That alone should tell you how original the story is.
Audio book(excerpt):soundcloud.com/penguin-audio/spontaneous-by-aaron-starmer
1. Could you tell us about your journey of writing Spontaneous?
I'm not sure if it was a journey, so much as it was riding some momentum. There have been plenty of stories and movies that have featured spontaneous combustion, but as soon as I discovered that no one had ever written a young adult novel spontaneously combusting teenagers, I knew I had to be the first. Once I had the voice of the narrator, I wrote the beginning very quickly, and since I knew that characters would be blowing up every few pages, I was never bored writing it.
2. What was the hardest thing about writing Spontaneous?
The middle. The middle of books are always the hardest because you have to keep that momentum from the beginning, but the ending is still a long way off. I tried with this book to keep the narrative constantly changing, so that helped, but I definitely rewrote the middle more than any other parts of the book.
3. What was your favorite scene to write? (make it as spoiler-free as possible)
Hard choice, but it's between the football game, the scene with the twins in the car (you'll know it when you read it), and the medicine show. All are bursting with tension, which I love.
4. Did you have other titles in mind beside Spontaneous? What were they?
Actually no. It seemed the most obvious choice. It immediately tells you what the book is about, is easy to remember, and can mean multiple things.
5. Were the characters in Spontaneous based on or slightly based on people you know in real life?
I based the main character, Mara, on all the girls I knew growing up who were much cooler than I was. But none of the characters have real life counterparts, unless you count Dr. Krook, who's sort of a Margaret Mead character.
6. Congratulation on Spontaneous being optioned by Awesomeness Films. Could you brief us on how you found out the news?
Thank you. It's exciting, but it's also a long process of phone calls and emails and when the news is finally announced, you've already discussed it so much that it's a bit anti-climactic. But I first heard about interest in it from my agents (literary and film) and I was thrilled.
7. What are your expectations for the movie-version of Spontaneous?
I just hope it gets made. It's still a slim chance that it will happen. But I'll take a slim chance over no chance.
8. If someone was to start reading your stories which one would you suggest he or she should start off with and why?
Hard to say. If you like creepy things, start with The Riverman (and its two sequels). If you like more mysterious sci-fi fare, try The Only Ones. And if you like to laugh (and you're older than 14!), go with Spontaneous.
9. Which author would you love to invite over and chat with?
Hmmm...I'm going to pick a dead one because it's more interesting. How about Dorothy Parker or Oscar Wilde? Can't beat either when it comes to wittiness. I'd just sit back and listen.
10. If any fictional character was to come alive and hang out with you, who would that person be?
Fozzy Bear. Seems like he'd be a good friend to have, right?
11. Are you a dog person or cat person?
Dog. Dog. Dog.
12. Last question, which novel have you read that you wished you, yourself, wrote and why?
I don't necessarily wish I wrote anyone else's novel because if I loved something, it's usually because I realize I couldn't have written it. There are a lot of novelists for young people out there right now that I really like but not everyone knows, including, but not limited to Kate Milford, Sara Zarr, Nova Ren Suma, Jonathan Auxier, Stephanie Kuehn, and Laurel Snyder. They've all written multiple books. Go out and get some!
I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Aaron Starmer for taking his time to answer my questions. You guys should definitely get this novel on Aug. 23, 2016. If you want to check out his other novels, here is his website: http://www.aaronstarmer.com/ I'm hoping things would work out regarding to Spontaneous being made into a movie. Take care everyone and have a great day.