The best thing to happen since I was laid off from work? Discovering my new favorite thing — Tea Time with the EpicReads girls (Margot & Aubry) on Wednesdays at 3:45 (but they record it for those of you who can’t watch!). I’ll set the scene — obviously while I’m looking for a job I’m on Twitter. OBVIOUSLY. So one day I see the EpicReads team tweet about their live stream chat happening in 10 minutes. So I clicked through not knowing what it was (and Ellen was on commericial) and OH MY GOODNESS. It’s a 15-20 minute-ish chat where Margot and Aubry talk all things books and we can tweet at them/chat in the forum. Instantly I wanted to be besties with these girls — they are MY KIND OF PEOPLE. They love YA books, have some incredible dance moves and basically fangirl the way so many of us do. Their passion, enthusiasm & creativity is infectious and I’ve slowly seen Tea Time just grow and grow with more participants. I know it’s a lot to do with the book talk and some awesome giveaways BUT I know that a lot of it is to do with the fact that Margot & Aubry are super fun and will instantly make your Wednesday afternoon a little bit better! The books are beyond great but the reason we all tune in every week is to hang out with these two!
I decided it was time we get to know this dynamic duo a little bit better and BOY was this the best interview on this blog to date. Their answers = AWESOME.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves — how long you have been working at HarperTeen and what your role is.
Margot: Officially? My title is Epic Reads Community Manager. Unofficially? My title is Master of the Universe and Protector of all things Soft and Fluffy. I was brought onto the HarperTeen over 6 months ago, just before the launch of Epic Reads and it is my job to keep the community updated with fun content and to connect with readers one-on-one.
My day is spent writing blog posts, tweeting, coming up with silly ideas for our Tea Time chats, sneaking in reading sessions under my desk when I should be working and entertaining Snarkles. He can be so demanding sometimes.
Aubry: I’m the Digital Marketing Manager at HarperTeen. I spend my days on the internet figuring out the best ways for people to learn about our books. So if you’re tweeting/pinning/facebooking/youtubing with @HarperTeen, I’m the face behind it pushing send J
To be honest, outside of required reading in high school, Divergent was the first ya book I read. I’m a #yalit convert. Obliviously, I got hooked pretty quickly. The energy of the all HarperTeen/Epic Reads fans is so infectious and the dystopian genre is everything in pop culture I love (aka sci-fi and hot boys). The Pringles slogan fits best here: “Once you pop, you can’t stop”
Overall: I still eat string cheese on a regular basis, cat videos make me laugh and my friends have compared me to the subject of this video.
Let’s play a little game of Fill In The Blank:
When I wake up in the morning I ______
A: hit the snooze button.
M: Pee.
I could not live without _____
A:Tea.
M: Snarkles.
I’m terribly afraid of ____
A: Komodo Dragons
M: the zombie apocalypse (we all know it’s coming)
My worst habit is ______
A:I leave my cups everywhere.
M: Ditto.
2. Describe each other in 5 words or less.
Aubry describes Margot => Nothing faux about her awesomeness.
Margot describes Aubry => Lord of the dance.
3. I am a HUGE fan of Tea Time on Wednesday. It’s super fun and really gives us a great behind the scenes look! Tell us a little about why you started Tea Time and what you hope to accomplish with it as it’s really started to take off more and more every week.
Margot: We started Tea Time because we wanted a way to peel back the curtain on Epic Reads and the publishing industry a little bit. We wanted readers to see who was behind the site and see that we love the books just as much as you do. This is our way of keeping everyone informed in a fun, silly way that gets everyone involved.
4. You guys are becoming quite popular for your shimmies! What’s your favorite dance move)?
Aubry: “Hands in the air.” It’s my own move.
Margot: Just one???? My go to move is the robot.
5. I don’t know about you guys but sometimes I have occasional brain lapses and act like I’m a crazy person when in the presence of my favorite authors. Have you ever had any embarrassing moments or entertaining stories to share about any author encounters?
Margot: When I first met Rae Carson she went to give me a hug and I got so nervous that I put my arms out in front like a T-Rex….so I ended up giving her a T-Rex hug. She went with it though and did it back. Now are bonded for life.
Aubry: I followed Veronica Roth around all day, and all I could say to her was “I like your book.”
6. Tell us one sequel you are looking forward to in 2013 and one debut that you are looking forward to in 2013?
Margot: Sequel is Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Margot: Debut is The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Aubry:The sequel to Defiance by CJ Redwine
Aubry: In the After by Demitirua Lunetta
7. What’s one book that you really loved that you feel is underrated?
BOTH: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson!!!!!!!! (You GUYS I SO AGREE WITH THIS!!)
8. If you could do a mashup of any two books, movies, or tv shows what would it be called and describe the premise of it?
