We chat with author Natasha Preston about her latest pulse-pounding, twisty read, The Dare!
Hi, Natasha! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Natasha and I’m British, though I don’t drink nearly enough tea so I should probably adopt a new country. I write YA thrillers and contemporary romance books which I’m so fortunate to do as a job. I enjoy nothing more than spending a sunny day in the garden with a book and trying to get my stolen shoes back from my Labrador!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It was about 14 years ago (I’m going to pretend it was only 4 years ago!) I was reading on Wattpad and decided to give writing a go myself. I never looked back and if I’m not writing I’m thinking about it… because my characters do not stick to my schedule.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I don’t remember exactly which title but it was one of Jacqueline Wilson’s books. I think I binged everything she wrote in about a month.
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Shining. Getting paid to write about creepy things? Sign me up!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Bully by Penelope Douglas. It’s a romance that I read years ago and one I reread it often.
Your latest novel, The Dare, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Claustrophobic, twisty, high-stakes, chilling, fast-paced.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a friendship group that’s tested to the limit after a dare leads to dire consequences. Expect questionable and nearly impossible decisions that yield no prefect outcome no matter the choice, and characters having to think five steps ahead to protect themselves, even if it means they turn on each other. There will probably be some nail-biting and shouting involved too.
Where did the inspiration for The Dare come from?
This is a great question because this is one of those books that literally came out of nowhere. I usually have a dream or will see something that will make me think and therefore develop a plot. The Dare was a fleeting thought of “what would happen if teens were dared to do something that turned deadly”. I quickly developed the plot because putting characters into situations that they created and wondering who, if any, would want to do the right thing fascinates me.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved the accident scene. That was the moment where I had to decide which characters were on team right and which were team wrong. The other moment is where they realize their lie is getting too big and they have to decide between protecting their friends of themselves. It was a lot of fun to look at my characters and decide who would be willing to turn their back on each other. Thankfully it was quite a natural process as I got to know them better.
What do you love about writing within the thriller/mystery genre?
I really enjoy writing about friendships and pushing them to the extreme. Most of my books are character-driven so as I’m writing I feel how they do when these deadly situations arise. Which is probably awful for my blood pressure! I also love the big reveal scenes where all the little clues along the way come together and our characters find out who is behind all the gore.
What’s next for you?
I have just finished another book The Party for a December release and I’m currently plotting something else.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
I love Cynthia Murphy after reading Win, Lose, Kill, Die so I’ll be looking out for anything she releases. I have been addicted to a British crime writer’s series too and I believe Alex Smith has announced another book is releasing in August so that’s exciting.
haven’t finished yet but I really didn’t expect the plot twist with Rhett!!!!!!! that was pretty crazy, just kinda catches your attention even for someone almost sleep
I’m currently reading this book for my high school ELA class and it’s been extremely interesting so far. Can’t wait to see how the book ends! Wonder what will happen to Marley and her friends once their secret gets out.
I am in the process of reading The Dare. As of now, I am reading chapter 23 of the book and, so far, it has been a great read. Looking forward to the ending!
(SB)
This is my first time reading the dare. I’m half way through i
We are reading this book in class we are a little over halfway through the book as of right now I am loving it I can’t wait to see how things turn out in the end. KD
C E
I’m almost done with the dare. WE are reading the book in mu ELA classroom
Reading this Natasha Preston interview in my freshman ELA class was actually so cool. It made The Dare way more interesting because you get to see how she actually comes up with all those crazy twists.
I really liked how she talked about building suspense—it made our class discussions feel less like “schoolwork” and more like a deep dive into a thriller. If you’re reading the book, definitely check this out. it’s a quick read and makes the story even better
i haven’t finished the dare yet. but I really like it because how it always has something coming to catch your attention and has a never ending to it like that but the endings I hear are not the best,but still recommend.
3RD JB,
I did pick up the dare and I would say it did have a lot of events in it that were captivating. I would definitely recommend it for others to read but, I feel as though if you are going to read that book you have to be interested in this kind of book genre.
I am currently reading The Dare for my ELA class. So far it has been one of my favorite books. There are lots of parts that take me for a surprise. I am a little over half way done and cant wait to see how it ends!
I started reading the dare in my class, and so far it is very interesting I definitely recommend it. There is many plot twists and shockers that you don’t expect.
I liked how the book The Dare was created out of nowhere and I do like books that are like this involving mystery and murder
3d hour Ryder hill the dare has been a decent book I like it better than the pay it forward this one I feel like is more intristing and fits me better I think the class like it more too at it had so much drama
3rd hour Jayden Denton, The Dare hasn’t been terrible for me I am currently reading chapter 23 so almost finished with the book but not quite yet. The Dare hasn’t really disappointed me but some parts can be very boring when the chapter isn’t really interesting. I think this book is very predicable.
3rd Hunter R. the dare has been a decently interesting book with some good turn events so far only on chapter 23 but this book definitely hasent disapointed me with many things you wouldn’t expect like Marley and Rhett slowly starting to become friends when others aren’t around. Overall pretty decent book especially if you like drama.
We are currently reading this book in class and I have enjoyed it. I am excited to see how it is going to end.
the book was really good the ending surprised me but I really liked it and would definitely read it again in a couple of years
i really liked the book the ending suprised me bit all in all it was a good book
the book is crazy and fun at the same time 🙂
2nd hour B.E.
The Dare was a wonderful book. I was not expecting Jesse too do all of that though. I am proud of Marley doing all of that planning ahead of time to stop Jesse and them. You should make another book just like this it was a really good book! Keep up the good work Natasha!
2nd hour BM
2nd hour Bs
I finished the book the date I thought it was crazy and funny all at the same time.
I just finished The Dare. I definitely didn’t expect that ending! I already have people wanting to borrow the book from me. It was the first book I’ve read by Natasha Preston, and I can’t wait to read another!