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Twitterview: Sarah Darer Littman

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Written by: Kelly on November 2, 2011.

It’s time for another interview, Twitter-style. This month, Sarah Darer Littman stops by to talk about her latest novel, Want to Go Private? published in August by Scholastic. I’ve reviewed it here. Hear what Sarah has to say about her writing process, the novel, and how to advocate for contemporary ya titles like her own.

As usual, there’s a giveaway of the book at the end, but this time, it’s even signed by Sarah herself.

This is the last Twitterview you’ll see on Stacked until the end of December when we have something a little different planned, so enjoy!

Pitch Want to Go Private? in 140 characters.

Brianiac HS freshman Abby, who’s having problems adjusting to change, meets awesome understanding guy online.

What inspired WTGP?

FBI Supervisory Special Agent spoke at Son’s school. Told me story abt girl who ran away w/pred: & her resp when rescued: “Don’t hurt him”

Talk a bit about what inspired Abby’s character.

Needed to understand how otherwise intelligent kids who’d had internet safety talks at home & school got from there to “Don’t hurt him.”
What sort of research went into writing WTGP?
Interviews with FBI and my detectives at my local police dept. Plus reading many extremely disturbing books.
You created ChezTeen to go along with the book. What prompted the creation of a supplementary resource?
Figured curious teens would check out url (know I would!) so wanted to use 4 positive purpose. Wished could make more interactive but $$.
What’s your intended readership for the novel?
Teens and parents. Ideally, I’d love both to read and discuss.
What, if any, backlash have you seen with WTGP?
Mother of 12 yo wrote to me abt content. But book is recommended for 14+. Girl was engrossed but put bk down when got to disturbing bits.I had one mother of a 12 year-old write to me about content. But the book is recommended for 14 and up.
What should readers walk away with from WTGP?
There’s a big difference btw intellectual intelligence & emotional intelligence. Even smart kids fr “good” families can get in trouble online.

How can adults use WTGP in a meaningful way with teens without devaluing the story of their teens’ intelligence when it comes to net safety?
Based on reader emails I’ve received, let them read & then use as basis for discussion. Disc Q’s available here.

Was writing/marketing this book different than your other novels? How?

I invested a great deal of thought, time, and own money in promoting this book (like registering urls) because I believed it was timely and needed.

You’re a member of the first round of YA Contemps. What’s that experience been like?

It was wonderful to put the spotlight on an oft overlooked area of YA lit where there are so many truly excellent books.

How can people advocate for contemporary literature like yours in a time when pr and marketing focus heavily on non-contemporary trends?

Buy them – publishers pay attention to sales figures. And spread the word. Without big mkting budget, word of mouth is best PR you can get.

Who or what do you write for?

Intellectual curiosity. I like to write abt things that I want to learn more about. I’m kind of geeky that way.

Why do you write for teens? Is it intentional or led by the story?
Intentional – I love YA because it’s literature without the Bullsh*t.

What was your most influential read as a teenager?
Animal Farm by George Orwell, closely followed by Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
Who are your top three writing influences?
George Orwell, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Judy Blume
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Jane Yolen: Get your butt in the chair and WRITE THE DAMN BOOK
What’s your best writing advice to give?
What Jane Yolen said. Because, really, that’s all the difference between a writer and someone who wants to be a writer.

What is your writing routine?
Coffee, check email/twitter, more coffee then butt in chair till 1,000 words done or have to drive kid somewhere, whichever comes first.

What gets you jazzed to write?
2% inspiration and 98% discipline.
Do you have a writing soundtrack? Care to share a bit?
Can’t write to music. But if blocked, borrow BF’s convertible & blast Led Zeppelin, Queen or anything that I can sing loudly & off key.
What’s next for you?
Something humorous. Writing WTGP really took it out of me. Plus I think I’m funnier than my body of work would leave one to believe.
Favorite ice cream?
Depends on mood: Butter Pecan/Chocolate Fudge Brownie/Ben & Jerrys Late Night Snack. Hot Fudge sauce a must, no matter what.

Comments

  1. I love her answers, especially using intellectual curiosity as a motivator to write. And of course the answer, "Intentional – I love YA because it's literature without the Bullsh*t."

    I just got this book from a friend in the mail this week, and she told me it was a hard but awesome read. Really looking forward to reading it!

  2. Want To Go Private was definitely one of the best books I've read this year. So powerful. I've had the opportunity to chat with SDL on twitter and can attest to her great sense of humor. The next book will undoubtedly be a good one!