Click here to ask Sarah!

[[deleted user]]

Hey, Sarah! Like many of us here, I love your works. From "This Lullaby," I was hooked. Young adult fiction is a favorite of mine even as I've gotten older because even though it must be difficult to write, the product is not only moving and engaging but accessible. Knowing your main demographic is preteen/teen girls, how do you know how to balance the material as far as sex is concerned? How do you straddle a line to keep it young adult without pushing a book into adult territory or reigning it back into children's territory? However you manage, you do it brilliantly. Thank you for your books and your time here!

[Ressie]

Hi sarah, I'm ressie. I so much love your books and I'm wondering how you create the stories in your novels because you are really one of my inspirations that's why I'm pursuing my writing. Thanks! :)

[Tatiana]

Hi Sarah, How do you deal with writer's block?

[Rebecca]

Hi Sarah! I love all your books! I am Rebecca and I'm 19 years old. My question is since I am older I want to start reading older books, but that are first person like yours. What would you request? Ill defiantly keep reading your books of course...how could I not!

[Jaskiran]

Hi Sarah ... Am Jaskiran or jazz .... I read your book "along for a ride " I love it . I wanted to ask that Your stories are inspired by whom ?

[Catherine]

Hi Sarah! What got you thinking to make romance books? How do get ideas for charcters name?

[Packera]

Hi Sarah! First of all I love your Books...and I was just wondering, of all your Books which one have you most enjoyed writing and which is your personal Favorite? :)

[Whit]

Hey Sarah! First, congrats on The Moon and More and its success! I was wondering what inspires you most? Do your characters just pop into your head or do you draw them out from your life?

[Rameela (Star)]

I'm sure everyone's been giving you these compliments, but I'm going to say (errr-type) them anyways:
1) Your books are amazing! I've read practically all of them (unless there's a secret book I don't know about)
2)You're a great author and I love how original everything is (and I can see that it might be difficult to write an amazing novel without seeming like you're copying some other person's ideas. You know?)!
3) My favorite of your books would have to be Along for the Ride and Just Listen. Those were just so amazing and I just added practically every boy from your novels onto the my fictional boyfriend list :P
4) You're just awesome! XD hehe.

So here are my questions:
1)What inspires you to write?
2) When you're writing a book, what do you do when you get writer's block?
3) Do you have a set schedule where you just sit down and write, or do you just have an aha! moment and stop everything and write? (I've always wondered this one!)
4) When you write, do you just go along with how your characters turn out to be, or do you have a set and stone plan for exactly how your characters are. I'm just wondering since your characters are so realistic, but in real life people can change just randomly, you know? This question's worded weird, but I don't know how else to phrase it :/
--- OKay, here's a better way (maybe): Do you have a an about what your characters are liek before you write, or do you create the characters as you go along. I mean, I know that you probably have a vague idea of what your characters will be and what will happen to them, but do you change the characters as you go along like if you get a better idea?


THANKS!!! :)

[Lara]

Hi Sarah!
I've read a few of your novels, and I was wondering what inspired you to write about the topics you do? Your writing is great, and thanks for the amazing novels!

[Michelle]

I read The Truth About Forever 4 years ago and have since read all of your books and loved them all. Where do you get your inspiration to keep writing stories that people like me can relate to so well?

[Tito]

Heyy Sarah you are an amazing writer and i just want to thank you for writing such amazing books because God knows I've spent every waking moment reading your books (even when i was supposed to be studying). I really can't wait to add The Moon and More to my special collection and i know that in the future my own daughter will love you and your books as much i do (because i will make her read them)

[Gabby]

Hi! I have read alot of your books and they are all so amazing. Where do you get your ideas for your books? What books do you recommend? Would you take recommadations from us?

[Julianna]

Hey Sarah! My name is Julianna and I love your writing style! I was wondering how you come up with the inspiration for your exciting new novels? Your books inspire me to persue writing of my own!

[Julianna]

Hey Sarah! My name is Julianna and I love your writing style! I was wondering how you come up with the inspiration for your exciting new novels? Your books inspire me to persue writing of my own!

[Julianna]

Hey Sarah! My name is Julianna and I love your writing style! I was wondering how you come up with the inspiration for your exciting new novels? Your books inspire me to persue writing of my own!

[E.]

