I’m very happy to introduce Krysten Lindsay Hager and her latest novel True Colors.
Krysten is an author and book addict who has never
met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle
grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. TRUE COLORS is her bestselling
debut novel from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived
in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southwestern Ohio where you
can find her reading and writing. She received her Master’s in American Culture
from the University of Michigan-Flint.
SDG:
What inspired you to write this book?
I saw the quote in a class that you should write the
book you want to read and that got me to thinking about what I would have
wanted to read back when I was the age of my readers. We all deal with
“frenemies” and fair weather friends—those friends you thought were true blue
and then aren’t there when you need them. It’s difficult to deal with things
like jealousy or being left out, but when those negative feelings are coming
from people you considered good friends…well, it hurts all the more. I used to
like to read about girls I could relate to and I hope someone reads TRUE COLORS
and feels a little less alone in the world, too.
SDG:
Nicely said! What was your approach to writing True Colors (did it just flow or
did you use an outline or other preparatory method)?
I really just began with the idea and the writing
flowed. I didn’t use an outline. I never begin with an outline, but after I finish
a draft, I often go back and do one to check the plot structure.
SDG:
How long did it take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited
final?
I honestly can’t say because I took breaks during
the writing process due to several moves (including one overseas) and an
accident, too.
SDG:
Glad you managed to finish it with all of that turmoil. Can you tell us a
little about your book and if you have had book signings or readings?
The
book is about Landry Albright, who just wants to be one of the interesting
girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She
wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best
friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show
modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the
judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut
and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to
make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and
conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that
modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, a new
crush, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you
because of it.
SDG:
That sounds like an awesome plot! Are your family members supportive of your
writing and what do they think about your writing career?
My mom is a great sounding board when I’m working on
something. She’s a reader, not a writer, so it helps to have her perspective
and she is not an “everything you write goes on the fridge” type of mothers.
She’s completely straightforward and honest. She’s currently not happy with me
because I wrote another story where the character ends up with, as she would
say, “the wrong guy.”
My dad likes hearing me read my work. When I started
out writing for newspapers, he read every article I wrote—even the boring ones
about where to buy organic eggs in the local area. If my name was in the
byline, he read it and acted like it was the great news story ever written.
SDG:
I love to hear how supportive and proud families are. Do you have any advice or
words of wisdom for budding writers?
Take
literature classes as well as writing classes to learn from the best. Read as
much as you can and attend conferences and workshops, and get into a critique
group.
SDG:
Totally agree with that list! What are you working on now? Is it in the same
genre?
I am
writing a sequel to TRUE COLORS that picks up right where the previous story
left off. I am also working a women’s fiction novel as well and another MG/YA
and an older YA one.
SDG:
You sure are busy! What is the best time for you to write and does it ever
interfere with your day job, if you have one? Also, how long on average do you
write each day?
Writing
at night works best for me when the interruptions are gone from the day and I
can focus better. I don’t have a set period of time I write for or anything.
Some days I might work for hours, others I take to just think on the story and
go over a scene over and over in my mind until it feels right.
SDG:
We certainly do need quiet time, don’t we? Is writing, to you, a lonely
occupation?
I had a wonderful English professor named Dr. Jacqueline
Zeff who assigned us to read, A Journal
of Solitude by May Sarton as undergrads. It changed the way I looked at
writing and made me realize the importance of solitude for a writer.
SDG:
How wonderful that you had such an inspirational teacher. What is your website
and where can readers purchase your book or books?
My
website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Barnesandnoble.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-colors-krysten-lindsay-hager/1119742726?ean=2940149747658
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/449308
SDG:
Author social media sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96jxcUH54hU
Thank you, Krysten,
for stopping by and telling us a bit about yourself. I look forward to reading
your book, and will definitely watch out for others you write!