Margot: I want a mashup of The Iron Chef where every week they have to create a meal inspired by a different young adult book. Oh and Team Epic Reads gets to be a judge and eat ALL the food.
Aubry: Agreed.
9. Give me the dish on one fictional character who makes you swoon!
Aubry: Asher from A Beautiful Dark. I’m a sucker for brazen confidence and charm.
Margot: Hector from The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson. Oh I would let that hottie smooch me in a sewer any day.
Let’s end with a fun game of Kiss, Marry, Kill!
Warner, Adam, Kenji
Aubry: Kiss Warner, Marry Kenji, Kill Adam. (Sorry, someone’s got to go!)
Perry, Roar, Soren
Margot: Kiss Roar, Marry Perry (mostly because it rhymes) and kill Soren.
Damon, Stefan, Klaus
Margot: Kiss Klaus, Marry Damon, Kill Stefan (Love me some bad boys, sorry Stefan. You are waaaaay to whiny.)
Peeta, Gale, Finnick
Aubry: Kiss Finnick, marry Peeta, Kill Gale (Sorry Gale, sucks to be you…like always.)
Thanks so much ladies for doing this! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better and hope everyone else did too! Make sure you guys check out the livestream & follow them on Twitter for book updates, random giveaways & more!
BUT WAIT…THERE IS MORE! (Do I not sound like an infomercial?) — A Giveaway!
The prize will be a giveaway of a SURPRISE box of HarperTeen ARCs donated by myself and the very generous ladies at Epic Reads!
Few things:
– US & Canada only, sorry! It’s a big box & I am one broke girl.
– Giveaway ends November 24!
Mariegin Esposa says
You make such awesome giveaways!
Aeicha @ Word Spelunking says
That may have been the awesomest, most flippin’ adorkable interview ever!
I swear those gals are so cute, I just wanna put em on top of my cupcakes…but I totally wouldn’t eat them…probably 😛
*joins in the dancing with a little running man*
alicejane011 says
Awesome giveaway! 😀
The Epic Reads LiveStreams are always so fun to watch and super hilarious! I don’t always make it to all of them, but the ones I do make it to are always worth rewatching. This interview was really insightful!
Mandee @ Compelled By Words says
I love the dance moves! Great post! Thanks for the giveaway. 😀
Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl says
This is, by far, the funniest interview I have ever read. Actually, it might be only one I’ve read all the way through. I need to join in on Tea Time!
Kelly @ Belle of the Literati says
Oh. My. Gosh. Your game of Kiss, Marry, Kill with book men is HILARIOUS!!! I would loooove to play this game but alas none of my friends read all those fantastic books. Sad face 🙁
Kassiah says
Such an awesome giveaway! xo
marissa says
Totally LOVED this interview. They are so fun. I tuned in for my first tea time this week (but I’ve followed the epic reads twitter for a while now) and randomly I was a winner!
Ashley says
I love this interview!! I’m really getting addicted to Tea Time! It’s the highlight of my Wednesdays!
Jessie Marie says
Best interview I’ve read – hands down (or up – those dance moves are EPIC!). Smooches for King Snarkles by the way. ; )
Thanks for hosting a great giveaway, Jamie!
Kyle @ A Reader's Pensieve says
Aw, what a fun interview! I wish I was out of work in time to watch these! Maybe someday… 🙂
Team Epic Reads says
Thank you so much for the interview! We had a blast answering those questions and making some fun gifs for you!
April Books & Wine says
What an adorbs interview. The hands in the air is one of my go-to dance moves as well. 🙂
Felicia says
Love the Tea Time Chats too! This interview does give you the chance to get to know them better.
Danielle Nguyen says
I need to check out this Tea Time. Sounds like fun!
And I would totally kill Stefan too. He’s such a downer.
Great interview!
Ellie says
Awesome giveaway! Love the dance .gifs! 😛
Haley Gottardo says
I love Epic Reads. I have a whole shelf in my big book case devoted to the harperteen books.
Jami Zehr says
Thanks for making me laugh. This interview was awesome. I loved your questions. I seriously giggled, out-loud at my desk at work mind you, when Aubry said she would kill Gale. It does suck to be him, like always. LOL
Amber D. says
Loved the interview (:
Thanks for the giveaway! (:
Sally says
Really enjoyed reading this! I can’t believe it, but this is the first time I’ve heard of Tea Time. I can’t wait to start watching! Especially given Margot’s reaction to Stefan- haha. Say no more! Sold! I officially trust you from here on out.
Amber D. says
Thanks for the giveaway!
And I loved the interview (:
Ula @ Blog of Erised says
Fun interview! And thank you for the giveaway!
Tiffany says
I watched one of their videos & loved it. I can’t find where they keep it though so I ca watch more.
