Questions for Lauren Oliver?

[DPHampton]

How was your book selected for the first look program? Does the publisher initiate it on your behalf or did Barnes and Noble pre-screen books and seek you out (I apologize if this was addressed elsewhere and I did not read it.) Anybook that makes me strongly dislike a character, as with Sam in the beginning of the book, and strongly like a character, as also with Sam later in the book, I consider an excellent book. On the other hand I don't know if I would have selected it to read on my own. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it through the First Look Club and have already reccomended to my friends.

[historygirl200…]

Hi, I was just wondering how do you come up with like names for characters, etc. Did you come up with their names on your own? Where did you come up for your concept of this book?

Also I was wondering what are your favorite young adult novels? Did they influence you in writting this?

Thank you!

[CharlieG31]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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CharlieG31 wrote:

Dear Lauren:

I am 17, and I can see a lot of characters related to my friends and not so friends in High School .

My question for you is , what was the process of defining the characters? I mean how did you define Sam's characteristis, the girls characters and then all the "extra teen characters" in the story , was it like what you remember of high schoo/college or what was  the process of defining the characters and giving them their traits, the way they talk etc.

I am currently in chapter 5 and I gotta say your book is awesome, congratulations , definitely a bestseller!

Charlie

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Thanks, Charlie! I really hope your predictions for the book's success come true--eek! 

In terms of the characters...hmmm. A lot of the characters possess attributes, or combinations of attributes, of the people I know in real life. For example, I really did have a friend in high school who was obsessed with the color green, and one who really loved cows. Some of the characters are, I think, reflections or distortions of me--their insecurities and fears are my insecurities and fears--and some of it is just a process of really spending time with each character, thinking about what their family must be like, how that would affect their preferences, etc. Developing characters is my all-time favorite part of writing, I think.

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Charlie,your posts are so on target,and i know you are 17,but definately an old soul..Thats a good thing,I hope you don't take offense.You have definately made me think of some situations in a different light..Thank  Vtc..

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Lol none taken

[mgarrison]

While reading this book, I was faced with memories of my own high school days and the guys and girls that acted just like the characters in the book.  Did you fit into one of these groups??  If so, which one, and do you wish you could change it??

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

As pen21 stated: I have been able through reading"Before I Fall,I have seen myself,my daughter,and just issues are that are as prevelent today.Adults of my age,as pen21 will I think attest to,some, not all are still in denial of what they were during their younger years,if that makes any sense.It is also interesting that your music choices are timeless..my 25 yr.old daughter likes U2,"The Doors",and Beyonce..It seems your generation has opened up to "My Generations"music as we embrace yours..I find that so comforting.After reading the posts Lauren,did you think before you were here.what an impact "Before I Fall" is having on so many different ages?Thanks,Susan

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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pen21 wrote:

I am glad to hear you are working on another book.

Before I Fall has made me think a lot. Not just about myself or my daughter at that age. It has made me think about work and the relationships there also. Is it really that different? No, there are the popular ones, the cliques, the dress for success group, the dress for comfort group, the moms with little kids group, the mean people group, etc. Just a few weeks ago a co-worker said about the actions of someone, that we aren't in high school why are they acting that way. Maybe some people don't grow up, I think a lot of people do change especially during those high school years.

Anyway enough rambling. My question is after reading all the postings and the reviews you have received on Before I Fall, as you are working on the next book do these reviews/comments affect the way you look at a chapter or a character in that next book.

Thanks pen21

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Hmmm. That's an excellent question. I try to keep my books pretty separate--so my experience of writing BEFORE I FALL, and having people respond to it, is very different/distinct from my experience of writing the book I am working on now. Otherwise people freak out and feel pressured or start endlessly revising and rewriting. However, it does make me think about certain content issues differently. For example, in my third book there are teens who drink and smoke, and knowing that some people had a problem with this in BIF makes me aware of how often I am including party scenes, certainly. 

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To be honest, Susan, when I agreed to participate in the first look program through BN.com I had no idea what to expect, and no idea that the experience would be so stimulating, fulfilling, and also supportive (I actually had lunch with some B & N people today, and I was telling them this!). It has been so amazing to see such disparate--but generous--reactions to my book, from people of all ages. Truly humbling and amazing, and something I could never have predicted when writing the book.

