Click here to ask Sarah!

[Emily]

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 your original readers(me included) are getting older.
Finally, what made you switch to a father/daughter conflict?

Thank you,
Emily

[Grace]

Hello Sarah! I'm almost sixteen years old and I'm writing my second book, which I call Like The Stars. I would like some advice, please:

1. What tips would you give for the rewrite stage?
2. Since I am only fifteen, when do you think I should start really getting serious about finding a publisher and trying to get my stuff out there?
3. Do you suggest going to college for writing? And for how many years should I plan on?

Also, I've noticed that once I have the general idea of my story and my characters in mind, my characters start deciding everything for themselves. I feel like I'm discovering the elements of the story, rather than making them up. Is this what's supposed to happen? Do you have anything to say about that?

[Lexi]

Hi Sarah!! My name is Lexi and I have been reading your books since I was 11. My question is who was your favourite character to write and why? My personal favourite is macy from The Truth About Forever :) I love all your books and please keep writing!

[Tirzah]

Hello, Sarah, I absolutely loves your books, you were just about the first contemporary writer I ever got really into, and I am forever thankful for that! I was wondering, a couple of things, one, what are some of your favourite books/authors, and two, what are some of you favourite bands?

[Heather]

Hi Sarah! My name is Heather & I've been a fan since I used to work @ Borders and shelved your books all the time. I finally picked up Lock & Key-LOVED it & went back to read everything else. How old were you when you started writing? I love following you on Twitter too-keep on keeping it real! Thanks!

[Heather]

Hi Sarah! My name is Heather, I'm 17 and graduating high school on June 22nd, and I've seriously taken up a passion for writing! I always get these ideas for a new story. I was just wondering what you start a story with, for instance do you start with the plot, the characters, do you make a full character description? Because I always start a story but I can never finish one, :( and I would really love to because writing relaxes me!

[Naomi]

Hello Sarah! I have a question for you about writing.

Now I am an avid reader and writer, I've read a bunch of books by you and other authors. I continually find myself suffering from writers' bloc on a daily basis. What keeps you motivated throughout the whole writing process?

[Abby]

Hi sarah!, Im abby from Australia, and i am a huge fan of your books! my favorite so far is 'Just Listen'. I was wondering, what got you into wirting? And what makes you think of the story line ot every different book? (: xx -Abby

[Jacy]

Hey Sarah! I just wanted to say that I loved The Moon and More and all of the other books you've written. I'm a huge fun and just wanted to know a few things:

1. For your characters, how do you create them and especially name them. I'm a novice writer and I have trouble coming up with names that aren't too weird and aren't too popular for my characters.

2. If you could live in a book, which book would you live in or would you just create your own?

3. I know that The Moon and More is your 11th novel. How many novels will you write? What will your 12th be like?


Thank you!

[Kathy]

Hi Sarah :)
I'm a HUGE fan :D
1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
2. What advice would you give to future writers?
3. Would you change anything about any book if you could re-write it?
4. This one's for fun: who would you choose to play Owen and Annabel if Just Listen were made into a movie?
Thanks!!!!

[cece]

Sarah, you are a truly remarkable author whose ideas and literature writings have made such a huge impact on my life. How do you get your inspiration? How do you come up with a great plot and make your story enjoyable and relatable? I LOVE to write and one day I hope to be as amazing at it as you are!
Sincerely,
Siesie_jordan

[DW]

Hi Sarah. Your book DREAMLAND was the first YA book I read when I decided to make writing for MG/YA the focus of my efforts. I have since self-published 3 books which have been well received by my small but enthusiastic fan base. I have continued to read and be inspired by your work and just wanted to say thank you.

DW Davis
Goldsboro, NC

[Maddie]

Hi Ms. Dessen! (Sarah?)

I'd like to say, first of all, that I love your books; I started reading them in middle school, and now I'm in college and agonizing over the fact that my summer school hasn't allowed me to pick up The Moon and More yet.

I was wondering, how did the theme of sisterhood/the female community became a stronger theme in some of your later works (I say this in reference to "Along for the Ride" and "Keeping the Moon" specifically)?

Also:

Do you think you will write a character in the future who will not end up with a guy at the end? (I don't say this to criticize you; many of your male characters are some of my favorites, and I would say that they are much more dimensional and "real" than a lot of books that I have read lately.)

I hope those were appropriate questions, and I'd just like to convey, again, how much I love your work, and how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to ask you these questions.

[Tamara]

Hi Sarah. Some of my favorite quotes are ones that you have written in your books. Could you share your favorite quote or some words of wisdom that you have carried with you throughout your life. Thank you!

[Erica]

Hi Sarah! I love your books! I can never put them down. I always find myself to relating to at least one character in each book. My question is, are there any events, or scenes in your books that you take out of your own life? Thanks and I hope you have a great day!! God Bless! :D

[Emily]

Hey Sarah! I'm a huge fan of your work. My sister and I were wondering how you pick and choice your character's names? They all sound so unique and that's refreshing after reading multiple stories about people with similar names.

