Christine Grabowski Interview

What made you want to write this book?

A young adult book based on a unique premise was the type of book I wanted to write since they are some of my favorites. I knew some authors have based their books off of dreams they had at night, so I began reviewing my dreams each morning. I never dream up a blockbuster idea like Stephenie Meyer did with Twilight, but I did begin to wonder why I remembered some dreams yet forgot others. That idea led me to the idea of creating an academy where students were taught dream telepathy.

Where do you get your storylines from?

The initial spark of an idea somehow just comes to me. But then as I begin to outline, the idea grows into an actual story.

Was this book easier to write than others? Why?

This was my first book to write, and I’m guessing it will be the hardest for me because I didn’t know what I was doing when I began. Therefore, I probably revised it over 60 times because each time I learned a technique in a writing book, conference, or class, I applied it to my book.

Do you only write one genre?

I only write young adult which is more of a category. As far as genre, I expect to write contemporary, paranormal, contemporary fantasy, and suspense.

Do you have a specific place or setting where you write?

I lug my laptop everywhere and write while my kids have practices or lessons. But my favorite place to write is my local Starbucks. The barista knows my order and the atmosphere is perfect. It’s not too quiet where I grow sleepy, and the ambient noise is easy to block out. Best of all, I have no interruptions like I do at home.

 
Describe what made you want to be a writer?

Books have always been an important part of my life, so over the years I began to fantasize of writing my own. But it wasn’t until I had kids that I felt compelled to do so. I wanted them to fall in love with reading too, and I found that if they liked a book (or series), they would read like crazy, but if they didn’t care much for it, they didn’t read much. That made me want to write books that would keep kids reading so they would always enjoy books.