Amy Saidens, reveals that Roxy plays the flute. Do you play any instruments?

I'm very pleased with the artwork on the cover. Thank you, Amy! I played the flute ages ago, as well as the piano. I still play the piano whenever I get the chance, but please don't ask me to perform in front of anybody with ears. On the other hand, I'm a natural at the kazoo.

Did you write the book before or after you landed the book deal? Did the publisher approach you to be a part of this line?

First came the book, then came the deal.

Did you title your book before, after, or while writing it?