Author Interview: Lauren Oliver

Today I am pleased to welcome author of one of the most talked about YA books of the year...

Lauren Oliver!

Even if you haven't read one of her books I'm sure you recognize at least one of the covers pictured above. Lauren Oliver is an author of books for both young adults and middle graders. So far Lauren has written two YA books, Before I Fall and Delirium (the first book in what is sure to be a bestselling trilogy!) She also just came out with her first book for middle graders titled Liesl & Po, at the beginning of this month. I absolutely LOVED Lauren's book Delirium (you can read my review here) and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the set, Pandemonium, as you will be too once you read Delirium!

Born Bookish: Having written for both young adult and middle grade audiences, do you prefer writing one to the other?

I enjoy writing for both, honestly, although to a certain extent I feel you can be even more imaginative when writing for middle grade audiences. And going on tour with a middle grade book is a blast—the kids are so cute! But I love my teen fans, too.

Born Bookish: If you could be one of your characters, who would you be?

That’s a good question! I’m not sure. Definitely not Samantha Kingston, of Before I Fall!

Born Bookish: A lot of authors use music to help them get into the mindset of their characters. Is this something that helps you? If so what was the main song that inspired each of your books?

·      Before I Fall: Bring Me To Life, by Evanescence.

·      Delirium: Romeo and Juliet, by the Dire Straits.

·      Pandemonium: Resistance, by Muse.

·      Liesl & Po: I didn’t listen to any song in particular, but a beautiful song was written for Liesl & Po and I think it perfectly captures the book’s sensibility. You can find it at www.lieslandpo.com. There’s a music video, too!

Born Bookish: Which character was it easiest for you to write? Why?

It’s always similarly challenging—and rewarding—to write from a different narrative POV. The trick is to find yourself in each of your characters, I think. Then the process becomes much more seamless.

Born Bookish: Do you find it hard to throw obstacles in your characters way or make life difficult for them?

For the most part, no. Novel—stories—are really about tension and difficulty. And I usually know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for my characters, so I have faith that we’ll surmount the difficulties together (eventually).

Born Bookish: If you could have any superpower what would it be? Why?

Oh, I would definitely choose to fly. I have dreams about flying all the time, and I always wake up exhilarated—and sad, or course, when I realize I’ve only been asleep.

Born Bookish: Here at Born Bookish I have a weekly segment called, Breathtaking Book Covers, where I post the cover image of a book that I think is just stunning. Is there a book cover that has ever taken your breath away? If so, what book?

Oh, man! I’m sure it must have—probably repeatedly—but it’s difficult to remember individual book covers. I do know that I still get kind of breathless when I find and hold a really beautiful book, or a book that I know I will love dearly. That’s one of the problems with e-readers—you just don’t get that same feeling!

I agree! You just don't get the same feeling reading off an e-reader that you get when you actually hold a book in your hands, gaze at its beautiful cover, and flip through its pages. 

I'm was so delighted to get this interview back. THANK YOU SO MUCH Lauren =)