Interview and Giveaway: Author Laurie Faria Stolarz

Today The Cover Contessa, along with the Never Too Old for YA Books group on Goodreads, is proud to welcome author Laurie Faria Stolarz to the blog for an interview!

Laurie has written an AMAZING series of books called Touch. If you have not read these books, run (DO NOT WALK) and get them! They are SO GOOD (click the covers for the blurbs on Goodreads)!

Want to buy these awesome books? Click on the links below!

Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston. 
Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.
Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance. The four novels in the "BIFN" series have sold over 500,000 copies collectively.Stolarz has also announced a graphic novel entry into the series titled Black is for Beginnings, which she published in summer 2009

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58846.Laurie_Faria_Stolarz

Website: http://www.lauriestolarz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.stolarz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriestolarz

So, let's hear what Laurie had to say in response to our questions, shall we? Welcome Laurie, so great to have you here with us today!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else? 

I've always been a writer.  As a child, before I could even put pen to paper, I was making up stories and telling them to whomever would listen.  Then, when I finally could write, I’d draft scripts and have my dolls recite the lines and act out the performances. 

How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?

It took me about two years to write my first book, BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES.  I spent another year and a half editing it (including throwing away over a hundred pages, changing the stalker, changing the tense, and changing the point of view).  I learned a lot from that process.  I now work with an outline that encompasses the entire story arc from the initial conflict to the climax, and includes all the elements of character.  I like to know ahead of time what my character wants or needs (and why), and what he or she has to learn in order to get it.  I still may end up changing things along the way, coming up with new ideas, getting deeper inside my character’s head to further understand his or her motivations.  But I find that having an outline gives me a home base and, if I ever do want to stray from it, it forces me to justify my rationale for doing so.  Having an outline, it now takes me about six months to write a first draft.  I then spend another six months revising it.

How do you come up with themes for your stories?

A lot of the themes come from the characters themselves - from what they need to learn over the course of the novel, i.e. forgiveness or laying old ghosts to rest.  My novel BLEED, on the other hand, began with theme.  I was inspired by the idea of chance and consequence, and how the decisions we make everyday - i.e. whether or not to answer the phone or simply let it go to voice mail; whether to take the bus or walk to a destination; whether to go on a prearranged date with a stranger who's been recently released from prison after years of a pen pal relationship... How do the outcome of these decisions impact others (not to mention ourselves) and create a domino effect, affecting even those we don't know.  BLEED is a collection of interlocking short stories that take place over the course of a single day. 

Do you have a schedule of when you write? 

I prefer to write in the morning, but I don't have any set schedule.  I can write anywhere, at any time.  I always have a notebook with me, jotting down ideas when they come to me.  I often write at night and on weekends.  And I love writing in my car (when I'm waiting at school pick-up or if I arrive someplace early).  It's quiet and uninterrupted.

How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?.

I think being flexible about when and where I can write is key.  I give myself deadlines, so I'm always on schedule, adding in some cushion time to edit and read things through before submission.

What elements do you think make a great story line?

I think the main character should be relatable in some way, and that the audience should feel for him or her and root for that person, even if the main character has villainous traits.  I also think that all great stories have some aspect of mystery or suspense that compels the reader until the end.

What was the hardest thing about writing a book?

I think the hardest thing about writing a book is that you get so close to the material...it can be hard to get perspective.  If time allows, getting away from the draft for a while, and then looking at it again - say, weeks or months later, is definitely beneficial, enabling the writer to come at the work with a fresh set of eyes.  I also think getting through an entire first draft - the writing of it, I mean - is tough.  That's where having an outline can be helpful, propelling you to the end.

How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? 

So far, I have thirteen books out, and another that'll be out next spring.

Do you have a favorite character?

A favorite character of mine?  That would have to be Stacey Brown, from my BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series.  She was my first real character and I learned a lot from her.

Where do you write?  

I have an office, but I also write at the kitchen island, in the car, at the coffee shop, in bed, in various waiting rooms.

What's your best advice for fellow writers?

My biggest advice is to persevere.  There are many talented writers who give up after 5, 10, or even 50 rejection letters.  Be open to learning and to getting better in your craft.  If more than one person criticizes the same point in your work – i.e. your main character whines too much – chances are you need to look at that point again.  Never pay reading fees while trying to get published – ever.  Do your homework.  Know to whom you’re sending your query letter, who that person’s clients are, what that person’s track record is (i.e. the details of his or her most recent acquisitions), and what that person is looking for.  Every letter should be personalized and reflect that you’ve done your research.  And, lastly, consider joining a writers group.  There’s nothing better than being in a group of like-minded writers who can help inspire and cheer you on, and who can provide constructive feedback that can help to strengthen your work.

So awesome, Laurie. Thanks so much for being with us today! It was great to have you here.

Laurie has generously offered one copy of Deadly Little Lies and Deadly Little Games. This series is totally awesome so you WANT to enter and try to win. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below. US ONLY.

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