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[Lauren-Oliver]

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kimmyblair wrote:
Hello Lauren! First off thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity to chat with you! My question is kinda spoilery for those who haven't finished the book, but, how important was the fact that Sam had to die at the end of the story. Was this something you decided right away, or something that you realized after starting the story? Also two questions not really relating to this story. As we are getting a first look at this book the people in this group will be among the first to review this book on sites such as Barnes and Noble. As an author what do you think should be included in any book review to help other evaluate if they should read the story or not? Also who are some of your favorite authors, YA or otherwise? Thanks again! - Kim

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Hi Kim--I always knew that Sam would die; actually, the epilogue was one of the first things I wrote. The whole point of the book was to get her to understand her life in a deeper, more meaningful context--I wanted her to be able to leave behind a meaningful life, not for her to be able to live. Does that make sense?

In terms of the review, gosh. . .I mean, I hope everybody reads the book! I certainly like for people to mention that Sam may start out unlikeable at the beginning, but will evolve into a sympathetic character by the end. My biggest fear is that people will put down the book because of her attitudes/behavior at the start of the book.

Wow--favorite authors. Sheesh. In terms of YA, I like E. Lockhart, Laurie Halse Anderson, Libba Bray, and Carrie Ryan...and a million others I'm probably forgetting. I swoon for F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry James, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Ian McEwan, and Richard Price...and I really like Oliver Sacks for nonfiction.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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DPHampton wrote:

How was your book selected for the first look program? Does the publisher initiate it on your behalf or did Barnes and Noble pre-screen books and seek you out (I apologize if this was addressed elsewhere and I did not read it.) Anybook that makes me strongly dislike a character, as with Sam in the beginning of the book, and strongly like a character, as also with Sam later in the book, I consider an excellent book. On the other hand I don't know if I would have selected it to read on my own. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it through the First Look Club and have already reccomended to my friends.

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Thank you for recommending it to your friends! That is so great to hear, and means a lot to me. I am not actually sure how books get selected for the B&N First Look Club program, actually...that might be a question for my editor, Rosemary Brosnan. My guess would be that editors/publishers "nominate," or try and push, certain books, and then B & N chooses between them...?

[Lauren-Oliver]

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historygirl2008AS wrote:

Hi, I was just wondering how do you come up with like names for characters, etc. Did you come up with their names on your own? Where did you come up for your concept of this book?

Also I was wondering what are your favorite young adult novels? Did they influence you in writting this?

Thank you!

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Oof. Names are difficult for me; I keep master lists of names I like, and often switch them out many times over the course of a revision.

In terms of the concept...that came from a bunch of different sources. I wanted to write a book about a mean girl who changes and evolves over the course of the novel, as she begins to see her life as fundamentally intertwined with the lives of the people around her. So I just kind of kept mulling over what set of circumstances would enable her to do that.

Jay Asher's book Thirteen Reasons Why, and some of its themes, was definitely an inspiration; and I love Laurie Halse Anderson, and the way she characterizes people, so that was an influence. I like to think I've been influenced by everything I've ever read. Every book I've finished has helped me solve some sort of problem in my own writing.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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mgarrison wrote:

While reading this book, I was faced with memories of my own high school days and the guys and girls that acted just like the characters in the book.  Did you fit into one of these groups??  If so, which one, and do you wish you could change it??

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I wasn't in a super-mean group, like Sam is, but I definitely wasn't picked on, either. I had a solid group of friends and we were decently popular--we got invited to parties, we had boyfriends, etc etc. There are many, many, many things that I would probably choose to change about my high school years, but my friend group was not one of them. And all of my choices and experiences have brought me to where I am today, which I am grateful for. I am not generally big on regret.

[alexamarieclai…]

Who is your favorite character and why? 

[Paul_Hochman]

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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DPHampton wrote:

How was your book selected for the first look program? Does the publisher initiate it on your behalf or did Barnes and Noble pre-screen books and seek you out (I apologize if this was addressed elsewhere and I did not read it.) Anybook that makes me strongly dislike a character, as with Sam in the beginning of the book, and strongly like a character, as also with Sam later in the book, I consider an excellent book. On the other hand I don't know if I would have selected it to read on my own. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it through the First Look Club and have already reccomended to my friends.

