LIFE

Indy author's 'Starstruck' called 'Twilight with Martians'

TJ Banes
tj.banes@indystar.com

A nerdy astronomy geek from fictitious Jewel, Ind., falls for a football star and together they take off on a romantic sci-fi adventure. That's the story behind "Starstruck," by Brenda Hiatt, a New York Times bestselling author from Indianapolis.

The book won the 2014 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award for young adults on July 15. "Starstruck" is Hiatt's first venture into the young adult genre. Her previous bestsellers include "Scandalous Brides" and "Gabriella."

Hiatt talked about why she made the move into young adult fiction.

Question: Why teen romance?

Answer: After publishing 15 historical romances, I reached a point of burnout. I was reading a lot and had an epiphany — I really enjoyed young adult fiction (all with romance included). Maybe I should try writing one myself."

Q: Three popular teen romances have been "The Hunger Games" (Suzanne Collins), "The Fault in Our Stars" (John Green) and "Twilight" (Stephenie Meyer). Which of these do your books most closely identify with and why?

A: I'd have to say "Twilight." In fact, more than one reviewer has referred to my "Starstruck" series as "Twilight with Martians." For one thing, as a longtime romance writer and reader, I just don't "do" sad or unsatisfying endings, and I'm also not comfortable writing extremely violent stuff.

Q: Best romantic setting — beaches or mountains?

A: I'd say a beach. I adore the ocean.

Q: Most romantic place in Indy for a young adult date under $30.

A: Do-it-yourself picnic in White River State Park.

Q: How does Indiana play into your novels?

A: "Starstruck" is set in (fictional) Jewel, Ind., a small town loosely based on several real towns I visited in the area north of Indianapolis and south of Kokomo. I did my best to make Jewel ring true as an authentic, small-town Indiana setting.

Q: What romantic book or movie is closest to your life, and what actress would portray you?

A: Maybe one of the vignettes in "Love, Actually." I've occasionally been told I look like Helen Hunt, so I suppose she'd be a good choice to portray me.

Q: What actor would portray your love interest?

A: Hmm... I've always been a big fan of Pierce Brosnan. Those blue eyes!

Q: How many (if any) Kleenexes should be absorbed on the most romantic novels?

A: I already said I'm not into sad endings, but I'm fine with sad MOMENTS in a book, as long as the characters come out triumphant on the other side. Half a dozen Kleenexes at most, I'd say.

Call Star reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815. Follow her on Twitter: @tjbanes.