While the other members of the group are obviously YA debuts like me, many of them have been SO wise and helpful. But when my book was sold I joined the Lucky 13s and it was like this insane treasure trove of knowledge. So I wrote my novel in a complete bubble, without much advice or influence other than a lifetime of reading.

This is embarrassing to admit, but when I wrote SINCE YOU ASKED, I knew like one author. What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author? As far as a YA book outside my genre, does a graphic novel count? My friend Vera Brosgol wrote one of my favorite books of the past couple years, ANYA’S GHOST. I mean, it takes you on a journey that is almost physical. But when I read that book, I had come off a bunch of nonfiction work and was beginning to toy with the idea of writing YA, and it really hit me: THIS IS A NOVEL. But if I am thinking of my favorite book at this VERY moment, I would say CLOUD ATLAS.

Whether or not it’s effective is kind of beyond the point, you’ve managed to get your message out there-the seeds have been planted, and fingers crossed something grows out of it.īeyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre? Whatever values or realities you instill in a story makes its way to other people. When done well, with purpose-it can change people and the world around them. Because it’s the ultimate escape, it transcends the drudgeries of everyday life, the harshness of reality. I’ll just say this broad statement-humans have always told stories. Why is storytelling so important for all of us? I got this.” And that weird confidence has stuck with me my entire life, giving me the drive to eventually publish a novel. And it was this weird ego boost that made me think, “Oh, this is my thing. Some people are just natural writers or they’re not.” So harsh, right?! And I remember thinking “Crap!” But I always got As on my essays. I’m not sure if this is “youthful” enough-but when I was a junior in high school my English teacher kind of got real with the entire class and said, “Not many of you will get As on your essays because your writing isn’t good. Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?

Since you asked maurene goo