Author - Megan McCafferty
By Rhoda F., Williston Park, NY
One of the most influential young-adult writers today, Megan McCafferty’s best-selling novels feature the fun-loving Jessica Darling and have received rave reviews.
Where do you get your ideas?
I find inspiration everywhere. I’m constantly ripping articles out of magazines and newspapers. Also, I live in a college town, so I eavesdrop. A lot.
What makes writing rewarding?
Every day I’m reminded of how lucky I am to make a living from what was once just a hobby. I love knowing that my work enlightens, entertains and affects readers.
Who were your favorite authors as a teen, and who are your favorites now?
Judy Blume was a huge influence. By third grade, I had read all her books. I remember thinking, Now what can I read?
Though our styles are very different, our writing is considered very frank and unflinching. She dealt with a lot of issues other authors wouldn’t touch, including divorce, sexuality, puberty, etc. I like to think I do the same thing. She’s from New Jersey, as am I, which I always thought was cool.
I like authors who push the boundaries of teen fiction, whose books are so well written that anyone can appreciate them. I’m a big fan of M. T. Anderson (Feed; Burger Wuss), Carolyn Mackler (The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things), and Rachel Cohn (Gingerbread; Shrimp).
What words of inspiration should aspiring writers keep in mind?
Practice, practice, practice. I highly recommend free-writing in a journal that’s for you and no one else. Not only can journals provide you with countless story ideas (my high school journals provided the inspiration for Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings), but it’s the best way to develop your voice.
My journal, more than any writing class, is where I developed my style. The secret is to write what you feel without self-censoring or worrying about what others will think.
Yes, you might be embarrassed by what you write, ten minutes or ten years after putting down your pen, but that’s what gaining life experience and perspective is all about. And even if your journals don’t turn into a novel, I think it’s incredibly cool to have documentation of the steps you took toward being who you are.
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