[Shannon]

Hi Sarah! My name is Shannon and I was wondering if you've ever used any personal experiences in your books? Also I love your books so much! Your the reason I love reading so much!

[Chloe]

Hi, Sarah, your books are always lovely. The connections you weave between your books are always sweet surprises. Why/how do you drop hints to previous books in a way that seems flawless?

[Chi]

Hi Sarah, I was wondering how you manage to get through writers block?

[Niamh]

Hi Sarah! My name is Niamh (Neev), and I love your books. They're like twilight only slightly more relatable and I love that you include real issues and that characters from different books cross paths. I was just wondering what your writing process is and how you force yourself to get through a book. :)

[Brandi]

Hi, Sarah! I am a senior in college, and have been a fan of your books since high school. : )
I have two quick questions!
1. What was your favorite book growing up?
2. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Thanks!

[Casey,]

Hi Sarah,

I just finished reading my first of your novels (This Lullaby) about a week ago. I must say I was surprised; I had heard you were pretty much the queen of YA chick lit, and so I expected something light, fun, and loveable. What I got was actually a lot more thoughtful, which makes me see why your novels have staying power.

SO, I guess my question is: What do you think makes a book worth reading and what gives it staying power and relatability? (Not sure that's a word) And how do you try to achieve this?

Sidenote: Do you relate to Remy's mom at all, being that you are both authors?

Thanks!

[Renee]

Dear Sarah,
My name's Renee and I'm 16 years old. I've only read The Truth About Foreer, but am about to go on what I like to call a "Sarah Dessen Binge"
I have your new book The Moon and More and am very excited to read!
My question, as an aspiring writer, is after you finish writing your first draft of a book, where do you go from there? Did you have to get a publisher before you sent it to an editor or an agent?
I'm trying to find out more about the writing process.

Another thing, I really love the characters that you create, but when you write, do you find yourself making a history for all of them and a backstory in your mind so you know what's going on with them? And then how do you write it without giving too much away too fast? Do you have a process that makes it easier?

Sorry for ranting, but you are a really talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.

With love,
From Renee
Melbourne, Australia.

[Jordan]

Hi Sarah!! I guess what I really want to ask you is...IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE THREE POSSESSIONS TO TAKE WITH YOU ON AN ISLAND WHAT WOULD THEY BE?! Sorry, but this is a haunting question. Also, I love all of your books and I also love how they all weave together, especially in What Happened to Goodbye :) Thanks!

[Ruthi]

My question for Sarah would be: Every time I read one of your books, my heart is tugged in so many different directions. How do you manage to give your characters the turmoil and strife, but keep it realistic and believable? P.S.- HUGE fan :) I have every book you have written and I absolutely love your voice and style. So clean and concise.

[Rae]

Hi! My name is Rachel and I've been a fan of yours for 5 years. I have 2 questions:
1. Will you come to Minnesota for a book signing?
2. How did you get so good at writing/ what do you do to improve?
Have a great day!

[Olivia]

Hey Sarah I'm a huge fan :) my question for you is which one of your books is the one you're most proud of yourself for writing?

[Monica]

Hi Sarah! I'm a huge fan of your style of writing and your Easter eggs of characters and settings, which is why I want to as you this: will we see more of Jason Talbot? I'm just so curious about what happened to him to make him change!

[Cassie]

Hi Sarah! I am an inspiring young adult writer myself, and I really admire your books and how relatable they are to girls like me! I was wondering though how you keep things fresh and spice up your novels to make them stand out from every other teen romance out there, and make the storylines new and interesting to read? Is there a specific idea you use to do this? Thank you!

[[deleted user]]

Hi Sarah! I am a huge fan and hope you will keep writing. I love your books my favorite being Lock and Key and Someone Like You which I thought had an amazing ending that I shed happy tears for.

[Kelly]

Hey Sarah! My name is Kelly, I am absolutely in love with your books! Your writing style is amazing, and I couldn't put your books down until I finished them! I really like the fact that your books are realistic and relatable, and I love how your books all connect, like in Lock and Key, Kristy and Bert from The Truth About Forever were shopping and saw Ruby's necklace. I am a huge fan. Out of all the books you wrote, which one are you most proud of? And in your books, did you base the characters off people you met in real life?

[Kharthiyaa]

Hilo Sarah!My name is Kharthiyaa,and i am very glad to have the chance to ask u a question(s) I am very fond of ur writing, as it inspires me to create my own realistic stories,^^ and that reading ur books is one of the best things I could ever ask for. Ur books r amazingly written, and emotional as though I'm the character, and teaches that life is not the same, it's diffrent for everyone, and how u can change the fact of who u are.^^ My question is: Having been inspired to write and become who u r today, has the happenings in any of the books have ever happened to u, or others that r related or happen to know? God bless u, as god has given a talent no other has.Just like how no 2 snowflakes r alike, no 2 talents r alike!^^Best of luck n the future!:)

[Daniella]

Thank you Ms.Dessen for your amazing books. I enjoyed reading them. They could always make me happy and take me away from my problems even if for an hour or two. Thank you for teaching me about love, goodbyes, and living life. I wish you the best with future endeavors.