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Thank you for recommending it to your friends! That is so great to hear, and means a lot to me. I am not actually sure how books get selected for the B&N First Look Club program, actually...that might be a question for my editor, Rosemary Brosnan. My guess would be that editors/publishers "nominate," or try and push, certain books, and then B & N chooses between them...?

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Some times we're given recommendations from the publishers, "this would be perfect for First Look" and that sort of thing, but mostly we find the books throug the age old act of Reading

[Beguile_Thy_So…]

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PaulH wrote:

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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DPHampton wrote:

How was your book selected for the first look program? Does the publisher initiate it on your behalf or did Barnes and Noble pre-screen books and seek you out (I apologize if this was addressed elsewhere and I did not read it.) Anybook that makes me strongly dislike a character, as with Sam in the beginning of the book, and strongly like a character, as also with Sam later in the book, I consider an excellent book. On the other hand I don't know if I would have selected it to read on my own. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it through the First Look Club and have already reccomended to my friends.

---

Thank you for recommending it to your friends! That is so great to hear, and means a lot to me. I am not actually sure how books get selected for the B&N First Look Club program, actually...that might be a question for my editor, Rosemary Brosnan. My guess would be that editors/publishers "nominate," or try and push, certain books, and then B & N chooses between them...?

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Some times we're given recommendations from the publishers, "this would be perfect for First Look" and that sort of thing, but mostly we find the books throug the age old act of Reading

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Well PAul,

I want u to know that y'all are GREAT at picking the books. I'm kinda new to First Reads/Sneak Peak (just started in Nov) but I have LOVED every one of the 4 books chosen so far!!

just wanted to let ya know

[Beguile_Thy_So…]

Lauren,

On the back of the arc it says that you're 27; how do you think you've gotten so much perspective and insight on high school/adolescence in such a short amount of time?

Most people I know aren't able to reflect or articulate those experiences so well let alone write a book about it, lol

[Lauren-Oliver]

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alexamarieclaire wrote:

Who is your favorite character and why? 

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Sam. I had to love her and really believe in her in order to spend 100,000 + words in her head! I love how flawed and disconnected she was at the start of the novel, and I love how she had the courage to evolve. In general, I love characters who change for the better--both in fiction and in real life.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Tally-wa wrote:

Lauren,

On the back of the arc it says that you're 27; how do you think you've gotten so much perspective and insight on high school/adolescence in such a short amount of time?

Most people I know aren't able to reflect or articulate those experiences so well let alone write a book about it, lol

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Years and years of therapy. Just kidding! Thank you, first of all, for the compliment. I'm not sure--I think, you know, I spend a lot of time thinking about people's emotional motivations for doing things. I'm really, really interested in people, in the layers they construct around themselves and in the underlying fears and desires that motivate them. So I guess it was less a case of reflecting on high school as it was just reflecting on what makes people push others away--and what causes people to become desperate, and prideful, etc etc.

Also, I've been writing every day since I was five. So I've had lots and lots of practice! In that sense, it has actually taken me a really long time to publish a book.

[Vermontcozy]

Vtcozy Wrote:.Good Morning. Tally-wa brought up a great point and really enjoyed your answer.Speaking of Therapists,have you read Ilana Simon's blog on 'UnBashedly Bookish"She is referring to the new novel by Zachary Mason"The Lost Books of the Odyssey' very thought provoking.Leave it to BN too actually have a Therapist,Writer,Blogger here with us..Very well received..I think you would enjoy reading her thoughts and others,when you have time..Enjoy your day with us..We are so happy to have you for another week...Vtc  Susan

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Tally-wa wrote:

Lauren,

On the back of the arc it says that you're 27; how do you think you've gotten so much perspective and insight on high school/adolescence in such a short amount of time?

Most people I know aren't able to reflect or articulate those experiences so well let alone write a book about it, lol

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Years and years of therapy. Just kidding! Thank you, first of all, for the compliment. I'm not sure--I think, you know, I spend a lot of time thinking about people's emotional motivations for doing things. I'm really, really interested in people, in the layers they construct around themselves and in the underlying fears and desires that motivate them. So I guess it was less a case of reflecting on high school as it was just reflecting on what makes people push others away--and what causes people to become desperate, and prideful, etc etc.

