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Welcome to the Tuesday Author Interview with Christina Boyd for the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
CHRISTINA: I have been a fan of #1 NY Times bestselling author Alyson Noël since 2009, when I first read an advance copy of Evermore in "The Immortals" young adult series. I'm embarrassed to admit how obsessed I was with my idea of actor Ben Barnes as main character Damen Auguste. Ever since, I've enjoyed watching her star rise with many more books published and even a film adaptation in Saving Zoë. I'm still hoping Alyson's flight attendant chicklit novel, Fly Me to the Moon, will get optioned and become a Netflix series. (I was a flight attendant last century, as was Alyson, and I snickered from the first to the last page.)
What is your current project or latest release?
ALYSON: I’ve completed Chasing Eternity, the third and final installment in my YA romantasy series, which began with Stealing Infinity and Ruling Destiny. It delves into the world of a clandestine academy for time-traveling thieves. Now, I’m gearing up to dive into the graphic novel adaptation of my MG novel, Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe for Dark Horse Comics. I’m also working on an adult spin-off of my best-selling series, "The Immortals." It’s a project I’ve been wanting to write for some time now, and I’m excited to get started.
CHRISTINA: Oh. My. Lord. An adult spin-off of "The Immortals" series. Where are my salts? I'm feeling dizzy. Can't wait.
Is there one of your characters you most identify with and why?
ALYSON: While I always find something relatable in my characters, especially the protagonist, I think I identified most with Ever Bloom in "The Immortals" series. I wrote that story during a time of deep grief and I put her on a similar journey. Pouring all my heartache and hope into her, really helped me to heal.
In Stealing Infinity, Natasha’s tumultuous home life and the resulting apathy she experienced, closely paralleled my own experiences during my senior year of high school. If only I had the opportunity to escape to a lavish academy for time-traveling thieves back then!
CHRISTINA: I loved Ever, too. That book was written not only for the young but young at heart.
What comes first, plot, or characters?
ALYSON: For me, it all starts with a premise: What would happen if...? From there, I outline a plot to explore if there really is a compelling story to be told. But while the idea/plot always comes first, it’s the characters and their choices that truly shape the journey and drive the narrative forward.
CHRISTINA: Yes, I agree. If the characters don't show up, no matter the plot, I probably won't finish the book.
If you could tell your 21-year-old self anything, what would you share?
ALYSON: I would give her the same advice Arthur Blackstone gives Natasha in Stealing Infinity: “We are always writing our own stories—all day, every day. It’s the ones you choose to play on repeat that determine your destiny.” But honestly, I doubt 21-year-old me would’ve listened. She had to learn this one on her own.
CHRISTINA: Isn't that the truth? Maybe if your 21-year-old self told my 21-year-old self, she would have listened.
What makes you get up in the morning? What do you love?
ALYSON: I hope this doesn’t sound completely corny, but sometimes I wake up and I can’t believe this is actually my life. My childhood was kind of rough, and I didn’t get much in the way of support or encouragement. Despite taking a rather circuitous path, I somehow ended up with this dream job where I get to create stories for a living. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have made it this far.
CHRISTINA: I love that you feel gratitude for all your blessings. You have worked hard for all you have achieved, but I love that you haven't lost sight of the journey.
What do you think makes a good story?
ALYSON: For me, a captivating story entails an immersive setting in an interesting place and time, with complex characters who don’t necessarily need to be likeable as long as I’m engaged in their journey. I’m drawn to plots that are intriguing and move along at a good clip, as well as themes that are expansive and far-reaching. Whether a story teaches me something new, offers a fresh perspective on the world, or simply keeps me thoroughly entertained, those are the elements I value most.
CHRISTINA: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
ALYSON: I would either be an artist, a jewelry designer, or a paranormal explorer/researcher.
CHRISTINA: I can absolutely see you doing any of those things, even now. Thanks so much for your time. I know you have been busy with new book projects and coming release. Still, I hope you make it to Skagit Valley to see the tulip fields this spring and, of course, especially tiptoe through all the red tulips. Evermore fans will know what I mean by that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alyson Noël is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages. With nine NYT bestsellers and millions of copies in print, her books have been translated into thirty-six languages and have topped the New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart Bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists. She is best known for THE IMMORTALS series, THE RILEY BLOOM series, STEALING INFINITY, and SAVING ZOË, which was adapted into a movie now available on Amazon. Born and raised in California, she’s lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at her website, INSTAGRAM, and FACEBOOK.
Fascinating interview! And I love the idea of time-traveling thieves! That might be a great series to read with my daughter. Thanks!