[Haley]

Hi, my name is Haley :) I've read all of your books and have loved every single one! I love how you have all these connections between your books (for example having the Gotcha! game from The Truth About Forever come up in The Moon and More). It just makes me want to pick up all of your books and read all of them again until I find all the connections. I don't really have any questions, I just wanted to beg you to never stop writing books <3

[Katy]

Hey there, I love all your books and plan on getting your newest one soon =)
I was just curious if you had a "favorite" book you wrote? Or if you have a certain book in mind to turn into a movie (or would like to turn into a movie)?
Personally I'd love to see Dreamland, Just Listen, and The Truth About Forever hit the big screen =)

[Nickie]

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 what made you decide to have Emaline end up without a boyfriend, which is how you usually end? Have you been wanting to do something like this for a while?

2) How the HECK do you pronounce Emaline's name exactly?

3) What made you decide to link all your books together with pop up appearances from other characters from other books?

4) Why was Clyde the featured artist in The Moon and More and not Mira Sparks from Keeping the Moon?

5) Would you ever consider doing a series?

6) And finally, which of all your characters would you say is the most like you?

[Lindsay Rose]

Hi Sarah! My name is Lindsay and I am a huge fan of yours. I have read all of your books and loved them all. But by far my favorite is Dreamland. It's amazing how I connected so well with Caitlin and would have the same thoughts and feelings as her if I was in the same situation. Do you think you will ever write another book with a tougher subject like this one? And where did this story come from because it does seem to be the odd ball out. Thanks for your time and for writing such amazing books! :)

-Lindsay

[a n d i e]

I really hope no one has asked you this yet: How was it like meeting your first love? Was it really like how it is in most of your novels, or was it different?

[Lusie]

Hello, there! I grew up reading your books, and even out of college, they're still some of my favourites! I love that your protagonists get to be healthy, whole people without men, and enjoy when they deviate from the "romance as salvation" formula. On the note of your protagonist's romantic partners, do you ever see yourself writing a gay or bisexual protagonist?

[Batise]

My stepdaughter and I both enjoy your books. Do you draw from your own life, imagination or a combination? I feel like your characters are fully thought out and more realistic than many books I have read.

[Erica]

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?

[Genesis]

Hey Sarah! I was wondering what your purpose for your book Lock and Key. It was a pretty good book, but I still feel that I didn't quite get your reasons. I felt a connection and message coming to me while reading it, but I feel like I'm missing something.

[Kelsi]

I've been reading your books since I was 11 years old, I'm 23 now and still love them all! I was wondering if you often draw inspiration for your characters from people that you know or have known in your own life? Can't wait to read The Moon an More! Much love <3

[Alina]

Hello Sarah!

I really love your writing style, I recently read Along For The Ride and it was one of my favorite books ever!

I try to write, but I am not very good so I try to not share my interest with others. How did you learn to write so well? I can come up with plots but I never quite know how to start things, or put them into words, or make it long enough.

Also, when did you decide you wanted to be an author? Or when did you begin to develop your talent?

You are a fabulous author!!! Thank you so much I can just not express how cool this is to have this chance

Alina

[Anna]

I didn't want to ask anything (except maybe will you come to the East Bay Area to do a book signing any time in the future?), I just wanted to let you know your books are amazing and I enjoy reading and collecting them. I have recommended your books to absolutely everyone I know who reads. Just Listen has continued to stay at Number One for my all time favorite books and is now tied with Along For the Ride. I look forward to reading your latest work.

[Lexus]

Hey Sarah! I've read every single book you've written and enjoyed every single one! If anyone asks me for a book recommendation, I always refer them to one of yours! (and Jenny Han!) I also love following you on twitter! It's good to know that someone I look up to is also just a normal person like me, not to mention how funny and great you are! I wanted to know, how do you stay so motivated? How are you able to make yourself write when you feel like you can't write another word? Thanks!

[[deleted user]]

Hey Sarah, I'm one of your biggest fans!! How did u create the character Theo? Omg he is such a cutie!!!

Bre

[Mira]

Hi Sarah! My name is Mira and I love the depth in the plot of your stories. Reading about the problems and solutions faced by the characters helps give me tips for real life situations! How do you come up with the dramatic interesting situations in the plot of your stories and are some based on true stories?
Thx!
Can't wait to read your new book!

[Jess]

Hi Sarah! Just wanted to say that you're an amazing author and are an inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. I have read and love all your books, my favourite being The Truth About Forever. I would love to become a published author one day and I just wanted to know what the road to being published was like for you?

[Lexi]

Hi Sarah! I've been reading your books for quite a while now, and I feel like I can definitely relate to the characters. Are there any characters you can really relate to, or that you modeled after yourself?