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 an "old" character in a new book. We have seen a day in the life of students for both Perkins Day and Jacskon High.

I was wondering have you ever thought about writing a book where the main character attends the Fountain School? I'm fascinated by it and would love to see more.

Again thank you for your writing! You inspire me!

[[deleted user]]

hey Sarah i want to ask you how you came out with ideas to make your book? and what inspire you to write just listen? Big fan

[Amy]

Hey! I have read all of your books apart from The Moon and More, and my favorite one is Along For The Ride. It was the very first one I read and I fell in love with Eli. Okay, so here comes the question(s)!

When you write about a character, how do you keep their personality the same throughout the book? How do you keep the characters from being like yourself too much?

One last thing, where do you find the inspiration for the books and to keep writing.

Wow this is really long compared to all of the others!

[Morgan]

Someone Like You is one of my all time favorite books and I have been dying to read The Moon and More, I have been wanting to read 'Just Listen', I know music is a huge influence in it. What songs did you get inspiration for it? Do you have specific songs that help you write?

[Amber]

Hey Sarah.. me and my friends are huge fans of you and we always get really strange looks when we're screaming in the middle of the playground about various plot twists and characters!! We just love the links between all the books!!

My question is :
Do you base your characters on real people or if not how do you come up with them?? Cos there amazing!! Thanks From Amber

[Ariana]

Hi Sarah
When I read you're books I totally get into them which I know I will when I pick up one of your books

Q: What's your thoughts about True Love?!

[ivy]

Dear Sarah,

I've noticed that your novels are contemporary, and they are excellent. My favorite being Just Listen because I can't get over that line "silence is deafening," pure brilliance.

I wanted to ask if you plan on writing any fantasy or dystopian novels? Also, despite the fact that your novels set place in the present time, are there any dystopian/fantasy novels that you enjoy?


Love your novels :]

-Sarah N.

[Emily]

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!

[Cassie]

Hi Sarah:) My goal has been to read all of your books! My favorites are Lock and Key and Along for the Ride. I'm really into young-adult romance. All my life I start random stories so I was wondering if you had any advice for a young writer like me? Thank you and congratulations on a new book!

[Ashlee]

Hi Sarah. I absolutely love your books. I was wondering how you came up with the town Colby? Also, have you ever had trouble writing and had writers block? If so how did you get through it? I am currently reading the Moon and More and can't wait to finish it!

[Steph]

Hi, Sarah! How do you fend off writer's block? I tend to get discouraged midway through a story because of writer's block and sometimes it takes weeks for inspiration to strike again. Do you have any tips? Thanks! :)

[Karen Kristie]

Hello from the Philippines, Sarah!

I recently read "The Truth About Forever" and I became an instant fan. I look forward to reading more of your books.
If you can choose one of the books you wrote to be turned into a movie, which would it be and why?

Thank you! :)

[Phariha]

Hi, my name is Phariha (its an unusual name)I'm 14, and I've always wanted to be a writer, but I find that my stories seem to die, and I can't seem to continue them. My question is, does this ever happen to you? How do you get through it if it does? I think you're a great writer, and your books hold a lot of truth for young people. I can't wait to read your new story, and good luck to you for the future.

[Mikky.]

Hey Sarah! My name is Michelle, and I absolutely ADORE all of the books that I've read of yours! Since I've started roaming through the streets of YA, you have been one of the authors that I keep coming back to! Anyways, my question is... Will you ever come to Canada? I, and I'm sure many other people would just love to see you! Thanks!

[Belishere]

Hi Sarah! I read your book Along For The Ride and I really enjoyed it. I really like how you write about teen interest and real teen issues that could be happening to someone. Have you ever faced any issues like the main characters in your book? Have you ever considered writing from the point of view from a guy? If so, I would love to read that book. These are some questions out of the blue like for example, what's your favorite type of food to eat? What's your favorite color? Who is your favorite author?

[Masara]

Hello Sarah! Have you considered coming to Wichita, KS? I would love to meet you and i know many others want to too. Also, what inspires you for all the books? Are they based on you or your friend's life? Or the stories you've heard?
Thank you so much!

[Priscilla]

what gave you the idea for "along for the ride"?

[Sawyer]

Hey Sarah! I love your books especially Just Listen and This Lullaby. Have you always had a passion for writing and if not, when did it begin?
Have you always been good at writing?

