Click here to ask Sarah!

[Michelle]

Hi Sarah! I'm Elle. I'm a huge fan, and I've read all your books! I love how all the characters are connected to your older books. Do you ever think you'll write books about girls who aren't from the two areas you usually use? Another question I had was is it easy for you to write about girl with so many different home situations? Do you put research into it or does just come naturally? I read and liked The Moon and More!

[[deleted user]]

Hi Sarah my name is Aesha I'm sort of aspiring to be a writer in the near future and I wanted to congratulate you on your new upcoming book the moon and more. I also wanted to know mainly how much of yourself you put into the books when you write. Whenever I read your stories the one question in the back of my mind the entire time is "I wonder if when she creates her characters if she takes characteristics about herself and builds the character around them" so basically my question to you is, are your characters a reflection of you in a way or people you know or are they just simply random characters?

[Kelly]

Hi Sarah! My name is Kelly and I'm aspiring to be a great writer much like yourself. I was just curious as to how you started out. How did you get your work out there? How do I begin when trying to get published?

[Kennedy]

Hi, Sarah! Love all your books! I was wondering how you decided to do the tie-ins with other characters in each book? When you have an already-loved character make a reappearance in a different book, do you plan that beforehand or does it just happen as you're writing? Also, what made you decide to do that? It's one of my favorite things about your writing! Just picked up The Moon and More, and can't wait to see my favorite characters, or even places, again for a little while. It's like visiting an old friend once you've moved somewhere new! Hope that doesn't sound too cheesy!
- Kennedy

[Weasleykins]

Hello Sarah,

I discovered your novel "Along For The Ride" when I was at a Ottawa Canadian Chapters one day, looking for something to read, I found your book and bought it. It only took me a week to read it. I would swim in my pool all morning and read all afternoon. I soon after bought a lot more of your novels. What I would like to ask is?

Like they say: 'Read Sarah Dessen and fall in love. Or read her once and fall in love. ' I have done that 2 summers ago.

Here is my question;

How do you come up with the names for your characters, specially the ones in "Along For The Ride?"

Your reader,

Michaela Cormier

[Sam]

Hey Sarah! I'm OBSESSED with your books I've read all of them and will never forget any of them. They have changed my life. My question is what made you mention Auden again in the Moon and More?

PS i love how you put Auden in there.

[Kimberley]

Sarah!! Hi, my name is Kim and I am a huuuuge fan! My question is does bad feedback ever get to you? If yes, how do you look past it? Thanks! Can't wait to read The Moon and More!!

[Kristen]

Hi Sarah let me just say I adore your books and writing style. I was wondering if you ever consider revisiting some of your characters in future books as more than just cameos? I have noticed you've done that on occasion, which I think is pretty cool. Also do you have any advice for an aspiring author?

[Christie]

Hi Sarah!! My name is Christie and my question is...what motivated you to write young adult romance novels? I am personally a big fan of young adult novels, especially yours!! Also, can you relate to the stories you have written? Did they ever happen to you or a friend as a teenager? Thanks for taking your time to read this! It is an honor to be able to ask you questions! :)

[Elizabeth]

Hi Sarah! I love your books!! You always have such good books, so what inspires you to write them?

[Caity]

Hi Sarah! I was curious about how you come up with the names for your characters - you always use such original, unique names. Some of my personal favorites have been Auden (now on my own baby name list!) and Scarlett.

[Kristen]

Hello Sarah-

As a Children's Librarian and a huge lover of all of your books...What is your first memory of a library as a young child??

Thank You-
Kristen Short

[Margret]

Hi Sarah! I am a huge fan and have taken out most of your books from my school library! I loved Just Listen, the Truth About Forever and Lock and Key! I was just wondering what was your inspiration for your new book The Moon and More?

[Maison]

Hello Sarah!! I want to start this off by saying 'Thank You'. Thank you for writing and being the awesome author that you are. I am sort of, kind of starting to write and I definitely look at your books and your writing style as an inspiration. I absolutely loved 'The Moon and More'. It has become one of my favorite books. I loved that it was very unique and totally not cliché. I do wonder what happened to Theo and what happened with Emaline and Luke? I also was wondering what is your favorite snack to eat when reading or writing? What is your favorite genre of books to read? Also, if you could write any kind of novel outside of your current genre what would it be about? Sorry, I know that is a ton of questions. hehe. Well, I guess I should end this somehow even though it's probably gonna end rather awkwardly but oh well. Thank you again for being such an awesomesauce and lollipops author. I can't wait to read more of your novels!!!

Thanks,
Maison <3

[Alyssa]

Hey Sarah! You write the best books, I especially love Along fot the Ride! What do you dobin your free time? What inspired you to start wroting novels? And what is the most rewarding part of being an author?

[Tara]

Greetings!

I hope that these questions haven't already been asked, but what's the harm in rehashing an issue right? :)

As a high school English teacher, I see one of your books almost, if not, every day. However, these books are most often in the hands of young girls. I myself have read a few of your books (most recently, "The Truth About Forever") and find that boys could even get into the stories as well. Once again, my goal as an educator is to get the kids reading, so my questions relate to that...

