Category: Author Interview

Reading YA with Anna-Marie McLemore

1/18/2018

Anna-Marie McLemore is the author of THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS (Thomas Dunne, 2015), WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS (Thomas Dunne, 2016) and WILD BEAUTY (Feiwel Friends, 2017). Her fourth novel, BLANCA & ROJA, a magical realism reimagining of Snow-White & Rose-Red meets Swan Lake, is forthcoming from Feiwel Friends in the fall of 2018.

Why do you read young adult fiction?

I made so many of the decisions that defined my life when I was a teen. Personally, I think everyone should read YA, because YA truly has something for everyone, but for me, at least part of it is that a part of me will always be seventeen.

What YA books are you reading now?

I’m currently on a Lily Anderson streak. I’m reading her latest NOT NOW, NOT EVER, and I’m lucky enough to have an advanced copy of UNDEAD GIRL GANG. I adore the wit that shines through her writing and how she depicts friendship.

When and where do you read?

Any chance I get to sneak a chapter in! I always have a book in my purse.

What draws you to a book?

Most often, friends’ recommendations. I’m lucky to have writer friends, librarian friends, and non-book-industry friends who are avid readers.

Do you ever reread books?

Oh yes. I have ones I reread every year, but I also have moments where I think, “Yes, that book, I have to reread that book right now!” It’s almost like a food craving.

Which YA book has had the most impact on your writing?

Nova Ren Suma’s gorgeous sense of literary surrealism, Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s vivid and resonating depictions of Latina girls, and Cindy Pon’s beautiful books, which were among the first to show me that maybe one day I could write a book from my heritage.

Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again?

Aisha Saeed’s WRITTEN IN THE STARS, I.W. Gregorio’s NONE OF THE ABOVE, Kelly Loy Gilbert’s PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT.

Anna-Marie McLemore was born in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and taught by her family to hear la llorona in the Santa Ana winds. For more information, please visit her website: author.annamariemclemore.com

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Reading YA with Lamar Giles

3/8/2017

Lamar Giles writes novels and short stories for teens and adults. He is the author of the 2015 Edgar® Award Nominee FAKE ID, a second YA thriller ENDANGERED and the forthcoming YA novel OVERTURNED (March 28, 2017). Lamar is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books (weneeddiversebooks.org), a non-profit dedicated to changing the face of publishing.

Why do you read young adult fiction?

I love good stories and the quality of any story is really independent of the audience it's marketed to. With YA in particular, I find the books are often refreshers on the thoughts and emotions I had as a teen. Aside from there being a multitude of incredible YA books, so there's an endless reading supply, in some ways it's like reading journal entries from people who were very much like I was at a given age. It's exploring and reminiscing all in one.

What YA book are you reading now?

THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas (who isn't reading that book right now?) It's fantastic! The YA book before that was THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon. Fantastic as well.

When and where do you read?

Mostly in bed. But I also listen to audiobooks in the car, or read on my phone in the grocery line, or...or...or...I read anywhere I can. Lately there have been a lot of planes and trains in the mix. But, I usually have several books available at any given time.

What draws you to a book?

Mostly word of mouth. Honestly almost everything I read is because some friend or colleague has talked it up.

Do you ever reread books?

Not often. If I do, it's probably one of my all time favorites that I've read a hundred times, or something I'm analyzing either for myself or for a class I need to teach. Otherwise, I have a To Be Read pile to get to, and it's taller than I am (Not difficult because I'm short! Lol!)

Which YA book has had the most impact on your writing?

UNWIND by Neal Shusterman. That book made me realize that there are really no topics that are off limits, even if your intended reader is young. And his world building is something to be marveled at. I've yet to attempt a speculative story on his level, but it's something I aspire to.

Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again?

It's easier for me to recommend authors instead of individual books because all of these writers churn out engrossing reads over and over. Anything written by Nicola Yoon. Anything by Meg Medina. Jason Reynolds' books...take your pick there. Cindy Pon's novels. Ellen Oh's. Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton's bad girl ballerina novels. Daniel José Older's SHADOWSHAPER. Kwame Alexander's THE CROSSOVER. Matt de la Peña's THE LIVING. I could probably keep going...and when you want to read all of them, that can be a problem. But I think you could classify that as a good problem, and that's okay!

