 A September 2006 interview with Alyson Noel, author of Faking 19, Art Geeks & Prom Queens and more!
Did you always want to be a writer?
Well first I wanted to be a mermaid, and then a princess, but the day I finished my first Judy Blume book I knew I wanted to be a writer. I was always an avid reader, starting with Green Eggs and Ham, and progressing through Charlotte’s Web, and all the Little House on the Prairie books. But it was Are you there God? It’s me Margaret, and Deenie, that felt like they were written just for me, and my friends, and all the things we were going through. Those books made me realize how a story could be so much more.
How much of your writing is based on your own experience as a child or teenager?
Actually, a lot of it! And although her experiences are pure fiction, Alex in Faking 19 is very much like I was back then- divorced parents, after school job, and just sort of lost and directionless. And like Rio, in Art Geeks and Prom Queens, I know what it’s like to be the new girl, and to have all the other girls hate you.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Well, up until last year I was a flight attendant, and although it was fun, I’m really glad it’s over. Though I guess my dream job would still involve travel, just minus the polyester suit and sore feet, and with a permanently reserved first class seat!
Are you working on anything now?
I’m always working on something- since I don’t know how to not write! I’m going over the copy edits for next spring’s, Kiss & Blog, and have just completed Untitled book #6, which means I’m delving right into Untitled book #7.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I learned to read with Horton Hatches the Egg, and I still own the original! I even wrote my name on the inside cover, (though the S is backwards). Charlotte’s Web is the first book that ever made me cry (I mean, I was sobbing!), and I think I’ve read Deenie at least 15 times (and I kept the original copy of that one as well)!
What authors have influenced you the most?
Well, other than Judy Blume, JD Salinger’s- Catcher in the Rye was not only amazing, but it also fueled my desire to write, and was one of the few class assigned books I’ve read many times since. And though I’m inspired all the time by great writing, my list of favorite authors is so long I’m afraid of leaving one out!
Do you believe in outlining?
Yes! Even though I don’t really do it. When I start a new book, I usually make a list of characters with their physical descriptions, and the problems they’ll have to face, and so on. And then I begin an outline, which usually hums along until somewhere towards the middle where the itch to abandon ship and swim with the story becomes so unbearable I end up jotting off a half hearted finish just so I can get to the book!
What is the one book no writer should be without?
Story, by Robert Mckee. Mine is highlighted, stuffed with post it notes, dog-eared, coffee stained, and autographed (!)- And I couldn’t live without it.
What’s your favorite movie?
American Beauty- I love everything about it.
What are some of your hobbies?
Even after spending way too many years as a flight attendant, my number one hobby is still travel. Hence my travel size shampoo bottles are always filled up and ready to go on a moment’s notice.
What’s your favorite book turned movie?
Bridget Jones Diary, I thought they did a great job.
What is your favorite word?
Peace.
What is you least favorite word?
Cancer.
What is your working environment like?
A little home office with the usual things like desks, chairs, fax, phones, printers and computers, a bulletin board covered in images that inspire me, a recumbent bike where I catch up on all my magazine reading (I subscribe to everything!), and an ocean view that I cover with closed blinds since I can’t afford that kind of distraction!
What’s the one question that no one ever asks you and you wish they would?
Bono’s on line two, he says he wants to take you to dinner. What should I tell him?
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