A. I usually begin with a character and go from there. I might have a few plot points in mind but
otherwise I just start writing and see what gloriously enfolds. Stephen King in his book "On
Writing" says he also writes from the seat of his pants because if the
writer is not surprised, how is the reader going to be? For my second book, The Stolen One, I was
inspired by a historical mystery - although I was bound by the framework of
history, once again, it was a character that drove the narrative, thankfully,
"surprising" me the whole way.
Q. What do you hear from your readers?
A. For my first book, "The Very Ordered Existence of
Merilee Marvelous" about a thirteen year old girl with Asperger's
Syndrome, I once received a one line email that said, "Merilee is just
like me quiet with no friends."
That says it all. I've heard from
dozens of other kids, although not autistic, related to Merilee's inner
struggles. I think deep down we all
struggle with something.
Q. Do you have a pet
(pets)? Tell us about it (them) and how they help/hinder your writing.
A. My cat Amber used to sleep on my lap and while transferring
to her other favorite position, lying across my revisions papers on the desk, would
walk across the keyboard causing all kinds of interesting typos. Very helpful indeed. I finally bought her a blinged-out furry cat
bed and placed it next to the computer and she has hardly it left since. PPPPPPPPPPVVVVVVR(((((((((.
Q. Why do you write for young adults or children?
A. I don't think we ever forget what it is like. I recently went to my 30th High School
reunion, and it didn't matter what I've accomplished, what I've made of myself
and experienced since - I was reduced to my teenage self when I walked through
that door. When she was well into her nineties, the famous stage and film
actress Helen Hayes was asked by a reporter if she felt her age. She responded that she still felt sixteen
inside and always would. Writing about
teens and pre-teens who are coming of age, discovering themselves, and dealing
with the complex world around them provides the richest and most fulfilling
material.
Q. How often do you dream about the writing you are working
on?
A. Very often, I think we all do. And it is usually the very
much needed answer to a plot point. But
I've learned if I don't get up and write it down, no matter how vivid the dream
is and no matter how strongly I feel I will remember it, it is gone by the
morning. I've also had great ideas while
driving and have had to pull over and write things down.
Thanks so much for your time, Suzanne. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
Find out more about Suzanne Crowley at her website.
Find out more about Suzanne Crowley at her website.
