Lauren’s Writing

Lauren recently answered a question from a fan regarding why she became an author. Here’s the question and answer Lauren gave;

Hello, I love you. Your books make me want to be a writer. I would like to ask how your writing style has evolved over the years? How was the MFA program at NYU? Do you feel it helped your writing/ writing carreer/ publishing career? Do you suggest doing an MFA if you are an aspiring writer?

THIS IS A QUESTION I GET ASKED A LOT SO I WANTED TO POST MY RESPONSE PUBLICLY
Thanks so much! I loved getting my MFA at NYU and I certainly learned a lot there, but it is in no way necessary to get an MFA if you want to write. Really, the only thing you need to do is keep practicing writing! Just like with anything else—skiing, playing the cello, drawing—practice is way to get better. I’ve been writing since I was about eight, but it took me nearly twenty years to get any good at it!

So what is your opinion on this? Did Lauren inspire you to write? We would love to hear any fan faction relating to the Delirium universe. Feel free to share with us all here!

Lauren Oliver FAQ Part 2

Continuing on from her last question session , Lauren Oliver has released part 2 of her most frequently asked questions:

What books are coming up for you?

My second book for middle-grade readers, THE SPINDLERS, will be released in October of this year. In the spring of 2013, the last book in my Delirium series, Requiem, comes out; and after that…who knows! I’m working on a teen standalone right now but it’s in its very early stages.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

With difficulty! I keep lists of names I like, street names, and place names on my computer. But sometimes I just mix-and-match the names of people I know!

 

How old were you when you started writing?

I started writing pretty much as soon as I was old enough to hold a pen and read on my own. My first stories were spin-offs of the books I loved, like CS Lewis and the Redwall series.

How is Hana’s name pronounced?

I pronounce it Hah-na (the way a British person might!), but most people say Hana to rhyme with the last syllable of banana, which is fine too. She’s used to it!

How do you overcome obstacles/writers block?

Discipline, discipline, discipline. I’ve trained myself to write every day, no matter what. And remember: the first drafts don’t have to be good, or even readable!

Lauren Oliver FAQ

Recently Lauren Oliver answered some of the questions she is most frequently asked, surrounding Delirium, Pandemonium and all things in between. Enjoy!

CAN I AUDITION TO PLAY LENA IN THE MOVIE OF DELIRIUM?

I’m glad that you’re all as excited about the movie as I am! It’s especially gratifying to know how many of you identify so strongly with Lena’s character. It’s comforting to know there’s so many smart, thoughtful, loving–and, of course, butt-kicking–girls out there! Unfortunately, I have very little input into the process of casting; in fact, the casting decisions lie with the producers and the studio. I encourage all of you burgeoning actresses to direct your passion to local plays/productions and open auditions…and, of course, if you’re down to write and star in your own version of Delirium, I’m all about it!

WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG FOR REQUIEM?

Requiem is finished, but it needs to be edited, designed, shipped, etc. It usually takes about a year from the time a book leaves my computer to the time it hits shelves! So please be patient. It’s worth the wait, I promise! 🙂

WHAT IS REQUIEM ABOUT?

You guys know I’m not going to give anything away, right? That would spoil all the fun! All I will say is that unlike the first two books in the trilogy, Requiem is told from the point of view of two different characters. Other than that, you’re gonna have to trust me that there’s a lot of fun surprises, and the return of some characters that we haven’t seen since Delirium!

WHY DO YOU WRITE?

Not because they’re paying me to – not that I’m complaining. 🙂 I have to write. I have a very deep and compelling desire to write that I can’t really turn off, so I’m very lucky and grateful that my life has turned out the way it has. Otherwise I’d probably be a failed back-up dancer and/or a very disgruntled waitress.

Anything you’re still dying to know? Email Lauren at laurenoliverbooks@gmail.com and put FAQ in the subject line, and she has promised to do a Part II soon!