Click here to ask Sarah!

[Jessica]

Hi Sarah :) What do you think about the editing process? Most authors complain about it, but never elaborate. I just wanted to know your view on it.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Marielis wrote: "Hello Sarah! I'm Marielis, I'm from Venezuela. I'm a HUGE fan. I have a question, For you, is it easier to use personal experiences or fictional experiences in your books?
Just listen is one of my..."

I find that if I write about myself, or things that have happened to me, it tends to not be as interesting on the page. What works best is if I START with something that happened to me, but then take it in a different direction than what actually occurred. If I have to create something from the bottom up, it's more alive for both me and the reader. Experience is great, but I am no memorist. I like making things up!

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Sarah wrote: "Hi Sarah! My name is also Sarah, and I love you sooooo much!!!!! I love reading, and you are by far my favorite author ever! I love all of your books!! I have 3 questions. My first question is I wa..."

My greatest hope for any book upon its release is that the fans like it and think it's as good as the others. By book number 11, as THE MOON AND MORE is, there's pressure to not repeat myself and keep the stories fresh. As an author, of course, I also want the books to sell well. I am always aiming for number one, although it's been awhile since I got there. But I am stubborn. I will keep at it!

[Beng]

Hi Sarah!

Love your book The Truth About Forever. <3 and i'm really excited to read your new novel. i wonder if its now available in the Philippines? Lovelots x

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Emily wrote: "Hi Sarah!

First, my favorite book of yours has to The Truth About Forever.
Second, I enjoyed The Moon and More.
Will you please continue the older main characters? I love you and your books but ..."

I had written a LOT about mothers and daughters, and I'm always looking for new things I haven't tackled as much. I did some stuff with Auden and her dad in ALONG FOR THE RIDE but I loved the idea of a parent coming back into your life and how you would deal with all the feelings associated with that. As far as older narrators, I just don't know. I think my girls will have to grow up eventually, but it has to feel right to do it. A lot has happened to me since high school, though...

[Ivy]

Which countries would you love to travel to? And which counties that you've already been to are your personal favorites?

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Nickie wrote: "Hi Sarah! Other than being a die hard fan, fellow writer, and the one person who believes most in the world you need to be a co-host on GMA, I do have a few a questions.

1) In The Moon and More wh..."

So many questions! But I'll answer the one about Emaline's name. It's pronounced Emma-line. Although I'm sure people have their own versions!

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Erica wrote: "Hey Sarah! I've only read five of your books so far, but it seems like your girls have sisters more often than brothers. I'm curious. How many sisters/brothers do you have?"

I have no sisters and one brother. I love my brother, but I think I always wished for more girls in the house! Maybe that's why so many of my characters have sisters for siblings.

[Sarah]

Hi Sarah!! Looking through the comments I just got an idea for a another question! How do you balance your family life with your career? And what other activities/hobbies do you like to pursue? Thanks!!!

-Sarah

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Leo wrote: "Hi Sarah!! i read Lock & Key at the beginning of this year, and that was the first book written by you that I have ever read, but ever since, I have been ordering your books! I also wanted to tell ..."

I always liked to make up stories, ever since I made up whole histories for the people who lived in my dollhouse when I was a kid. But I didn't think I could do it seriously for a living until I was in college. There, I had professors who really believed in me in a way I was scared to do myself. I still can't believe I get to do this every day, though. It's seriously a dream come true.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Luningning wrote: "Hi Sarah! I really love your books, especially Along for the Ride which is a big favorite of mine among your works. I can't wait to read The Moon and More! Just a few questions:
1) How do you come ..."

The best advice I have for anyone who wants to be a writer is to read as much as you can get your hands on. That's really the only way you learn, although classes can help as well. But reading good books, and seeing how authors handle things like plot, character, etc: that's crucial. I also really believe in setting a time you work every day and sticking to it, no matter what. Discipline is SO important. Books don't write themselves. You have to show up, day after day, for anything to happen.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Kimberly wrote: "Hi Sarah,

I read "This Lullaby" on a car trip with my parents when I was fifteen and I've been loyally following your work for the nine years since then. It affected me in a way that very few book..."

