Author interview with Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is young adult contemporary romance fiction royalty
Aaah, Sarah Dessen. Young adult contemporary romance queen. When I first got the inkling that I wanted to write young adult (YA) fiction, the first thing I did was get stuck into reading YA.
I read over 100 books in a year and I read all of Sarah’s books. All. Of. Them.
There’s a reason why she’s a New York Times best selling author, published in over 30 countries, having sold millions of copies.
It’s because she can tell a good story - about being a vulnerable teen, about growing up, about family stuff, about falling in love. All the things! All. Of. Them.
So I was super excited when I discovered that Sarah had joined Substack and that she agreed to an interview. Here it is…
What has writing taught you about yourself? How has it helped you grow as a person?
I think writing forces me to go with the flow a little more. I've just come off a couple of years where I was really forcing novels, and none of them worked. I always forget that the more I push, the worse the books are. Overthinking is my kryptonite!
As a young writer, what was the biggest challenge you faced?
I think it was being taken seriously. I was 26 and so green when my first book That Summer came out. I got questioned a lot as if I wasn't a serious writer, especially being in YA. It forces you to believe in yourself, though.
Was there a particular influence, person or situation who helped you to believe in yourself as a writer?
I was lucky enough to work with the author Lee Smith when I was trying to publish my first novel. She talked me through a lot of uncertainty and really was a mentor in so many ways. I think having someone who has written and published advising you is crucial.
What do you love most about writing?
That feeling when I write a line and I just know it's good. A lot of writing is hard for me: I have never just glided to the computer to hear the muse sing. But some days I put together a string of words that just makes me so happy and proud. I love those days!
What do you find most difficult about writing?
Honestly, it's the lack of control. I can write at the same time each day, in the same place, with wildly different results. Some books come somewhat easily. Others are like pulling teeth. I never know how it's going to go. That makes me NUTS.
How would you describe the creative process?
When I finish a book, I always think I never want to write another one. But then, after a few months, ideas start bubbling up. I'll jot things down for a while, resisting. But eventually the idea is tapping me on the shoulder so much I have to just start. It's always terrifying! Even after 14 books.
What’s one secret about your writing process that you haven’t shared publicly? Or a quirk, you’d be happy to share?
When I'm stuck, I'll make a habit of writing right after I wake up. Either early in the morning, or, ideally, after a power nap. I just get up and go straight to the computer, before my brain can start questioning and planning. Find that cursor and just go. It's the most free writing I do.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
I used to say "nervous," because it was always true. I guess it still is. But these days I'd say "learning." It's so weird: I thought I knew so much but my fifties have been one lesson after another. Or maybe I'm just paying better attention now.
I'm also on a learning journey! Learning is never ending ♥ Thank you for the beautiful stories you've shared through your courage to write!
Every summer from the time I turned 13 until the summer I graduated from high school, I “babysat” my niece for a month or so. I was paid minimally, but honestly, I loved getting to spend time with her. I watched her grow and become a beautiful young lady. After the babysitting was over, I would go to SuperWow summer camp with my church youth group down to Jekyll Island, Georgia. It was a very small island, about two miles in diameter. But it was full of excitement and fun getting to ride my bicycle and spend time with my friends. It’s a bit like Colby. A small town with lots of personality. I loved every summer getting to do those specific things. Now, as a mom, I can’t wait for my children to experience what I experienced.