Chit Chatting with Laurie Faria Stolarz

Written by Jill Sheets

Laurie Faria Stolarz

Picture credit: Laurie Faria Stolarz

Recently we got to interview an amazing author Laurie Faria Stolarz. She is the author of the Blue is for Nightmares and the “Touch” series. Her new book Deadly Little Games will be out in the fall of 2010. Read on to learn more about this author and about the books she has written.

R: At what age did you start to write? What was your first story about?

L: I’ve been writing since I was a child. Before I could even put pen to paper, I was making up stories and telling them to whomever would listen. Then, when I actually could write, I’d create scripts and plays and have my dolls act out the performances.

R: Did you always want to be a writer?

L: Yes, always. It’s always been a dream of mine, but I never imagined it would become a reality. I’m so grateful.

R: Growing up in Salem, MA, how did that affect your writing?

L: Growing up in Salem, it was really no big deal to have practicing Wiccans in class with you in school. They’re normal people, with normal jobs, who go about their normal lives. It’s a major religion in Salem, and people take it very seriously. I think Salem’s biggest influence on me is that I’m open to that.

 The main character in my first novel, BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES, practices Witchcraft. When I started the novel, I had no idea I would delve into the world of magic – that is until I did a free writing exercise in a workshop class. I wrote a scene in which Stacey, my main character, was meditating in front of a blue candle. Someone in the class suggested that since she had the candle, and since I’m originally from Salem, I should try making her a witch.

R: Who was your favorite author when you were younger?

L: I was a reluctant reader growing up, and so even though I loved telling and creating my own stories, I didn’t naturally gravitate toward books. Books would really have to keep me turning pages. Books of the suspense and mystery genre did that for me. I loved Lois Duncan, V.C. Andrews, and Robert Cormier. I also loved Judy Blume and L.M. Montgomery (The Anne of Green Gables books).

R: Tell us about your road to getting published?

L: When I was trying to sell my first novel, I approached editors and agents at the same time (those who handled paranormal mystery novels like mine). It wasn’t easy. I have a folder filled with rejection letters. My favorite one is from an editor who said: “While this is an interesting project, we do not feel it is strong enough to compete in today’s competitive young adult market.” That same young adult novel has now sold 200,000 copies on its own, been translated into numerous languages, spawned a five-book series, and been optioned for film. I’m so grateful for that book (and for the talented people at Llewellyn Publications for believing in it) because it really helped to launch my career. When I speak to young people and aspiring writers, I always tell them this story, that if I had stopped persevering, after I received my first – or my 50th rejection letter – I may never have been able to enjoy the success of my career.

R: Tell us about “The Blue is For Nightmare” series? How many books are planned in this series?

L: There are currently five books in the series. I’d originally planned on making the series a trilogy, but the third book ends with too much of a cliffhanger, and so I wrote the fourth book, Red is for Remembrance. The fifth book, Black is for Beginnings, is a companion book to the series. It reveals never-before-seen footage, secrets from Stacey’s past, Jacob’s perspective on things, and then picks up where Red is for Remembrance leaves off. It was a thrill to write – to be able to return to my love of screenplay (I wrote it in screenplay form), to work with an illustrator (Janina Gorrissen) for the first time ever, and to see my characters come to life in this way. Many readers want to know if I’ll continue the series. I really like the idea of doing a companion series, starring a different character, so we’ll see. I’m open to the idea.

R: Tell us about “The Touch” series. How many books can we expect in this series?

L: I wanted to write a story where the main character has to struggle with the idea of falling in love with someone who could potentially be dangerous. I tinkered with this concept in the first three books of my Blue is for Nightmares Series [(Blue is for Nightmares (Llewellyn 2003), White is for Magic (Llewellyn 2004), and Silver is for Secrets (Llewellyn 2005), as well as in Bleed (Hyperion 2006)]. In Bleed, in particular, there’s a young male character who was convicted for the murder of his girlfriend. His next relationship consists of pen pal letters he exchanges with a young girl while he’s in prison. Without giving too much away, the relationship is briefly pursued once he is released, but I wanted to bring this concept to another level.

