Alyson Noel Q&A

Alyson Noel has found huge success in America with The Immortals series - a set of books that has come to the UK for the first time this summer.

- Your books surround themes of youth and teenage years. How do you ensure your stories remain relevant to the youths?

While technology advances, and fashion comes and goes, the core experience of being a teen remains the same. It’s a universal time of self-discovery and first time experiences.

And though we may have lacked the laptops and cell phones back in my day that today’s teens enjoy—that rush of a first kiss from the person you like—the gut wrenching sorrow of friendships that end—the need to fit in and belong, while also wanting to stand out and shine like your own unique star—is no different now than it was then. That’s the stuff that stays constant, no matter what comes.

- Your first book was launched in 2005. Is there any difference between the teen readers then and now?

Though the themes in my books have grown a bit darker and extended into the supernatural, the readers remain as wonderful and generous and loyal as they were back when I was writing realistic contemporaries.

But that’s because book people are a special breed of awesome—I’m convinced!

- Everlasting marks the end of the Immortal series. Do you have any plans to start a new series?

While I was really sad to say goodbye to Ever and Damen, I’m really excited about my new YA series, Soul Seekers set to debut in May 2012. It’s a supernatural tale that I’ve already started working on and I’m having an absolute blast with these characters!

The series takes place in New Mexico—one of my favourite places to visit, and it combines themes of shamanism, magic, the ability to walk in the upper and lower worlds—oh, and of course there’s a scorching hot romance as well!

- You’ve worked in various industries before becoming an author. Has your wealth of experience helped you in writing?

Definitely. As an author, I’m always stealing from my own life experiences to inform my books.

The good, the bad, and the downright tragic—it’s all fodder for the story. My philosophy being: If it didn’t kill me, I’ll find a way to write about it!

- What’s your advice to teens who wish to be an author?

To read a lot—read outside of your usual genre, outside of your comfort zone. The books you like, as well as the books you don’t like—they all have something to teach you.

Also, be kind to yourself! It’s so easy to get discouraged when the words you write fail to live up to the vision you had in your head, which is why it’s important to remember that all writing is rewriting.

The books you see on the bookstore shelves were revised numerous times to get to that point. Your first draft is for your eyes only—it’s the jumping point that allows you to build your story---it’s not meant to be published!

Questions for Alyson Noël from TEENS Magazine, Singapore