IJF asks: What have you just finished?
I've just finished the first major revision of my next published novel, FORGIVEN (Speak/Penguin) due out in May, 2011.
IJF asks: What book(s) have been life changing for you?
Almost everything by Laurie Halse Anderson, but especially FEVER, 1793; Jennifer Donnelly's A NORTHERN LIGHT; Kathi Appelt's THE UNDERNEATH.
IJF asks: Can you tell us your best fan encounter story?
I had a letter from a complete stranger - an older woman - who loved FAITHFUL and said that it reminded her of her childhood, reading ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and of visiting Yellowstone. She couldn't put the book down (something I've heard a lot!) and wanted me to know my novel brought her back to a state of complete happiness. Wow.
Where did you get the story idea for Faithful?
The idea for Faithful was born when my mother died suddenly, and I was coping with my loss. I began to think about what it would be like for a teen to lose her mother. And we have a cabin in the mountains of Montana, not far from Yellowstone - on a walk with my husband one day I said, "What if my teen lived in Yellowstone sometime in the past?" That was how the seed was planted, and once I started researching Yellowstone history and discovered so many interesting facts I knew I had to set my story here.
Who are some of your favorite authors to read?
I read a lot of contemporary middle grade and young adult fiction. Just last night I finished Suzanne Collins "Mockingjay". I love the work of Laurie Halse Anderson and Jennifer Donnelly and MT Anderson. For the classics, I love Jane Austin - she's clever and funny and writes so beautifully.
I imagine that writing for Highlights would be really fun. What was the best part of that experience for you?
Seeing my work in Highlights! Seriously - I grew up with that magazine; I subscribed as a kid. So to see my own article published in Highlights was a real thrill. And, they are a terrific bunch of people to work with - they support their authors.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
It's not an easy road, but if you love to write and are determined to stick with it, that's the first advice I'd give - stick with it. Then, learn the craft by studying how other successful writers create great work; attend meetings, conferences, and workshops to learn the business; try to meet other writers and pick their brains; try to find critique partners and listen to their advice; read craft books; read all the work in your genre; read, read, read and write, write, write! Sounds silly maybe, but I know lots of talented people who give up. If you don't give up, you'll make it. Oh - and this is important: be nice. Editors and agents really value working with good authors who also happen to be nice people.
