2015 Debut Author Bash: Emily Adrian || Interview + Giveaway

Synopsis:
Stereotypes, sexuality, and destructive rumors collide in this smart YA novel for fans of Sara Zarr’s Story of a Girl, Siobhan Vivian’s The List, and E. Lockhart’s The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks.

When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school’s production of The Crucible, she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage. Even Mr. McFadden, the play’s critical director, can find no fault with Rebecca.

Though “The Essential Five” vow never to date each other, Rebecca can’t help her feelings for Charlie, leaving her both conflicted and lovestruck. But the on and off-stage drama of the cast is eclipsed by a life-altering accusation that threatens to destroy everything…even if some of it is just make believe.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

     As soon as I learned how to read! When I was about six or seven.

This is your first book, is this your first time writing?

     Nope. Like It Never Happened was my third finished manuscript. Before writing novels, I wrote all kinds of short fiction and poetry. 

How did you came up with the idea of your book?

     My initial idea was to write about a girl who’s grown up onstage, and so is more comfortable performing in front of hundreds than she is in more intimate social situations. I wanted to write about her navigating her first experiences with love and close friendship—and the particular challenges she might face, as someone who’s so accustomed to playing a role.

How long did it take you to write your first book, Like it Never Happened?

     I worked on it for about a year before my publisher acquired the book. Afterward, I spent another few months revising the novel with my editor. 

Can you describe your writing process?

     I usually start with themes that interest me—questions or problems I want to write my way through. When I have a sense of the book’s thematic content, I start building the plot. My first draft is always terrible. The novel doesn’t start to feel like a novel until draft two or three. 

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

     Writing about Rebecca’s group of co-stars—called “the Essential Five”—was probably the hardest part. In certain ways, they’re a tight-knit group of friends. They’re supportive of one another; they have fun together. But underlying their friendship is a lot of jealousy, ambition, and mistrust. I wanted to show the tension between these kids, but I also wanted the drama to build subtly, gradually. It was hard to get it exactly right.

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

     I relate to a lot of the characters—mostly to Rebecca and to her older sister, Mary. 

What's your favorite genre?

     Literary/contemporary fiction.

What books have influenced your life most?

     Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty. 

Have you ever hated something you wrote?

     I’m not sure if I hate anything I’ve written—but there are definitely stories/manuscripts I wrote in the past that I wouldn’t want to publish now. At least, not without major revisions.

If your book is going to be a movie, who would play your characters?

     I have no idea. Luckily, I wouldn’t have to make that decision! But I do like seeing the dream casts that readers/bloggers have put together.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

     I like to read. I like to stomp around Toronto. I like to cook and hang out with my husband and walk the dog down to the lake.

What's next for you?

     I’m working on another YA novel. It’s about first love and accidental fame, and it’s set in a small town in northern California.