One Page a Time

1. Do you like writing the beginning of a book or the end better? Why?

I definitely prefer writing the beginning of a book! Beginnings always feel a little bit like magic to me—for me they’re all about creating atmosphere and intrigue. Plus it helps that at the beginning I haven’t gotten far enough into a draft to run into any problems; I can write whatever I want, without having to worry about tying up what’s come before in a satisfying way. 

2. What have you learned about yourself and the world from writing? 

I’ve learned so much! Sometimes it’s picking up odd little factoids in my research—for instance, I now know how emergency sprinkler systems work even when a building doesn’t have power, and I know why fish don’t bump into each other when they swim in schools (look up something called a lateral line). But some of it’s been seeing people respond to my work and learning about the ways we find meaning in each other and the written word. Some of it, too, has been in looking back at my own work and realizing how the things that are important to me find a way to come through even when I’m not aware of it.

3. How do you hope your writing/work will impact your readers?

I think the best way to describe what I hope for is to say that I hope my work makes its readers lean closer. Maybe that’s out of recognition—seeing themselves in a moment or a character—or curiosity or horror or disgust or interest or maybe it’s just, “Huh, that’s a cool sentence.” Whatever the case, I hope my work makes its readers participate in it, so to speak.

4. Have you always loved to write?

Always, even when I’ve hated it.

5. To date, what is your favorite chapter you have ever written?

There are a couple contenders, and I think if I were picking my “best” chapter I’d have a different answer, but I have a huge soft spot for Chapter 11 (at least I think it’s 11?) in Wilder Girls, wherein Byatt tells a story about something she did in grade school. It was such a fun chapter to write; her voice came really naturally to me, and I love experimenting with form.

6. How much of your time do you spend reading vs writing?

I’m a slower writer these days, so I end up with not nearly as much time to read as I would like. I try to balance it so that when I’m off deadline I’m reading as much long form fiction as I can, and when I’m in the thick of my own writing, I’m reading essays and shorter non-fiction.

1. Are any of the characters from your books, based on real people?

Sometimes! I don’t think anyone can TRULY create something from nothing, so in a way, all the characters are based on pieces of real people, but mixed up like a jigsaw puzzle. (That said, I did name one of the bullies in the book after my own high school bully!)

2. Do you like reading vs writing more?

This is a tricky one! But reading is one of life’s great pleasures, so I supposed I’d have to say I like reading more.

3. Do you have a certain place or environment you like to write at?

I usually write in my office, but actually really like writing on airplanes! Something about the noise of the engine, and being trapped with nothing else to do, really makes me focus.

4. What is the most difficult part of writing a book for you?

Honestly, whatever part I’m doing at the moment always feels like the most difficult! Writing is hard work, even though I love it. That said…the part that is often the most difficult for me is the very first time editing the book.

5. If you could give any advice to a first-time author what would you say?

Remember that your worth isn’t determined by how well your book does! You are cool and awesome all by yourself!

What are your favorite books to read?

Mostly spooky or weird stuff. Like my own! There’s something about a good scare that is really exhilarating!

List some important elements that make a good book?

You have to create a character that is believable. If not, your readers won’t feel like they are real. Also, make sure your character has obstacles. Without obstacles there is no conflict. And without conflict there is no story!

How do you keep track of all your ideas when writing a book?

I have no idea! I am a very disorganized writer. I have friends that are the opposite. I wish I could be more organized but when I try, I just get messy again. But I guess that is my method! I have documents and journals where I put down ideas and hope they turn into stories.

What inspired you to start writing?

READING! I had so much fun reading as a kid that I decided to try writing myself. I’m glad I stuck with it. It was a long, hard journey but I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

What’s a story or plot you’ve always wanted to write about, but it didn’t work out?

That’s a good question. I have scraps of ideas that I think about every day. I’ve always wanted to do something with black and brown people in an alternate Victorian setting. Maybe one day! But I try to keep all of my ideas in mind. You never know when the inspiration will strike to begin a new story!