I did not intend for Melissa from Lock and Key to be the same Melissa. But...I kind of love that she could be. :)

[Riya]

Hi Sarah!
I am a HUGE fan!
I was wondering: where do you look to find inspiration for your books.
Thanks

[Julie]

Hey Sarah!
Huge fan of your books!
They always leave me so happy when I finish them!
I was just wondering, did you always plan to put small connections between your books? Do you ever find it challenging to come up with new plots?

[Lvrin]

hello, Ms. Dessen.
I know by me saying this i will sound just like everybody else, But I love your books. Especially dreamland. That book brought back so many memories, and Its almost like I had closure after reading it. Your books are wonderful, I just wanted to know what gives you the inspiration to write? and do you think you will ever truly be done with writing after so many books?

[Chloe]

Hi Sarah!!! I have read four of your books and I absolutely love them!!! I was wondering how do you keep our books in a similar style but they are still original and utterly gripping? I managed to read three of your books in one week, I had a whole pile of them to read!!!

[Hanna]

I know The Moon and More just came out, but are you currently writing anything?

[Santoshi]

hey sarah congrats on being a mindblowing author......i just hv one question.....why dont all the lead pair in your novels not end up together (except in truth about forever)?

[Elizabeth]

Hi Sarah! Books I have read by you are "The Truth About Forever"; "Lock and Key"; "This Lullaby", and on the drive in I just finished listening to "Along for the Ride"! Great ending!!
Although you are marketed to Young Adults I often recommend your books to adults because of your solid storytelling(I am a librarian). I LOVE YOUR characters. My questions 1) Do you always write in first person? 2) Do you always have a teen female protagonist? and 3) Do you make a map or outline of characters and their attributes and how they are related to each other prior to tackling a book? Thank you! Have a great day on Goodreads today!!

[Nancy]

Sarah--your writing makes readers feel like we are right there in the story. How do you keep everything feeling so "fresh" in your books?

[Tima]

Hi Sarah! Im so glad to be able to exchange a few words with you! Best birthday present ever haha! First of all i must say that i really enjoy reading your books. Great summer reads, i cant wait to get my hands on To the Moon and More. The question i have for you today is: How do you stay so motivated to write all your books till the pure and utter ending? I mean seriously, dealing with writers block, and the frequent "I hate this book and i want to quit. I just cant do it anymore!" moments. How is it possible to get throught all that? Im trying to write my debut novel but honestly, its giving me hell! Hahaha! I guess part of it is the lack of peer motivation that i have, since only my best friend knows. Pleasseee show me your magic! Thanks for making this one of the best birthdays ever!

[[deleted user]]

Hi Sarah! How do you come up with this amazing story lines? Also out of all the characters in your books which ones are your favorites if you even have a favorite? Thank you for writing such amazing books! I hope there are more to come!

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Lindsay wrote: "Hey Sarah! What's you favorite thing to do after one of your books comes out?

I look forward to your reply!

Lindsay"

Once I am done with a book, I like to totally vegetate! After I finish a draft and book promotion/tour, it's usually all sleeping, BRAVO Tv marathons and lots of snacks. It's practically required. :)

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Jourdan wrote: "Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for your books! My favorite is The Truth About Forever. I love how your intertwine your characters into different books. I'm always way too excited to see a glimpse into..."

That is actually a REALLY good idea, having a main character attend the Fountain School. Hmmmm.....

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Jackie wrote: "Hi Sarah, it's Jackie! I've been reading your books for a few years now and am just a general lover of the YA genre. So what's your favorite part about writing for young adults? :)"

Definitely the enthusiasm of the readers. We're so lucky as YA authors to be catching people JUST when they are discovering how amazing the connection to books really is. As an adult reader, I think I'm a bit more jaded, but younger readers get SO EXCITED about what they're reading and the connections they feel to it. It's really amazing and an honor to be part of that.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Emily wrote: "Hello there :)

I just wanted to ask, how old were you when you published your first book?
And also, did you go it alone or have a super dedicated editor/agent to work with?

Thanks!"