Raquel Romero says
Ohmygod I loved the Kiss, Marry, Kill game! But how could you kill Adam?! 🙁 I’ll definitely be trying out this game with my friends. The giveaway looks awesome! Thank you! *fingers crossed*
Julie @ Novel Nexus Reviews says
Awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
The Loopy Librarian says
I love the dancing! Thanks for the giveaway!
sarabara081 @ Forever 17 Books says
What a great interview! I love watching these girl on Wednesday so it was great to know a bit more about them and their roles at HarperTeen. The kiss, marry, kill question made me laugh because I really do know someone names Mary Perry. hehe
Kaitlyn says
Fantastic interview! Margot and Aubry are hilarious – and Margot is so right, Hector is totally swoon-worthy! 😀 And thanks for the giveaway.
jaime says
What a great interview – so fun! Dancing gifs FTW!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
xo
jaime
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
OMG, this interview is awesome and hilarious. I just found out about EpicReads and Margot and Aubry are my heroes! Thanks for the fantastic giveaway and for giving us more on these awesome ladies!
Candice @ The Grown-Up YA says
I love these ladies just from the interview! So cute! I love the kiss, marry, kill; never played that one before! And yes… kill Gale. Sucks, huh? haha
Haley Miller says
So excited for the giveaway!!
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
YES on Tiger Lily! Ahh, loved it!
What an AWESOME post. This was so much fun! And seriously. How do I get a job like this!?! Anyone want to hire me? Haha.
So much fun! Thanks for sharing this, thanks to Epic Reads! Yay!!! Great way to start my Friday 🙂
gina sandoval says
Love Epic Reads!
Nikki @ Foil the Plot says
Oh this was such a great interview and it totally reinforces the fact that reading is not only awesome, but FUN too! Great job, all of you ladies.
Tricia says
I love Epic Reads and it’s great to learn about your blog!
Nikki H @ Take Me Away... says
This interview looked like so much fun! The dance move gifs were PRICELESS! Margot has the most EPIC robot ever haha Thanks for the giveaway!
Emma @ Hopeful Happiness says
Yay! I love this! I always seem to miss the tea times when they air but I make sure to watch them later! Seriously the highlight of my week. Thanks for such an awesome giveaway/interview!
elena says
YAY, love reading more about the brains behind Epic Reads & their Tea Time is one of the highlights of my week. Um, a meal inspired by young adult books would be SO GREAT!! I’ve actually searched for that very thing before. I really like Aubry’s answers for kiss, marry, kill cos our kill answers are totally the same. Such a fun interview!
Bonnie says
I have never heard of Tea Time on Wednesday! Going to have to check it out, it sounds like a lot of fun. Is dancing involved? 😉
Ellie says
Love the interview…I agree with so many of the answers!
Lena @ I Love Books Club says
This is an awesome interview. I have just recently been joining in at Tea Time, and I love it!!!!
Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Lulufrances says
Aw
Those ladies seem very lovely and I hope I’ll get the chance to see them live once but I don’t know how that will work out since of the different timezones we are I. 🙁 and oooh suh a cool cool cool giveaway!! What a shame I can’t participate as I live in Europe! But yeah postage is freaking expensive…God bless you xx
Giselle @ Book Nerd Canada says
Ahh Jamie! This is such an epic interview. I love the EpicReads girls and their answers are just too cool. I love their answers for “Kiss, Marry, and Kill.” They sure do crack me up! Thank you for including your Canadian neighbours 😀 <3 xoxo
A. A. Omer says
Love this post. Really entertaining 🙂
Teresa Salvatore says
Here’s hoping I can eventually get my Book Blog up and running and be as witty and fun as you guys! You’ve got a new loyal follower! Thanks! Great giveaway! Thanks for hosting it!
Jen says
Bahaha, those gifs! And OMG, these are my exact choices for Kiss, Marry, Kill. For reals. Love this.
Beatriz G. says
I love this interview! It’s so funny and cute! I can never watch Tea Time live, but I love that they record it so people can watch it later. And I totally agree with Margot about killing Stefan, he’s too whiny >.<
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books says
Dear Margot + Aubry – You girls are SERIOUSLY my newest favorite bookish people EVER. I loved being a part of tea time last week, and you can be sure I will sneak in and join the event whenever I can while I’m at work. I love that your enthusiasm for books and reading is OFF THE HOOK and that you guys are silly/crazy/adorable. And Snarkles! <3 you girls and thank you for making Wednesday afternoons so much more wonderful.
P.S. Margot – When it comes to TVD, I'd kill Stefan too. But I'd kiss Damon and marry Klaus, so we can totally be besties.
fishgirl182 says
those are some pretty awesome dance movies. 🙂
Athena Franco says
lovelovelove the Epic Reads tea times! Hoping for more fun videos from you guys. Thanks for the giveaway!