Lamar Giles's love of stories and storytelling began at an early age in his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1997, he attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. It was at ODU where he decided to pursue writing as a career, making his first professional short story sale at the age of 21. For more information, please visit: lrgiles.com.

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In stores March, 28, 2017!

Reading YA: An Interview with Emily Martin

8/17/2016

Emily Martin is the author of THE YEAR WE FELL APART (January 2016). She lives and writes in the Greater Boston area, though she will always call Michigan home. She has a penchant for impromptu dance parties, vintage clothing, and traveling to new places.

Why do you read young adult fiction?

I think I fell in love with YA because there is such an immediacy to the problems characters face. They’re experiencing things for the first time and because of that, everything is deeply felt. I also think society tends to underestimate young people, and I love seeing characters with agency making their own path.

What YA book are you reading now?

I’ve recently gotten really into mysteries! I just finished FAR FROM YOU by Tess Sharpe, and am currently reading THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES by Rebecca Podos.

When and where do you read?

I read before bed and on the weekends. My favorite places to read are on the beach or in front of a fire!

What draws you to a book?

If I’m browsing in a bookstore, I’ll admit to often picking up books based on their covers. Next step is reading the blurb and/or the first page. I also love getting recommendations from friends!

Do you ever reread books?

Yes! I reread a few favorites every year. Sometimes I do it to draw inspiration and refill the well. Other books I read again and again just because I like visiting old friends. :)

Which YA books have had the most impact on your writing?

One book that really inspired me to sit down and try to write my debut novel was THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson. It just made me fall in love with words all over again. But Sarah Dessen, Courtney Summers, and Megan McCafferty were all huge influences and led me to read and write YA.

Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again?

JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta is probably my favorite book, and one I definitely recommend a ton. Another is JASPER JONES by Craig Silvey. Apparently I really like Australian authors!

When not writing, Emily Martin can be found hiking New England’s peaks, searching for the perfect cup of hot chocolate, or baking something pumpkin-flavored. Her debut young adult novel, THE YEAR WE FELL APART, is out now from S&S/Simon Pulse. For more information please visit: emilymartinwrites.com

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Reading YA: An Interview with Stacey Lee

11/24/2015

Stacey Lee is the author of UNDER A PAINTED SKY and OUTRUN THE MOON (May, 2016). She is a fourth generation Chinese-American whose people came to California during the heydays of the cowboys. She believes she still has a bit of cowboy dust in her soul.

Why do you read young adult fiction?

I've read that that writers write from the age they feel stuck in or that they still have unfinished business in. Which means, I probably have a lot of issues that need working out leftover from my teens! Also, I really love reading YA as it's so full of awkward and yet character-defining moments.

What YA books are you reading now?

Matt de la Peña's MEXICAN WHITEBOY. It's so full of heart and is teaching me a lot about baseball. I also loved Isabel Quintero's GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES. That one made me laugh and cry.

When and where do you read?

I do mostly audiobooks nowadays, which means I read in the car or while I take a walk.

What draws you to a book?

I'm always looking for diverse fiction. I also love a good sea-faring book, and a little bit of magic.

Do you ever reread books?

Yes! I think we reread books because of the way they make us feel. When a reader tells me they want to reread my book, I feel like I've succeeding in creating a world in which they want to be a part.

Which YA books have had the most impact on your writing?

LA Meyer's BLOODY JACK series -- Meyer was a master of voice. I love anything by Markus Zusak.

Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again?

I've been recommending Robin LaFevers' GRAVE MERCY a lot lately; I also loved Yangsze Choo's THE GHOST BRIDE. I love historical and historical fantasy.

Stacey Lee is a native of southern California. She graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in the Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain. She plays classical piano, raises children, and writes YA fiction. For more information, please visit: staceylee.com

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#readingYA

I read YA because it brings back memories. And sometimes, it helps me to understand the teenagers who live in my house. I read YA because the authors are brilliant. They tell stories that make me laugh and break my heart. They show me the world from a different perspective.