I was 24 when I sold my first book, THAT SUMMER, and 26 when it was published. I would be nowhere without my amazing agent, who has been with me from the beginning. She's guided me through SO much in the publishing world I never would have understood otherwise. I know some people choose to go alone, but I can't imagine that. My contracts are LONG and practically in another language they are so complicated. It's crucial to have someone who knows that world well that you trust implicity, and I have that in Leigh.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Priscilla wrote: "what gave you the idea for "along for the ride"?"

It started with the fact that I had newborn suddenly found myself up a lot in the middle of the night. I'd see a car driving by, or a neighbor's light on at 3am and think, "What are THEY doing up at this hour?" I was fascinated by the idea of a whole world that went on when most of us were sleeping, and Auden's story came from there.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

I just want to say I am feeling VERY heartened by the fact that so many questions have to do with keeping going with writing when it gets hard. I love to know I am not alone! Every book is a struggle for me, in one way or another. You just have to keep going. It's where the work comes in.

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Paula wrote: "I'm Paula, and I live in British Columbia, Canada :)
Who are some of your favourite authors, Sarah? Any books you have read recently that you could recommend?"

In YA I love Laurie Halse Anderson, Gayle Forman, Sara Zarr, Ally Carter...so many to chose from! I read everything, though. A book I loved recently was Maria Semple's WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE, which just came out in paperback. Also I'm telling everyone to read RESCONSTRUCTING AMELIA by Kimberly McCreight. I could not put it down!

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

TimeTravelling wrote: "Hi Sarah! I'm Aiman and right after reading 'Just Listen', I just fell like TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH YOU! Sarah...How would you define Life in one sentence?"


Ummmm..."Life is crazy, complicated and wonderful. Sometimes, all three at once."

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Tearsa wrote: "Hello Sarah! Huge fan for years now, and have to say This Lullaby will always be one of my favorite reads over and over again. Two questions for you:

1. What book is your all time favorite, can re..."

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY by John Irving is a book I have read over and over again, and still find amazing things in it. As far as breakfast, I love a good egg white omelet with turkey bacon. I am boring!

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Emma wrote: "Hi Sarah, my name is Emma. I would like to say that you are my all time favorite author and I cannot wait to read The Moon and More! I was just wondering, How do you manage to keep all your stories..."

It started out as a way of creating my own little world, one I had complete control over. (I'm a bit of a control freak, to be honest.) But then it got really fun to have things overlap just like they do in the small down where I live. I do often have to go pull previous books off the shelf, though, to remember specific names of stores or places. My memory is not that great these days!

[Stephanie]

Hi Sarah you are one of my favorite authors. I been reading your books since 2008 when I was a Freshman in high school, your books have really taught me a lot about life and learning new things about myself. My question to you is: will "The Moon and More" book have different life lessons as your other books? and if that is, what life lessons will be in this book?

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Caryn wrote: "Hello Sarah! Dreamland is one of my favorite books. Was it difficult writing such a dark story, especially one that was different than the rest of your books?"

DREAMLAND was really hard to write, and I'm so proud of it. I know a lot of people see it as the odd one out of my books because it is so dark and different, but I'm just so glad it is out there. The hardest part of writing it was building Caitlin up as a character, then having to totally tear her down. Some days I literally had to stretch out on the floor after I worked just to get unstressed.

[Margret]

Hi Sarah! I have read most of your books and love all of them! One of my favorites is the Truth About Forever! I was just wondering what is one of your favorite books that you have written and one of your favorite books from another author? You are such an inspiration!

[Ayana]

Hi Sarah! I am a huge fan of your books, and among the ones I've read, my all time-favorites are The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby :) I love your stories and I can't wait to read your latest one. You are an awesome writer and I will try to collect all your books since they have become my favorites anyway. :D So, I would just like to ask that 1)among the books you've written, which book is your favorite? 2) Which among your characters do you relate the most? 3) What are your favorite books/authors? and 4) What inspires you to write?

Thank you so much for your time! Keep up the good work, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your books :)

[Isabella]

Hey Sarah! Well like everyone else on this group I love your books, my favorite being Someone Like You. I was wondering how you create such complex characters. Also do you feel a connection with any of the characters in your books or another authors books? Thanks!

