Ask Susane Colasanti - Monday, May 20th! discussion

Welcome to the group! Susane will be answering questions throughout the day on Monday, May 20th in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Susane or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

Wow! Hi! I just wanted to say i love Susane's writing! I can't evenbeing to explain my love for your work! I've been trying to write my own books/stories & a question i have is how do you keep on getting ideas, because i sometimes get the whole idea of what i want the book to be about, but then i dont know how i'm going to get to that point & i start to write nonsense. I'd love to know how you always have fresh ideas , or keep on writing, even when you have writer's block. Thank you!

I am honestly going to say the only books of hers I have read are the hunger games trilogy but they were awesome

Christine, wrong author.

Excited to read Ms. Colasanti's new book!

I only read one of Susane's books, but I loved it!!:)
My question is:How do you find last names for characters??? It always a struggle for me.
All I Need is a must-read for me this year.

Where did you get your inspiration to write Keep Holding On. And why

Honestly, I've probably read Something Like Fate and Keep Holding On at least 10 times in 2 years. They both give me such a good feeling inside to know that everything gets better at the end of the story. So I just need to commend you Susane for making reading so much fun!

Hi!
My question is, Are you influenced by any other young adult authors while writing new books? And if so who and what are your current favorite authors and books? And do you ever see yourself writing a novel in a different genre? Like Fantasy or mystery? I guess that was more than one question, oops! Sorry. I can't wait to read more of your wonderful books! :)

1st: Huge fan. Thanks.
2nd: Why would you do such horrible things to Noellle in Keep Holding On ? The plot is great, just really really sad. An eye-opener for sure.

I really loved your books !! can't wait until your new book come out!!

Hi!!! My question is what inspires you to write your books?

Christine wrote: "I am honestly going to say the only books of hers I have read are the hunger games trilogy but they were awesome"

Wrong author...

I just wanted to say that I have read almost all of your books and I love them all!! I just get so emerged in them, I just can't help it. I can't wait for your new book!!

Hey everyone and Susane, I am a fan of your books. I have not gotten through them all yet but I definitely plan to. What I am wondering is what got you into writing? Did you always know it was the right choice for you? I saw that you were a teacher for years so what made you choose a full time writing career? Were you nervous....? How do you keep your inspiration? I am a writer but sometimes I lose motivation after awhile and the writers block and all that jazz. So, I would love to know your experiences and advice. Thank you :)

Hey Susane, i was using wondering how do you make your story so interesting, it really captured my attention when i read two of your books, called keep holding on and so much closer. It really interesting that i didnt put down the book until i finish it, so i was wondering how to write such interesting yet emotional and romantic story? I been trying to do for sometime but it not the same as what you did. Your story wont really show who the main character is in love with until the middle of the story. my story would , so i hope you would give me some advice on how you did it, and where do you get this inspiration from? Thanks a lot!

Hi Susane, in your books, but in When It Happens especially, where do you get inspiration from to perfect the male voice or perspective to ensure that it is not made too feminine, as after all, with the book written by a female author, it must be hard to cut the balance between cute (for the romantic plot of the story) and it getting too feminine. Thanks! :)

I love your book So Much Closer. I love it not only is the main character a great person but I love the setting of New York. It totally captivated me. So my question is: Is it hard for you to come up with your settings?

I had the good no GREAT fortune of reading an ARC copy of All I Need and I have to say that with each book Susan writes it blows me away. Her characters are so strong and they fight the fight even though it seems like a losing battle.

Each of Susan's books have a message and in All I Need can you tell me Susan what message is in there. I got a few but I want to know if I am right. I actually read the book twice because I fell in love with the main characters. Summer loves are always tough because there is no guarantee of the couple staying together. So summer loves are just that summer loves.

Hi Susan! I've read all of your books and loved all of them! I can definitely say you are one of my favorite authors. When do you think you're going to make your next book?

Hi there Susane! I have been a fan since the beginning and I absolutely love all your books. My favourite is When it Happens though, I can't really explain it I just love it so much. My question is: what was your favourite book to write and why?

How do you get your inspiration for each book? Are they based off of real events or a friend's personal story?

Do you believe in fate? What about love at first sight?

I definitely love Susane Colasanti's books!! Especially Something Like Fate. Do you have any plans to make one of your books into a movie? And if so, which book would it be?

I really enjoyed your books, and I feel like i can relate to them myself. I only really have one basic question about it. When you write about your love stories and all the moments between two people, how do you do it? How do you know what will sweep readers off there feet? or do you just write what you would want from a love story kinda like creating your own? I am writing , more like attempting, to write a love story myself and I am having a hard time to find special bonds between two people. I really hope that you could help.

Hi Susane! My name is Christina. I'm a huge fan of your books! I'm so excited for All I Need. Something Like Fate is my favorite; I've read it 5 times. I have a couple questions for you though. I want to be an author when I grow up. Would you consider making them movies? How do you find inspiration for your books? How do keep the plot flowing and not bored? How do you create such awesome, lovable characters? Also how do you pronounce your name? Hw many more books do you think you're going to write?Thanks, Bye!

Hello!
I was wondering how long it takes to make one of your books, and how do you feel once you complete a book?

Hi!!
I was just thinking about your books like SO MUCH CLOSER
The story line was amazing how BROOKE came all the way to NYC for SCOTT and finally finds herself. Moreover every character had motives and you know to prove themselves.
I wanted to ask you did you actually do some research work for coming up with a such a great book and JOHN being dylecxic...so do you research about all these stuff before you start writing a book?? I mean about dyslecxia and environment science major?

hey
I'm samirah i read your book Something like Fate. its a really good book. how long did it take you to write it?

