Thursday, May 11, 2023

Yay! For Middle Grade Books: Interview With Dianne K. Salerni!


Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Dianne K. Salerni, the author of The Carrefour Curse, which is out now! She is also the author of multiple other books, including the Eight Day trilogy, which is also out now.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, The Carrefour Curse?

The Carrefour Curse was primarily inspired by Dark Shadows, the supernatural soap opera from the 1960s and 70s. I was fascinated by this show as a kid, watching it in reruns, and I was delighted by its brief 1990s revival (although critics were not). As for the modern Johnny Depp movie version, let’s pretend that doesn’t exist, okay?

In my book, Garnet Carrefour and her mother, Emerald, are summoned to the family estate to witness a transition of power. Garnet’s great-grandfather, Jasper, is supposedly dying—although this is not the first time an illness should have carried him off. On that prior occasion, Jasper miraculously recovered while several members of his family died or vanished. This time, the entire family finds themselves trapped on the grounds of Crossroad House, the semi-sentient family mansion. While the family squabbles, Garnet discovers doors that lead to other times, revealing snippets of Carrefour history. Crossroad House is trying to tell Garnet something important—but what is it and how can it help them?

Do you have plans for any more books featuring the Carrefour family?

When I wrote this book, I intended it to be a standalone story. But I have been asked this question often enough that I am reconsidering that idea. The time travel element allows me to explore many decades of Carrefour history. I’d only need to uncover more secrets and a story that needs telling!

Random Question! What’s your favorite color?

I tend to be drawn to blue, although I occasionally like a splash of orange!

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

Keep an eye out for an announcement about my next MG book, coming soon! In the meantime, I am toying with several first drafts, wanting to see which one I fall in love with.

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read recently? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

Some of my recently read favorites are The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste, The Clackity by Lora Senf, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, and The Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy Uhrig. One book I’m really looking forward to is No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy, which comes out in August.

Thank you so much to Dianne K. Salerni for participating in this event!


Author BioDIANNE K. SALERNI is the author of eight YA and middle grade novels, including Junior Library Guild Selections Eleanor, Alice, & the Roosevelt GhostsJadie in Five Dimensions, and The Carrefour Curse, as well as the state award nominated Eighth Day series. Dianne was a Pennsylvania public school teacher for 25 years before leaving the profession to spend time hanging around creepy cemeteries, attending ghost hunting classes, and climbing 2000 year-old pyramids in the name of book research. In her spare time, she volunteers at her local animal rescue shelter, walking dogs and serving the needs of the feline overlords. 

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

1 comment:

  1. Diane's book sounds awesome. I loved Dark Shadows when I was a kid.

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