Magan @ Rather Be Reading says
Good gosh, I adore these two. I am somehow always late to tea time, but love tuning in. The dancing is awesomeness. I love that you interviewed these two, Jamie. Also, Aubry + Margot… I love that you get to spend your days working in the lovely YA world. AHH — that would be pure heaven for me. I’ll live vicariously through you two via tea time. 🙂 Hugs all around!
Cara says
Just found your blog and already enjoy it. Great giveaway!
Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books says
I have not heard of Epic Reads before, but after reading this post I’ll definitely need to check them out! Thanks for the giveaway!
Holly says
What a great interview! spread the Epic Reads love!
Emilie says
Every week I wish I could watch these but it falls at the same time as one of my classes. But this interview was great and I’m glad to know they record them so now I can go back and watch them.
Ellice says
What a fun interview. I will definitely be checking out Tea Time in the future!
Sarah says
Wow thank you so much for the chance to win!
Kaitlin Michelle says
Your giveaways always make me super excited!
April says
First off, I’ve been out of the loop for a while. Didn’t know you got laid off, so sorry to hear that. But more reading time at least :0) lol
I first saw these girls last week, when that puppet show was being tweeted all day. They are hilarious. I loved the video. they were talking a mile a minute about books, and I was entranced, then Brian looks over my shoulder and says, ” what are you watching “. He just doesn’t get it. lol.
LOL at these dance Gifs.
Angie McKeon says
Amazing giveaway…Thank you 😉
Sara (of the Page Sage) says
I love these videos- I watch them every week! Aubry and Margot are both so effervescent! (:
Vivien says
Such a bloody riot!!!! I am so jealous of them 😀
Sam says
Oh my goodness this post made me laugh and smile. Pee and dance moves all in one post, honestly. 😉
Also this is a fabulous and smart giveaway. Who doesn’t love a big ol’ mystery box!
Kelly M says
These girls are the best, I love tea time!! 🙂 and snarkles (duh)
May Abraham says
Thanks for this giveaway :)) Exciting 😀
nadira alisha says
thank you for the giveaway!
cassie says
This was super awesome ladies!
My fave line was sorry Gale sucks to be you..like always hahahahahh
I need to tune in for tea time! It was alllll over twitter this week but I was at work. 🙁
Amy @ Book Loving Mom says
I have just recently discovered the Tea Time videos and I love them. They are so fun. They are so enthusiastic and awesome. How can we not be excited about all the fantastic books. They definitely have great dance moves too and this is probably the best interview ever. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Snarkles joined in .
Shelver506 says
What a fun interview! I’ve genuinely never met anyone frightened by Komodo dragons, so I’m fascinated. Also, HECTOR! Anyone who loves Hector has my devotion.
Ashley M says
I’ m kind of sad… The live-stream is when i am driving home from work so I cant watch it. I knew they did recordings of it but it just isn’t the same. Oh well i shall figure something out.
This giveaway sounds exciting. Ive never won anything off of a rafflecopter giveaway before so,my fingers are crossed that this will be the one.
Kari says
Thanks to you and the lovelies at Epic Reads for a wonderful giveaway! I can’t wait to see what great books it contains {you are going to post the books when you announce the winner, right?}.
Desiree says
I freakin love tea time! Those girls are soo much fun! Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Ally M says
Thank you for the giveaways!
Melissa says
Tea Time is great; I make sure to tune in every week! Great interview (I especially loved Margot’s comments regarding Hector!) and what a great giveaway!
lexi says
Your tea timesou are awesome and I love learning all the new books from y
Bailey says
Those gifs were funny! Loved this post Jamie. The interview questions we’re great! 😀
Lena says
Omg, best interview ever! I recently discovered their tea time this past week and couldn’t get enough of it. Those turkey hats were too cute. And those dance moves! Hahaha. I wish I worked with them!
Thanks for the giveaway, Jamie! You’re such a sweetie.
Kiki says
Those are some wicked gifs! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Andrea M. says
I look forward to your Tea Time chats every week. I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
SP at oh! paper pages says
This is the BEST interview! I love the dancing gifs and the KMK game. I agree with all answers! Thanks for the giveaway and for the creative post!!
Tiffany Drew says
Ha! I love their dance moves LOL.
Jasmine Rose says
I love all the Kiss, Marry, Kills. they had me giggling and nodding my head in agreement ;]
nadira alisha says
thanks for the giveaway!!
Sarah says
Thanks for this post! I just discovered Tea Time and I love it so much – it was nice to have more details about the ladies!
Meredith says
I LOVE TeaTime!! I actually won a giveaway during my FIRST ever TeaTime, so that was exciting. This interview was really fun and it was great learning more about Margot and Aubry! I’m sad I missed the awesome giveaway accompanied with this blog post, but I love the one you’re doing now!