Interview with Sarah Dessen author of Just Listen
What was the inspiration for Just Listen?
I was doing a speaking engagement at a school, and as I sat waiting, I started to flip though a yearbook that was on the table in front of me. In the back, there were all these senior pages, where people had pictures of their friends and families, and there was one shot of these three beautiful blonde girls, sitting by a pool in front of a big, gorgeous house. My first thought was, "Their lives must be perfect," followed by how ridiculous it was for me to assume that. I began to think about how quick we are to judge just based on appearances, and the book built from there.
Who were your favourite authors as a teenager and who are you into now?
As a teen I loved Judy Blume and Lois Lowry. These days, I read just about everything. I'd have to say my favorite author is Anne Tyler: I just read her books and she awes me. I also love John Irving, especially his novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, which I think is one of the best written books ever. Right now, I'm reading Marian Keyes, who is perfect for a hot summer day (which this is).
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
I always knew that I loved to write. But making the leap from just writing to being a writer is a hard process, and one that is still ongoing, some days. The basic truth is that I love to write, and if I do my job well (which is my intention, every day) people will like what I come up with. I have to say I can't imagine doing anything else.
Who or what are your biggest influences as writer?
I had very good teachers in college who really made an impact on me, Southern writers like Lee Smith and Jill McCorkle. They were the first ones to really believe I was a writer, even before I did. I also get a lot of inspiration from what I read. That's how you really learn everything, I think, by seeing how other authors you admire grapple with things like plot and dialogue and building strong characters.
Which book do you wish you had written?
I don't think I'd ever want to claim anyone else's book, although there are certainly many that I admire greatly.
How do you think the issues that teenagers have to deal with today have changed from when you were a teenager, if at all?
I think that it's a lot harder to be a teen these days. There's an immediacy and speed to everything, as well as lot of issues - like school violence, for instance - that weren't really as prevalent when I was coming up. At the same time, though, a lot has stayed the same, such as the complications with parents, dealing with friends, and trying to figure out the opposite sex. These things are timeless, which is why I can come back to them again and again in my novels. Whether you're a teen now, or were twenty years ago, you can relate.
Music is a major part of the book, what are you listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to a lot of Macy Gray so far this summer, as well as revolving through my playlist, which is heavy on Tom Waits, Dar Williams and Ryan Adams.
What is on your nightstand?
A stack of magazines, a pad and paper, my iPod.
Favorite drink while you write?
Hot chocolate or bottled water.
Favorite bookstore?
Reglator Bookshop, Durham NC and Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh NC.
Favorite library?
Undergrad, UNC-Chapel Hill. Ah, memories!
Pet?
Monkey and Coco, my dogs (can’t choose just one!)
Place to write?
Anywhere quiet in my house.
Inspiration?
Writing should be fun. If it’s not, I’m doing something wrong.
Dream book tour?
A summer spent driving across the country with my husband and daughter, stopping at bookstores along the way.
Writer-buddies?
Meg Cabot, Sara Zarr, John Green, Lara Zeises.
Cures for writer’s block?
Deep breaths, chocolate chip cookies, and keeping going.
Favorite outfit?
A-pocket Seven jeans, a tank top and Havianas flip flops.
Long-hand or laptop?
Laptop. My handwriting is terrible.
Stilettos or Uggs?
Neither. Flip flops or wedges.
Next up?
Lock and Key, raising my daughter, and starting another book.
Author idol?
Anne Tyler.
