Cat Patrick - Author Interview: Teen/Young Adult Novelist

What kinds of fiction did you read as a teenager, and did you have some favourites?

If I'm being honest, as a teen, I read mostly what was required in school. I read a ton as a young child but then got caught up in school/life/friendships/relationships and the books most unfortunately took a back seat. That said, in high school, we were required to choose an author for a semester-long project, reading and analyzing several of his/her works. I chose Ray Bradbury and he continues to be one of my favorites.

Would you say your reading as a teenager has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

Yes. I always preferred the more "out there" premises--as long as they still had a clear message to convey--and that is what I enjoy writing the most now, too.

What did you do before you became a published teen/young adult novelist, and how did you come to write your first teen/young adult novel and get it published?

I worked in public relations for thirteen years before getting the idea for FORGOTTEN. I'd always wanted to be a writer, and throughout my life, I wrote poetry, short stories and several attempts at novels. After the birth of my twins in 2008, I forgot what I was doing in the middle of an activity, then began thinking of amnesia...and amnesia in high school. The idea for a girl who remembers the future instead of the past just popped into my brain. I began writing that day, and finished the first draft of FORGOTTEN less than three months later. I queried my top pick agent and he got back very quickly--I attribute that to having the right story and the right pitch at the right time. He and I worked together to fine-tune the book until it went to auction six months later; after that, it sold to twenty one foreign territories and the movie rights were purchased by Paramount. It's been an amazing experience--I consider myself incredibly lucky because I know the process is not always as smooth as mine was.

How would you describe your style of teen/young adult fiction or your approach to writing teen/young adult fiction?

My style is fairly straightforward: I'm not an overly poetic writer. I like to tell approachable stories of teens with strange lives that are similar to the lives of teens in our world today so that they can relate, without hitting them over the head with "the moral of the story."

Who is another author whose teen/young adult fiction you admire and why?

I admire Maggie Stiefvater, the author of The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy and others. I'm not a poetic writer but she is, and I love diving into her dreamlike worlds. She makes science fiction style ideas seem completely normal, and her novels are timeless.

How would you summarise one of your teen/young adult novels in one paragraph?

FORGOTTEN is the story of London Lane, a teen who remembers the future instead of the past. The book chronicles her school and home life, and relationships, with her strange condition, and challenges London to solve the mystery of her past so that she can move forward with her future.

How would you describe the appeal of this novel to teen/young adult readers?

Though London has a made-up condition, I think she's relatable to teens because she has many of the same feelings (awkwardness, isolation, confusion about how to handle ethical dilemmas, etc.). I've heard from many readers that she feels "real," like someone they'd go to school with.

How would you summarise a chapter from this novel in one paragraph?

The book opens on a typical day for London Lane. She's arrived at school in the morning with no memory of yesterday or the days before, and without her cell phone, which normally helps keep her on track. She remembers what's going to happen tomorrow and beyond, but that doesn't help her when she goes to dress for PE and she's missing a T-shirt. Thankfully, a friend loans her one; most unfortunately, the loaner's not fashionable to say the least, and London won't be happy to be wearing it when she meets the new guy at school, Luke Henry. London doesn't remember Luke, so he won't be in her future. Or will he?

How would you describe the contribution this chapter makes to the novel?

This chapter sets the stage for the entire novel--it starts to explain London's condition to readers and also hooks them with the romance aspect very early on.

To what extent would you say fiction written primarily for young readers is different from fiction written primarily for adult readers?

YA fiction as a category is as diverse as adult fiction; I'd say the biggest difference is that the protagonist is usually a young adult himself/herself.

Author website: www.catpatrick.com



Sue Walker - Author Interview: Children's Authors

What kinds of fiction did you read as a child, and did you have some favourites?

We didn’t have many books in the house while I was growing up, so the ones I did read, I remember well. Enid Blyton’s books left me with lasting memories of tall magical trees and strange lands, and children having exciting adventures. Journey to the Centre of the Earth was another story that had the same affect, and also The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It seems adventure, magic, and fantasy were what I craved as a child.

Would you say your childhood reading has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

My first thought was to answer ‘no,’ because I write realism and not fantasy. But on reflection, I think the forward momentum of these stories – a character in trouble and the degree of suspense and uncertainty, has influenced my writing for middle grade children particularly.

What did you do before you became a published children's author, and how did you come to write your first children's book and get it published?

I left school at the age of 15 and became a secretary. In a way I think this served my writing well because I learned to type and to edit words on the page, but all the while I knew I wanted to do something creative. I’ve always been a writer…first diaries, and later stories, and when I had children I started reading lots of wonderful children’s books. That’s when I knew I wanted to write for children. I did a short writing course, and had some early success submitting non-fiction articles to children’s magazines. My first published book was for the education market. It was called Camping Capers and was based on a camping trip with some friends. Most of my stories are triggered by my own life experiences.

How would you describe your style of children's fiction or your approach to writing children's fiction?

I’m not sure how to describe my style, but I guess I could say that my stories are about real kids in real situations – often school or family relationships. I don’t spend much time on description and my prose moves the story along quickly, a feature which I think appeals to kids. My focus is on the character and their journey, and there’s always a subtle underlying theme that often doesn’t emerge until I’ve finished the story and reworked it several times.

Who is another author whose children's fiction you admire and why?

Tricky question. Two authors I have to mention are Ursula Dubosarsky and Sonya Hartnett. Ursula Dubosarsky for her versatility – she can write flawlessly for any age group, and Sonya Hartnett for her originality. Her book The Silver Donkey is one of my all time favourites. I also greatly admire the work of Sharon Creech. She has the ability to touch the reader deeply and her stories leave a lasting impression.

How would you summarise one of your children's books in one paragraph?

Arnie Avery is a story about a 13 year old boy who has a few serious problems. One of them has to do with fighting the school bully, and the other has to do with his family. As bad as things are for Arnie, the impending fight turns out to be just what he needs to help him come to terms with the death of his brother and turn his own life around.

How would you describe the appeal of this book to readers?

Arnie’s distinctive voice speaks directly to young readers and kids are quickly drawn into his world. The problems he faces are serious, but Arnie tackles them head-on with a strength and humour kids will admire. There’s action and suspense, and a couple of unexpected twists to keep kids reading.

How would you summarise a chapter or section from this book in one paragraph?

In chapter 2, Arnie meets his rival, Jacko at the pool. When Jacko challenges Arnie to race him, Arnie stands frozen on the blocks while Jacko churns down the pool like a speedboat. Everyone finds the whole situation funny, but Jacko is furious and he challenges Arnie to fight him at the pool the next week.

How would you describe the contribution this chapter or section makes to the book?

This chapter introduces the main characters and sets up the complication. The impending fight is what compels the reader to stick with the story.

How would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your illustrated children's books? If none of your children's books have been illustrated, how would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your favourite illustrated children's books by another author?

One of the latest on my long list of favourite picture books is Sounds Spooky by Christopher Cheng & Sarah Davis. It’s the perfect example of a picture book where the illustrations enhance and extend the story, rather than just mirroring the text. If you read the words without seeing the pictures, you might imagine the story is about a child who hears creepy noises in the night, but the illustrations take us on a slightly different journey, adding much more meaning and interest to the book. The effect is that both the illustrations and the text combine to tell the complete story - one wouldn’t be as satisfying without the other. That’s exactly how a picture book should work.

To what extent would you say fiction written primarily for child readers is different from fiction written primarily for teen readers?

Aside from the obvious - age of the protagonist, the themes, and the language, I see no major differences. I think that’s why so many great children’s books are enjoyed equally by adults and kids.

Author website: http://www.suewalkerauthor.com/