Do you intend to direct your stories for girls and "girly" dilemmas?
How could boys get more into or relate more to your stories?
Is there a particular novel that boys would feel is for them, despite what a cover may suggest?

Thanks so much for keeping young readers reading! :)

[Maizie]

Hi Sarah! I love all your books :) my favorite one so far has been The Truth About Forever, your books keep me thinking that I'll fall in love one day despite everything. I've already bought The Moon & More & I can't wait to start it.

A lot of my questions have already been asked & I'm anxious to hear your answers. But I have to ask you, what is your favorite book? And what your favorite book out of the ones you have written? Do you have any authors that you would recommend that write books similar to yours? Can't wait to hear from you & thank you for being an amazing inspirational writer.

[Lydia]

Hi! My name is Lydia and I ADORE your books! I was just wondering what your inspiration is in most of your books?

[Bryanna]

Hi Sarah! I love your books, I own every one that you have written and I absolutely love the way you write your stories. There is always a realistic aspect to it and always a subject that teens/ young adults go through. My question is how do your stories come to you? Also would you ever consider writing a sequel to any of your books? Or are you content with just letting your characters make small appearances in the other books? Also my birthday is the day that you are answering questions, so this is kind of like an early present for me. Thank you and keep writing your amazing books!

[Shealah]

Hi Sarah! I'm a huge fan! I read. A few of your books, and I am in love. I am a writer, I am 13 years old, my name is Shealah. I would like to know what keeps you motivated to write, and if you have any writing tips for a younger writer like me! Also, how old were you when you started writing? Hopefully you will answer my questions! Xoxox you're a great inspiration,your work is amazing and I only hope to be as good a writer as you!!

[Shannon]

Hi! My name is Shannon and I love your books! You are an amazing author and I hope you continue to make books. My question is how the you come up withy the plot of your book? Do you just randomly think of, do you have to think about it for a while, or do base them off of experience?
Thank you so much!

[Cait]

Hi, Mrs. Dessen!

I'm so excited to have the chance to ask one of my favorite authors questions!

1) Do you ever think about a future for your characters? If so, did Wes & Macy get married? Did they have kids?
2) I love the way your characters' lives intertwine between books. It's probably my favorite technique of yours.
3) Do you like eating certain candies or anything when you write?

I love your writing and you're such an amazing author. Thank you for blessing the world with your books!

[Kalyne]

Hi Ms. Sarah! First I'd like to say I absolutely love your books! You are an amazing writer, and I was just wondering what advice you'd give an inspiring writer with terrible writers block! I can't seem to figure out how I want my story to go, and I'm just terribly stuck!!
Again, live your work!

Katlyne H.

[Kelsey]

Which of your novels is your favorite?
Do you have a favorite character?
Are any of your characters based on yourself?
Where did you get Remy's name?
Which of your books took the most time to write? The least?

[Sara]

Hi Sarah! I'm your name buddy Sara! That's cool :) So I'm a huge fan of your books! I love to read them in between big book series so I can take a fun breather :) A question I have is have you ever made a list of the tie-ins you make to your other books? I like it when you do that! I'm just reading and then all of a sudden, woah that person was from the other book! :) Also, will you be coming to South Phoenix, AZ any time soon?

[Lionbfflol]

Sarah Dessen you are my favorite author ever and a really huge fan!!! I have read almost all your books wiling on finding the last few. I watch How To Deal the movie millions of times. What I like best about your books is how you really get to know the characters without overdoing it. My question is how do you come up with ideas for your books. Thanks for making really good books :)

[Amber]

Hi Sarah I was just wondering what your process is for writing your books, and if it is the same for everyone that you write.

[Asia]

Hi I'm Asia I've read a couple of your books and I've become a fan. I was just wondering what part of your life inspired you to write such tragic and/or dramatic novels?
Thanks for your time
-Asia

[Shaymaa]

Hi Sarah! I'm Shaymaa and I would love to know if you would ever write a book about the things a teen goes through during his/her first year of college!

[Sos]

Hey Sarah! I am a huge fan of your books. Oi love how they all relate to a wide variety of young adults. In you book Dreamland where did you get the inspiration to write such a powerful and a bit violent novel? I find myself continuously getting attached to your characters.

[Anyssa]

Will you write a series for an upcoming book

[Rachel]

Hi Sarah! I have read and enjoyed many of your books. I discovered you when my brother's language class was reading Dreamland. He brought the book home and I finished it in a day, and ever since then I have been hooked. I have noticed that in your novels you often include dysfunctional families, I was wondering if there was a specific reason why.
Sincerely,
Rachel Glover

[Leeann]

Hey Sarah! I love your books. I was wondering What book character from any of your books are you like most? Or that you connect with most.