Additionally, I wanted to continue experimenting with the supernatural (which I also use in my Blue is for Nightmares Series as well as in Project 17), showing how we all have our own inner senses and intuition, and how we can potentially tap into those senses and make them stronger. I started researching different types of supernatural powers and discovered the power of psychometry (the ability to sense things through touch). The concept fascinated me, and so I wanted to bring it out in a character, showing how sometimes even the most extraordinary powers can also be a curse.

Lastly, I wanted to apply these concepts to be part of a series. I love the idea of growing a main character over the course of several books.

R: Can you tell us anything about “Deadly Little Games,” which is from “The Touch” series?

L: The title DEADLY LITTLE GAMES holds very true – there is a literal game going on. Things between Camelia and Ben continue to get complicated, and Adam’s presence doesn’t help things. We’ll also get to see more of Camelia’s aunt. Here’s an excerpt:

With only a few remaining minutes of class, I close my eyes again, still picturing Adam’s mouth. I try to imagine the words he would say if he knew what I was doing.

Would he suspect that I was interested in him?

Would he think it was weird that I remember so much detail about that moment inside his car?

Would he tell Ben what I was up to?

I take a deep breath, trying my best to focus on the answers, but the only words that flash across my mind, the ones I can’t seem to shake out of my head, don’t even address the questions at all.

“You deserve to die,” I whisper, suddenly realizing that I’ve said the words aloud.

R: If they were to make both of those series into movies, who would you want to play the main characters?

L: When I first started the BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES series, I always imagined Eliza Dushku as Stacey. I recently held a contest for the launch of BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS in which readers had to create their own cast list. This was the winner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7xEamn74_k

As for the Touch series, I think Blake Lively would make a great Camelia. The students at the University of Texas created a book trailer, starring student actors. I think they did a great job casting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fzMpVMy2fQ

R: How do you come up with the ideas for your stories?

L: I get my inspiration from all over – TV, magazines, news headlines, ideas and themes that interest me, lessons I learn, etc., etc. I’m always looking for something new and something deeply relatable for people.

R: What is your writing process? Do you out-line, start to write or do both?

L: It took me about two years to write my first book, BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES. I spent another year and a half editing it (including throwing away over a hundred pages, changing the stalker, changing the tense, and changing the point of view). I learned a lot from that process. I now work with an outline and know ahead of time where I’m going and what my character needs to achieve, as well as what he or she needs to learn in order to achieve it. I draft a novel in about 6 months’ time. I then spend another few months or so reworking it before I hand it in to my editor.

R: What is your typical writing day like?

L: It really depends on the day. I have two young children, so I find myself often working at night. On the couple days when they’re both in school, I grab a cup of really strong, black coffee and get to work.

R: What are you currently working on?

L: I’m currently working on Book #4 in the Touch series, DEADLY LITTLE VOICES.

R: Tell us about Amanda Project (DO YOU SEE?).

L: It’s the third book in The Amanda Project, told from the point-of-view of one of the main characters (Nia Rivera). The first book in the series is already out (INVISIBLE I by Melissa Kantor), and the second book is due out in the fall (SIGNAL FROM AFAR by Peter Silsbee). The Amanda Project tells the story of the very charismatic and talented Amanda Valentino who suddenly goes missing. Her pack of friends work together to try and figure out where she is, using clues they encounter throughout the 8-book journey. The Amanda Project is also told through an interactive website, and readers are invited to become a part of the story as they help the main characters search for Amanda. It’s a very exciting project, and as soon as I read Melissa Kantor’s Invisible I, I knew I had to be part of it.

R: What is the best thing about writing for young adults?

L: It gives me an excuse to read young adult books and magazines, and watch TV shows and movies marketed to teens. It’s all research, right? I also love working with young people. They have so much passion and so many dreams. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to inspire them.

R: Some writers have to listen to music while they write. Do you or do you find it distracting?

L: I find it distracting, unless I need to get into a particular mood, in which case I use it as a tool. For example, I must have listened to Tori Amos’s “Crucify” at least a hundred times when writing Maria’s story in BLEED.

