Ask Susane Colasanti - Monday, May 20th! discussion
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Thanks for being such a dedicated reader :)
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I find inspiration everywhere: real-life experiences, my imagination, even dreams. The Rhiannon/James relationship in Take Me There came to me in a dream. So did the plot of Something Like Fate.
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When I was 12, I knew I wanted to be a science teacher. More than that. I had a Knowing that I would become a science teacher. I didn't get the memo that you could be more than one thing. But I was also a passionate reader and writer.
My first book, When It Happens, was inspired by my own experiences senior year of high school. That story was burning inside of me all through college. When I started grad school, I began writing the first draft. I wanted to write the kind of book I would have wanted to read as a teen. So the career switch from teaching to writing was a gradual one. I wrote my first two books while I was still teaching. When the opportunity to write full-time presented itself, I took a chance. Of course I was nervous! Leaving behind a steady paycheck for an unknown future was scary. But you usually have to take big risks to shape your life into the life you want to be living. As long as you follow your heart and strive to make the world a better place, you are making the right choice.
Hi, Susane! :)Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer questions!
When you were first published, what was the most challenging thing when it came to getting an agent and just the whole process (writing, editing, publishing) in general?
Thanks again!
Tyler
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Starting from a place of similarity rather than difference helps when I write from a boy's perspective. Both boys and girls want the same basic things. We all want to be loved. We all want to find someone who understands us. We all want to feel meaningful connections with the world. I start with what we have in common as my motivation to create a boy's voice. Then I factor in the typical differences between boys and girls. Boys tend to speak using choppier language. They tend to not express emotions as frequently or elaborately. Of course my main boy characters are more sensitive and emotional than average boys. But I think that's what makes them so lovable.
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Deciding on settings has been easy so far. I love living in New York City. The energy here makes me feel alive. I wanted to share that energy with my readers in So Much Closer and Take Me There. Hopefully, I was able to make the energy of New York come alive in those books.
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Yes and yes! Fate and love and first sight aren't just concepts I write about in my books. I've experienced both of them and am here to tell you that soul mates exist. Karma made it possible for me to meet my boyfriend/soul mate. So many non-coincidences came into play that it's impossible to deny the existence of fate. It was totally love at first sight for me. The same thing happens to Skye and Seth in All I Need. When you meet a soul mate, you just know. The connection/chemistry energy is undeniable. You feel the way you've always wanted to feel with someone. It's a completely overwhelming experience that I try to capture in each of my books.
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A movie adaptation is one of my biggest dreams. We're working on making this happen, but it's a long process. I can definitely see When It Happens, Take Me There, Something Like Fate, or All I Need as a movie. While I was writing When It Happens, I pictured each chapter as a scene from a movie. Seeing Sara and Tobey's story come alive on the screen would be amazing. Although I don't know which book it will be yet, I have a Knowing one of my books will become a movie in the near future :)
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First off, I have read all of your books and loved how they relate to feelings of love, hurt, friendship, and fear in the mind of a high schooler; you capture this perfectly e..."
Congratulations! Your story of determination and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your wonderful news <3
I am a huge fan and cannot wait to read All I Need, its next on my To-Read list. I would like to know what your favorite 'Pick Me Up' books are, so when you are having a bad day or need a good love story, what do you pick up to read? Anything like that, i'm always looking for different books to add to my list! Keep Holding On is actually one of favorite pick me ups. :) you're amazing and I love all your books, thanks for everything!
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You have affected my life deeply. Before I read one of your books, I hardly read a whole book. Now these days I have read all but one your books and read about three books a week. M..."
I'm so happy you're developing a love of reading! Reading will enhance your life in so many ways. More power to you :)
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Writing is more something I have to do than something I want to do. Of course I want to write - I absolutely love my job! But writing has always been a passion of mine. Stories take shape in my mind until I'm forced to express them on paper.
When It Happens and Keep Holding On were inspired by my actual experiences. The plots of Take Me There and Something Like Fate came to me in dreams. My books include a mix of personal experiences and complete fabrication.
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I´m always proud of your job, the only book I have is Keep Holding On. I really appreciate your feeling toward others it is a great honor to have someone like you to look up to. Beca..."
Thank you for sharing this. My goal in writing Keep Holding On was to inspire teens to speak up against bullying, whether they are personally being bullied or are witnessing others being bullied. School should be a safe place where students feel protected. For a lot of teens, that is far from the case. I want more teens to feel inspired to defend themselves against hate. Bullying can be stopped, but only if the victims and witnesses take a stand.
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These days I mostly read teen novels. Realistic contemporary fiction is my thing. But I am also dedicated to my fave grownup authors, including Jonathan Tropper, Jodi Picoult, Garrison Keillor, Nick Hornby, Anne Tyler, and Steve Martin. I did venture into the dystopia genre to read The Hunger Games...and am thrilled that I did! The Hunger Games kept me up reading until four in the morning, eyes burning out of my head, knowing that I would be exhausted the next day and not caring. That's the best kind of book.
Susane wrote: "lily wrote: "Hi I am Lily and I absolutely love your writing! I was just wondering what books you like to read? What genres or authors do you find intrigue you the most? I'd love to hear back from ..."Wow thanks so much for answering! I also am I a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy! And I completely agree that the best kinds of books are those that keep you up reading all through the night!
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Read on, friendly neighbors! Much love xoxo
Susane wrote: "Jazz wrote: "Hi Susane, in your books, but in When It Happens especially, where do you get inspiration from to perfect the male voice or perspective to ensure that it is not made too feminine, as..."Thank you so much for answering my question Susane! I look forward to reading more books from you. You are an inspiration to all us aspiring authors and dedicated readers.
Hi my name is Marisol.How do warm fuzzies look like in ur book and mind?.?im just really curiousXD❤️
Susane wrote: "Morgan wrote: "Hello Ms. Colasanti,First off, I have read all of your books and loved how they relate to feelings of love, hurt, friendship, and fear in the mind of a high schooler; you capture t..."
Susane wrote: "Morgan wrote: "Hello Ms. Colasanti,
First off, I have read all of your books and loved how they relate to feelings of love, hurt, friendship, and fear in the mind of a high schooler; you capture t..."
Thank you so much for reading my comment and replying yet again Ms. Colasanti! You are such an amazing role model for women everywhere. I look forward to reading all your works and striving to be like you once my book comes out. About a month now! :)
Thank you, friendly neighbor!