What inspires you to write and why? I have a pretty vivid imagination. When I see a character in my head or think of a beginning line to a novel, I get inspired. It usually starts there and then I just know it needs to be put on paper.
What genre are you most comfortable writing? Young Adult. I don’t think I’ll ever write a different genre. Teenagers create the best characters. They’re raw and unpredictable and living in every moment.
Who or what influenced your writing once you began? I have a very supportive husband. Most days, he has more confidence in me than I do.
What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? Not throwing your computer across the room. No, seriously. Writing is frustrating and when it’s not going your way, it can seem impossible. I think every writer wonders if their life would be better if they just didn’t write… and then we realize it wouldn’t.
Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? It taught me the beauty of humor. Before I wrote PLAYING NICE, I under utilized my funny side. Then I realized it’s a huge part of my writing skills. I love dark comedy, using black to create light.
Who is your publisher? I publish with In This Together Media out of New York. They focus on YA and NA literature with a concentration on publishing books that represent girls in an honest light. They want real characters with real issues. I love them and their mission.
Why did you choose to write this particular book? I wanted to write a YA book that focused on friendship, the kind of friendship you only have in high school because your emotions run so high. A friend who forces you to question who you are, what you want to be, and makes you scream at the top of your lungs.
What was the hardest part about writing this book? Picking the right spots for humor and drama. The moments had to be expertly placed.
Will you write others in this same genre? For sure. I love YA. It’s really the only genre I’m interested in writing. Well, that and musicals.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Be confident. Know thy self.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? Traveling is hard, but I will Skype/FaceTime with any book club that reads the book. I love interacting with book clubs. They rock.
What books have most influenced your life? The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I read it in college (2001) and was introduced to the wonderful world of YA. The book totally blew my mind. It was so raw and honest and beautiful. It’s still my favorite book.
Who is your favorite author and why? I think I share this with a lot of people, but Jane Austen is my favorite. She is a goddess of wit and word. Her stories are beautiful, funny, and complex.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Still sitting at my computer writing. As long as the stories keep coming, I’ll keep writing.
What contributes to making a writer successful? This will sound weird, but doubt makes you a successful writer. Having to wonder if what you’re doing is right. If you never question, you never grow; you never press yourself past what you believe you’re capable of. When doubt creeps in, you’re forced as a writer to become introspective and decide if what you’ve put on the page is true.
What do you do to unwind and relax? I have come to love the wonderful world of yoga. I have a pretty compulsive mind, especially when I’m writing. Yoga forced me to detach, breathe, and exist in the moment.
If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be? I started writing at 30. I wasn’t one of those people who knew they wanted to be a writer from birth. Actually, I was afraid of creative writing majority of my life. But I am a determined person and when I knew I wanted to write a book, I wasn’t willing to let that go. Writing has nothing to do with having a collection of books you’ve written since second grade. It has to do with passion, determination, and the willingness to fail. Without failure, you won’t know the joy of success. Without rejection, you won’t know beauty of acceptance. Don’t be afraid to fall. It’s the only way to learn how to fly.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Young Adult / Bullying
Rating – PG13
More details about the author & the book
Website http://rebekahcrane.tumblr.com/
1 comments:
I really loved the interview, I had seen the cover for this book, but I didn't know what it was about, but I will definitely put it on my TBR list. I also want to check out other books by your publisher. Sounds like a great idea to focus on books that portray girls honestly. So glad you stick to YA because that has become my favorite genre and I don't see that changing any time soon!
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