[Sawyer]

Hey Sarah! I love your writing and I wanted to know what is your favorite book that you have written is and your favorite book that you haven't written is.

[Sierra]

What inspired you to write these fabulous books, especially What Happened to Goodbye!? They are FABULOUS and I had to pace myself so i wouldn't finish the books in ONE DAY!! Also, is there anyone in YOUR life that is similar to any characters in What Happened to Goodbye (it's my favorite out of them all...) Thanks!!!
~Sierra~

[Clara]

Hi Sarah! I'm Clara and sorry for the unoriginal greeting but I just wanted to say that your books are probably some of my favorites (especially Just Listen), I love how real the characters are. I was wondering though, do you think any of your stories could ever come true? Thanks so much for doing what you do and I can't wait for The Moon and More!

[Becky]

Hi Miss Sarah!
I am a huge fan of all of your books! I think I have read them all ten times or more because the characters are so real and personable. I was wondering how you create your characters with such unique voices? Do you draw on your own personality and those around you? The character of Owen was one of my absolute favorites and different from any other character I've ever read. What was the inspiration behind his creation? How do you seem to get into other characters' heads so well, including boys? Sorry, there are so many questions, but I hope you will have time to answer at least one of them. Thank you very, very much for your time! :)

[Autumn]

Salut Mrs.Dessen, I've read all of your books! My favorite was 'The Truth About Forever', Wes is an Awesome character. I was wondering if you ever write book characters based on people you've met of if some characters remind you of someone you know? Anyway, you have a true talent and don't give up on it.

[Amasa]

Heyyya Sarah!:)I really really love your books they are so amazing. I was just wondering what made you want to be an author and also what inspires you to write your book???

[Susan]

Hi! I've enjoyed your books. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have a favorite writer or book?

[Kellan]

Hello! My question for you is: are any of your characters based on your real life? And do these plots and storylines just come to you or does it take you a while to come up with them? Do you think any of your books will be turned into a movie?As soon as I read your books I get wrapped up in them so much I believe that I am a part of it, like I am a character.

[Dani]

Hi Sarah! I've read almost all of your books they are so inspirational for young readers and hopeful writers like myself. I wanted to know if you plan on any sequels. Maybe not whole novels but possibly novellas. It would be so interesting to find out what happens to some of the couples from just listen, along for the ride or the truth about forever. Either way Ill make sure to keep reading :)

[Taylor]

Sarah, The Truth About Forever is my favorite book of yours! I was wondering about any possibilities for sequels or a movie. I would just die with excitement if either one happened!
P.S. I also want to know what inspired you for the character of Wes. Love your work! Keep writing - Taylor

[Taylor]

Sarah, do you have any advice for a young author, still learning? Any tips? :) Thank you so much!
-Taylor

[.nicole.]

Hi Sarah! I absolutely adore your books, it inspired me to write my own stories. Anyway, just wanted to take the opportunity to ask you what made you want to write your own novels? And did you ever see yourself being an author when you were young?

[[deleted user]]

Hi Sarah! I'll repeat the whole "I've read all of your books" and "you are a huge inspiration" stuff because it is all completely true.
My one main question is, for an aspiring author, do you recommend self publishing a first novel or do you suggest getting an agent or editor?

[Jasmin]

Hi Sarah! My name is Jasmin and I am 14 year old. I'm a big fan of your books. They are amazing!Especially Lock and Key(:I was wondering, what inspires you to write so great books? How do you come up with an idea for a book? What can we expect from: The Moon and More? Also, out of all the books you've written, which one did you enjoy the most writing about?

[Rachel]

Hey Sarah! I am such a big fan of all of your books. My question has to do with how I personally feel that The Moon and More was different from all of the others. In most all of your other books the end is pretty much summed up for us (the girl gets the guy, the girl hashes out internal conflict, or the girl resolves family issues) but this one was different. Why was a bit more of the ending left to the readers imagination? Did you plan it that way or was it just the best ending for Emaline? Also because it seemed so much more unfinished, not in a bad way at all, should we expect to get more glimpses into the characters presented in this book?

[McKenzie]

Hi Sarah! I'm Kenzie. Which book of yours is your favorite? What is your favorite book in general? You are an awesome writer. I can't wait to read more of your books.