[kayla]

Hi Sarah! I would just like to know if you had ever consider to write squels for any of your books. I know some arent really sequel worthy books (not that I'm saying your books aren't good, they are actually great) but I would love to read some of the books with the same characters. Like there future and what they have done over the years. I like how you put the characters from this Lullaby in Just Listen but it just wasn't enough for me. The books that I would prefer to have a sequel would be Thus Lullaby and Along for the Ride: these books are my favorites.
~haylaa

[Alma]

Hi Sarah,
I'm a big fan of your books. My question is out of all your favorite books, which one would be you favorite? And Who are your true Inspirations?
Alma :)

[Meg]

Hi Sarah! My name is Megan and I am a huge fan of your books. First of all, I wanted to say how much you have inspired me as a writer. I hope to some day be as good as you. I wanted to know how you get through the whole writing process? Do you get a lot of help or do you find it easier to focus when you do things alone? Also, I know that when I write, I tend to frustrate myself when I get stuck. How do you deal with writers block the best? Thanks for the amazing books and I hope your great success continues on! <3

[Jarely]

Hey Sarah!
My name is Jarely I'm a great fan of all your books. I like them a lot but I kind of wish you would make a sequel to them too not just leave is hanging you know. Sincerely, Jarely

[Tess]

Hi Sarah! I'm Tessa and I was wondering what inspires you and how you create such relatable books. On more than one occasion I've seen myself in the book and reading about their strength has really helped inspire me to pull through some difficult family things and your books mean alot to me. When ever I've had a bad day or just need to know that other girls must go through similar things i pick up one of your books and always feel so much better. Thank you for writing these, they're amazing :)

[Jordan]

Hi Sarah! My name is Jordan, and to be honest, I have only read one of your books. Someone like you, which was fantastic. That being said, I absolutely love your writing, so I know that I will be a fan of the other books I will read by you. I was just wondering exactly what you do when you have an idea for a story. Do you immediately write it down, or let it grow in your mind? I have been thinking about writing and have written a chapter or two of my own book, but I'm not sure how to go around it. Thank you!

[L527]

Hi Sarah! My name is Lauren and I'm a huge fan!! :) I love to write and you are my biggest influence. I was wondering how you create such realistic and relatable characters. Can you please give me some tips on character building and development? I'm a big fan of your books and am reading The Moon and More, which I haven't been able to put down.

P.S. We have an old blue Land Cruiser, so thanks for mentioning it in Just Listen :)

[Jamie]

Hey Sarah! I fell in love with your writing when I first read one of your books, Dreamland. The characters you create are so relatable and so easy to love. I could read Just Listen all day everyday and never be tired of it! How do you make your characters, and their love interests, so flawed, yet so lovable? And what would your advice to hopeful authors be?

[Marielis]

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 personal favorite books ever, I can really relate to the story.
Thank you for your amazing books!

I hope life's treating you well. :]
Love, Marielis.

[Ashley]

Hi! I'm Ashley Busse and I can't say I'm your greatest fan, but I do love your work. I personally love Just Listen, and wonder how you thought of the idea. Also, I was wondering if you could give me any tips about being a writer. Thank you.

[Cat]

HI sarah!
my name is catherine, and i love reading your books. i expect everyone says that though... i write sometimes and i was wondering how you always keep your plot line on track? that may sound confusing but whenever i start writing i just lose what im about to do, its like i cant think of anything to add next, and i just give up. Also i find i difficult to come up with names, and the names of your characters are all so great- unique but not crazy- and i was curious as to how you chose them. it'd be cool if you replied, but you dont have to, of course. again i love your books, and you are a great writer, stay strong

[Sarah]

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 was wondering how you decided you wanted to become a writer? My 2nd question is how you decide on what kind of a personality you want each character to have, and my third question is what is your goal after you release a book? Do you hope that it inspires people or do you just write because you love doing it? Thanks so much!

[Tara]

Hi Sarah,my name is Tara im 15 and I really enjoy your books,(so far i've read Just Listen, The Truth About Forever, and im currently reading Along For The Ride).I feel I can relate to the way some of your characters feel, not how they really feel personally but in general...(if that makes any sense). I guess my question is(which you probably get all the time, so sorry)some of you books have very strong themes like the ones in 'Just Listen' but some of them don't like in 'Along For The Ride'(from what I can tell so far) where do you find the medium sorta speak, where do all the ideas come from?

[Mariana]

What are your plans for future books? Will you write something about Stockholm syndrome one day? That would be so interesting. What are your favorite books? Do you like Lana Del Ray?

[Miriam]

Hi, Sarah I've read several of your books and my favorite was What happened to Goodbye. my question was, what was your inspiration to write that book?

[Ashley]

Hey Sarah. I absolutely loved reading your books and am so excited for thus new one to come up.
I wanted to know, as an aspiring writer, what it is you do to get over writer's block. This always seems to be my downfall when it comes to writing.
Thank you so much

[Sara]

Hi Ms. Sarah :) I'm a really big fan, I love your books!! And the new covers too.
1) How do you come up with your characters? They are always so unique!
2)I love your writing style, how did you come up with it?