What leaves Fiona Paul Breathless?

So this week, Penguin has been announcing its five "Breathless Reads" titles for autumn, and I am thrilled that my friend and collaborator Fiona Paul has made the list with her stunning debut Venom, which takes sexytime, then multiplies it by Venice, throws in dash of gondola-makeout-sessions, and raises it by the power of a hottie artist. Uh-huh. You heard me. That's SCIENCE. Check out Fiona's blog here: http://fionapaulbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-am-breathless.html for more about the announcement, and you can find a description of Venom on goodreads.



Since Venom will no doubt leave its readers breathless, I thought it would be fun to return the favor by asking Fiona to name some things that leave her breathless. Check out what she has to say:

1. Scary haunted houses. I know a lot of haunted houses are lame, but there is one outside of St. Louis called Terror Cave that is actually built inside of a natural cavern. The ‘rooms’ focus on providing lots of hiding places for the amazing live actors. These actors not only separate you from your friends, but also chase you all throughout the cave (especially if you shriek like a tiny schoolgirl, as I apparently do.) Last Halloween, I stumbled out of Terror Cave literally gasping for breath.

Vintage 80's Cover!

2. Horror novels. On the adult side, I’ve read just about everything Dean Koontz has ever written. He does both supernatural and realistic horror so well. On the YA side, I remember tearing through Christopher Pike books when I was in grade school and then sleeping with the lights on and the door to my room locked. Some of my favorites are Slumber Party, Chain Letter, Weekend, and Spellbound. I don’t even know if those books are still in print, but just thinking about them makes me want to read them again!

3. Breathtaking views. Breathless isn’t just about being scary. As a former rock climber (hey, I’ll still go if anyone is interested) turned avid hiker, I love the view from up high. I also love the ocean. Here are a couple of breathtaking views from some of my favorite vacation spots.

Bryce Canyon, Utah. 

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

New Zealand wins the prize for most breathless place on the entire planet. Beaches, mountains, fjords, waterfalls, jungles, volcanoes, and big cities too? What more could anyone possibly ask for?

4. Stunning works of art and architecture. I’m lucky to have traveled a lot, and there are so many jaw-dropping things to see that narrowing this down to a couple was excruciating.

Notre Dame, Paris. 

Michaelangelo's David, Florence. 

Whoah.

Okay, technically I have only seen The Gosling on the silver screen, but are those pecs and abs not a work of art? (Suddenly Michaelangelo’s David looks like he needs to hit the gym.)

5. And finally, the last thing that makes me breathless (and, to be honest, terrified, excited, honored, surprised, and as giddy as a little girl who unwraps a pony on Christmas) is the chance to be part of Penguin Teen’s Breathless Reads campaign for Fall 2012!!