R: Speaking of music what singers and bands do you listen to?

L: Fergie, James Blunt, Tori Amos, Sting, Sarah MacLachlin, Gwen Stefani, Black-eyed Peas, and Gavin Rossdale (to name just a handful).

R: Tell us about your collection of Barbie dolls.

L: As an adult, I no longer have a collection, but I certainly did growing up. My Barbies were my escape. They starred in the plays and movies that I would write. Barbie gave me a vehicle with which to experiment and hone my dialogue skills. Barbie indulged my every plot, no matter how bizarre, twisted, silly, or unrealistic. She helped make me a writer, and for that I am forever grateful.

R: Who was/is your greatest influence?

L: My mom. She has an amazing work ethic and I followed suit. She raised our family on her own, often working three jobs at a time. It taught me to never make excuses for what I want or what needs to be done. I just do it.

R: We read that you lived in Paris. What was that like?

L: It was an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful that I did it. I studied at the University of Paris, and then backpacked with some friends across Europe. Going to Paris at 19 was my first time on a plane – my first time out of New England – and I was so scared to leave all that I’d ever known. But, I’m so glad I did because I learned so much about myself from the experience, as well as about other cultures.

R: What has been your favorite place you travel to? Where do you want to go that you have not yet?

L: I love Paris. I really want to visit Maui.

R: What do you do in your spare time?

L: I love to do yoga, play tennis, power-walk, and go to my favorite dancenergy class. I also love to shop, do pottery, cook, see great movies, decorate the house, and spend time with friends.

R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

L: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – John Wooden

R: What advice would you give someone who wanted to become a writer?

L: My biggest advice is to persevere. There are many talented writers who give up after 5, 10, or even 100 rejection letters. Be open to learning and to getting better in your craft. If more than one person criticizes the same point in your work – i.e. your main character whines too much – chances are you need to look at that point again. Never pay reading fees while trying to get published. Do your homework. Know who it is you’re sending your query letter to – who their clients are, what their track record is, and what they’re looking for. Every letter should be personalized and reflect that you’ve done your research. And, lastly, consider joining a writers group. There’s nothing better than being in a group of like-minded writers who can help inspire and cheer you on, and who provide constructive feedback that helps to strengthen your work.

R: What advice would you give teenage girls?

L: Again, perseverance. It’s so important in whatever you want to do. Don’t ever let anyone stand in the way of what you truly want or believe in. Also, choose to see opportunity in anything we may first deem as a “failure” because it only brings us closer to where we need to be. There’s a lesson in every setback, and we have so many lessons to learn on this journey.

R: What are some of your future goals?

L: I currently work with the teen girls at a residential treatment facility/school. I go in from time to time and do creative writing workshops and speak to them about writing and my path to publication. I find it so rewarding and important. I’d love to be able to do more of this in the future.

R: What are five things that people may not know about you?

L: 1. I love dark chocolate, Starbucks coffee, Bertucci’s cheeseless pizza, popcorn, and Indian food (though not necessarily in one meal).

2. I watch an embarrassing amount of reality TV (it’s research after all).

3. My first job was as a piano teacher (I was 9). I’ve also been a waitress, a supermarket cashier, worked in a ceramics studio, worked as a tour guide for international exchange students, been a teacher, a script reader, an editor, and written obituaries for a newspaper.

4. I’m a vegetarian. If I were to try my hand at a different career, it would be holistic nutritionist.

5. I often shop online, fill my basket, and then empty it all out. Does anyone else do this?

R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their

addresses? Do you have an official website? If so, what is the address?

L: My web site: www.lauriestolarz.com

My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=597050025&ref=profile

R: Other than this one, what is the strangest question you have ever been asked?

L: I was just recently asked whose hand it is in my author photo. Um, it’s mine, I assure you.

R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your readers?

L: Thanks so much for this opportunity. I’m so grateful to be able to share with you, and have this as my career. My readers mean the world to me.

R: Laurie, thank you for the interview. Have a great day

Tags: author, Blue is for Nightmares, Deadly Little Games, Lauri Faria Stolarz, Touch Series, writer