[Diana]

hey sarah! I Love your books my favorite is someone like you. what inspired you to write this book?

[Tracie]

Hey Sarah! You might remember me as the crazy lady in Seattle who went on and on about kindergarten registration. So sorry about that :) I was star struck! My question that I really wanted to ask you then is how or when do you decide a book just isn't going to work? I've been trying to write a book for ages now, but keep getting stuck. The story is just not working. Every time I decide that maybe it's just not good and shelf it I ultimately find myself back with these characters. They just won't leave me alone. lol How do you decide it's time to shelf it?

I absolutely adore you and your books! I've never been disappointed. Thank you so much!

[Alexa]

Hi Sarah! I have loved your books for many, many years. I always get so excited when I learn you have a new book coming out! I really enjoyed the moon and more.
One of the things I love the most about your books is how you intertwine the people and places in all of your books, it really creates a wonderful world and it is fun to spot references and appearances of favorite characters!
The one question I had when I finished it was:
Did you consider having Norman make an appearance in this book? It seemed so perfect because it was about an artist in Colby.
Thanks! Can't wait until you have another book out!! :D good luck!

[Courtney]

Wow. I can't believe I'm actually talking to you. My name is Courtney and you're hands down my favorite author. The character Remy from This Lullaby is just like me. Exactly like me. My friend Sydney also loves you by the way. We've read every single one of your books. My favorite is This Lullaby and Sydney's favorite is What Happened To Goodbye. I love you so much!

[Alexandria]

hi, I'm a college student in Atlanta, GA who is trying to become an author. What would you suggest to someone who has no clue where to begin in this business? How did you make a living before you were a successful author? I'm a big fan of your work. I know every author's process is a little different. What is yours? How do you develop your stories? Do you start in the middle? The beginning?
Thanks!

[Lorena]

Hi Sarah!! Today is my birthday!! Can I have a signed copy of The Moon and More? Just kidding, although it is my birthday ;>) My name is Lauren and my friends and I have been reading your books for years. I've read all of your books. It's cool to see how your writing has progressed and I think you've just gotten better and better! Thank you so much for creating such wonderful and motivating characters (not to mention hot!) I can't wait to see what's in store for us next!

[Rita]

Hello Sarah! I have read most of your books, and I am enthusiastic to read The Moon and More. My favorite book of yours is What Happened to Goodbye. I feel I can relate to Mclean because the fact that she is always moving from town to town. And she feels that with every move, she has to be a different person. Well, I don't exactly change personalities,(or names) but reading how she finally found a new home makes me hope that I will settle down too. Based on your experiences, with what book and character you feel more connected and attached? And what inspired you to write it?? Thank you for your marvelous writing, I will happily continued buying your books.

[Rameela (Star)]

So I was reading your responses, and I just had a comment about one of them that caused me to be super excited:

1) OMG ALLY CARTER?! I LOVE HER BOOKS!!!! XD

[Cynthia]

Your books are amazing. I love how you understand young adults completely. Your readers can and do relate to each and every book and storyline that you write. You have a gift! Thank you for sharing this gift with us. Keep writing and as soon as I get my own classroom, I plan on purchasing every book that you have written for my classroom library.

[Lindsay Rose]

Hey Sarah,
I was just wondering which love interest from your books is most like your husband? And why?

Thanks, love you, love your books,
Lindsay

[Rebecca]

Hi Sarah, I was just wondering if you'd consider visiting the UK? You're my favourite author and I would love to meet you in person!

[Nicole]

When you are writing, do you have a certain message or theme in mind that you want to achieve or do you just kind of stumble upon it?

[Sarah, Author of The Moon and More]

Rachel wrote: "Hi Sarah! Of all of the book characters you have written, who is most similar to you?"

I think all of my girls have a BIT of my personality. Halley from SOMEONE LIKE YOU is the closest to what I was like in high school. Remy from THIS LULLABY is how I wished I was, more confident, at least in some ways. It's always more fun to write about people NOT like yourself, I think.