Also, I've been writing every day since I was five. So I've had lots and lots of practice! In that sense, it has actually taken me a really long time to publish a book.

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[Vermontcozy]

VtCozy Wrote  Oh,good  lol..Did you see the Kafka on the Shore posting just for you Charlie?Charlie has Good Taste,Lauren...Vtc..

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CharlieG31 wrote:

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Vermontcozy wrote:

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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CharlieG31 wrote:

Dear Lauren:

I am 17, and I can see a lot of characters related to my friends and not so friends in High School .

My question for you is , what was the process of defining the characters? I mean how did you define Sam's characteristis, the girls characters and then all the "extra teen characters" in the story , was it like what you remember of high schoo/college or what was  the process of defining the characters and giving them their traits, the way they talk etc.

I am currently in chapter 5 and I gotta say your book is awesome, congratulations , definitely a bestseller!

Charlie

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Thanks, Charlie! I really hope your predictions for the book's success come true--eek! 

In terms of the characters...hmmm. A lot of the characters possess attributes, or combinations of attributes, of the people I know in real life. For example, I really did have a friend in high school who was obsessed with the color green, and one who really loved cows. Some of the characters are, I think, reflections or distortions of me--their insecurities and fears are my insecurities and fears--and some of it is just a process of really spending time with each character, thinking about what their family must be like, how that would affect their preferences, etc. Developing characters is my all-time favorite part of writing, I think.

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Charlie,your posts are so on target,and i know you are 17,but definately an old soul..Thats a good thing,I hope you don't take offense.You have definately made me think of some situations in a different light..Thank  Vtc..

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Lol none taken

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[2britt13]

I totally agree that unhappy people are mean.  I know when I'm not happy I'm mean even though I try hard not to its really not that easy.

P.S. Your book was awesome and it got me back into my reading mode where I read all the time thanks!

[lau05]

Hello Lauren,

There have been much time ago since I don't speak with an author about his/her book. I consider myself privileged by doing with you. After finishing the book, I already knew and I could say when it would be released, it would cause a sensation. I liked very much your book and I hope with impacience the next one. I already read that you're writing the third one. My question is something general, not about the book. How does the inspiration arrives to you? Do you make something concret as yoga, wander around or something? Also, do you prefer writing the complete book and then, you revise it, or do you prefer revising the previous chapters while you're writing the next ones? Do you have always the same person who you leave the book to read after being written or depends the moment, the book and the situation?? Thank you very much.

[Lauren-Oliver]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

Vtcozy Wrote:.Good Morning. Tally-wa brought up a great point and really enjoyed your answer.Speaking of Therapists,have you read Ilana Simon's blog on 'UnBashedly Bookish"She is referring to the new novel by Zachary Mason"The Lost Books of the Odyssey' very thought provoking.Leave it to BN too actually have a Therapist,Writer,Blogger here with us..Very well received..I think you would enjoy reading her thoughts and others,when you have time..Enjoy your day with us..We are so happy to have you for another week...Vtc  Susan

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Lauren-Oliver wrote:

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Tally-wa wrote:

Lauren,

On the back of the arc it says that you're 27; how do you think you've gotten so much perspective and insight on high school/adolescence in such a short amount of time?

Most people I know aren't able to reflect or articulate those experiences so well let alone write a book about it, lol

---

Years and years of therapy. Just kidding! Thank you, first of all, for the compliment. I'm not sure--I think, you know, I spend a lot of time thinking about people's emotional motivations for doing things. I'm really, really interested in people, in the layers they construct around themselves and in the underlying fears and desires that motivate them. So I guess it was less a case of reflecting on high school as it was just reflecting on what makes people push others away--and what causes people to become desperate, and prideful, etc etc.

Also, I've been writing every day since I was five. So I've had lots and lots of practice! In that sense, it has actually taken me a really long time to publish a book.

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Hey Susan--I'm so happy to be here for another week! I did not see that post on Ilana's blog, but have certainly heard lots of buzz about THE LOST BOOKS OF THE ODYSSEY. It might have to go in my TBR pile.