#TuedayTalk with Natasha Deen. Her novels Across the Floor and Lark Holds the Key are on shelves now! 
Tell us a bit about your books.
My first book, Across the Floor, is about a football player must take a contemporary dance class in order to stay on his team, and Lark Holds the Key is about twins, Lark and Connor, who have to step in to save the day when the town librarian loses the key to the library.
What was the catalyst for your stories?
Across the Floor came about because of a hilariously-gone-wrong experience I had with a dance class, and Lark Holds the Key came about because I was always losing keys as a kid, and I thought it would be fun to reverse it and have the grown up be the one to lose the key!
If your book is illustrated, what was it like to see your story come alive visually?
OH MY GOODNESS, Marcus’ illustrations for Lark are glorious! I loved seeing how he saw the characters–he totally brought the book to the next level.
What are the challenges of writing for or within a series?
Orca Echoes, the series Lark belongs in, is only challenging because it’s hard to decide which mystery to have them tackle next!
What was your favourite book as a child and why?
The Little Engine that Could because the engine stepped in to help people in trouble (even though she wasn’t sure she’d be successful), and she triumphed (even though it was hard).
In your opinion, what makes a compelling story?
Character makes the story, in my opinion. I love quirky, interesting characters, seeing their story problem, and living vicariously through their triumphs and failures.
Do your books have a niche or specialty market?
Not really…Across the Floor works for readers who love comedy in their stories…Lark Holds the Key is dyslexic and the series helps readers lean idioms, but overall, I think both stories work for readers who enjoy humour, mystery, and fun stories.
Do you gravitate toward a certain genre or type of writing?
Nope, not me! I just love stories, and whichever idea catches my attention, that’s the one I write.
What types of conversations do you hope will come out of your books?
For Across the Floor, I hope it gets readers talking about trying things they normally wouldn’t, stepping out of their comfort zones, and for Lark Holds the Key, I hope it gets readers exploring different kinds of books and like Across, trying out new experiences.
Tell us a little known or interesting fact about yourself.
When I was a kid, I used to drive my parents crazy by taking my dinner plate, crawling under the table, and insisting on sharing my dinner with the cats.
Learn about the backstory and inspiration in writing Across the Floor:
And Lark Holds the Key:
Award-winning author Natasha Deen graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in psychology. In addition to her work as a presenter and workshop facilitator with schools, she has written everything from creative nonfiction to YA and adult fiction. She was the inaugural 2013 Regional Writer in Residence for the Metro Edmonton Library Federation. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, visit www.natashadeen.com. Follow her on Twitter @natasha_deen.