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.
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’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.
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