Heyy, I'm Terra.
I've read all of your currently published books and I was wondering and love them all! Not to put you on a pedestal, but you are one of my favorite author! I was wondering, which book is your favorite and if you were planning on writing a sequel to any of the books! Thank you!

Your a great writer and I hope your next book is as good or even better than "When It Happens". My only concern with that book was the seemingly rushed ending. Like the whole book you were we're waiting for this one scene and When IT Happened we got like 3 sentences then she graduated. Did you just get tired of writting the book? Or am I just completly delusional?

Hi, I'm Samora.
I've read two of your books "Something Like Fate" and "So Much Closer".
I go to an IB school which means in Grade 10 (next year) I'll have to do a personal project. The teacher in charge wants us to choose our project from now and I decided that I'd like to write a novel. Writing a book has always been a dream of mine.
The questions I have for you are: How did you manage your time, did you set a timeline for writing? Did you plan out the story line? What kind of research did you do if you did any before writing? How did you get your book published, because I might make that part of my project goal. Lastly, is there any advice you could give me before I start writing?

Hye Susane!

I have read three of your books which are Waiting For You (the one that made me fell in love with you straight away), When It Happens and So Much Closer. The reason why I love to read your books, and keeps on hunting for them which is really hard since there is not much copies in the bookstores that I always go to, is because you wrote in alternating POVs (for Waiting For You and When It Happens - if I'm not mistaken) but I was a bit disappointed with So Much Closer because obviously I was hoping for an alternate POV too. So, how did you decide when to use alternate POV and not to use it, and also why did you use alternate POV?
Anyway, your books are awesome and I'll try my best to keep on hunting for them :)

Have a nice day!

Hello Ms. Colasanti,

First off, I have read all of your books and loved how they relate to feelings of love, hurt, friendship, and fear in the mind of a high schooler; you capture this perfectly every time. I engulfed your first book, When it Happens, in a day and it still holds a dear place in my heart. Right after I read it, I recall sending you a fan e-mail and you were kind enough to reply, even giving me advise, soft words, and tips on how to make my dream of getting my book published to come true...Well...IT HAPPENED! :D Coming this Fall, the book I have put my soul and self into for ten years is going to be published! I am so grateful and I just want to say thank you. Thank you for writing. Thank you for teaching (which is my current job right now and I enjoy it). Thank you for never giving up on your dreams, your talent, or a young college girl who sent you a fan e-mail years ago; you helped make her dreams come true. I hope that one day, I can also do this for a reader of mine. :)

I am very much looking forward to your new work coming out. Good luck in all you do. All my thanks!

Hi, I'm Ariana from Mexico. I've read 'Something Like Fate' and 'Take Me There', and I love that. Each with their own style, I'm wanting to read 'All I Need'.
I will focus on 'Take Me There', this caught my attention, the way in which tells from three perspectives: How did that idea? It was difficult to to develop it? and one last question,
Have you ever thought about make sequel to this or another book?
Thank you! :)

What do you consider your perfect setting to write to be? I mean do you have a favorite spot to sit and write, do you like to have certain music playing, or anything that seems to boost your writing/creativity?

Sarah wrote: "Christine, wrong author.

Excited to read Ms. Colasanti's new book!"

opps thanks

Ms. Colasanti
I´m always proud of your job, the only book I have is Keep Holding On. I really appreciate your feeling toward others it is a great honor to have someone like you to look up to. Because in situations like this one (Keep Holding On) it isn’t easy to stand by myself.
Thank you very much and keep doing what you do the best KEEP WRITTING, you are my inspiration and because of you I have grown to strong since I read that book and I have learned how to survive such mean people.
Maria
From Venezuela (South America)
PD: sorry for the misspelling I´m not good at English

Hey! I was just wondering how you come up with such great ideas for books and they actually continue until the end. I've tried writing books, and I just can't finish them. Oh, and do you know a good bargain book store that has some of your books?

Ms. Colasanti

You have affected my life deeply. Before I read one of your books, I hardly read a whole book. Now these days I have read all but one your books and read about three books a week. My reading average went up about four grade levels. Thank you very much for what you do.

I wanted to ask, what made you want to write and are these books related to yours or someone else around you life?

Hi I am Lily and I absolutely love your writing! I was just wondering what books you like to read? What genres or authors do you find intrigue you the most? I'd love to hear back from you! Thanks so much and please never stop writing!

Hello, I don't have a question but I just wanted to introduce myself. My name's Rebecca and I loved your book Something Like Fate and All I Need is a definite must-read for me!

hi! my name is Emily and I love your books! i just have a question are you writing another? Cause if you are i definatly want to read it! what inspired you the most to write? What so you do when you get a writers block? When did you first start writing? Which of your books are you favorite? Thank you for your time!
Emily

hi Ms. Susane Colasanti! I just wanna say you're truly amazing for writing things up! I'm on track reading all your books and I'm wishing you could have book singing in the Philippines, but anyways, I really wanna see a great writer like you! Thanks for inspiring everyone who reads :)

Natalia wrote: "Wow! Hi! I just wanted to say i love Susane's writing! I can't evenbeing to explain my love for your work! I've been trying to write my own books/stories & a question i have is how do you keep on g..."

Thank you, friendly neighbor! I find that if you write about what makes you feel alive, the ideas keep coming. Write what you feel passionate about. Getting stuck with writer's block is an indication that you're not feeling enthusiastic about what you're writing. My advice would be to brainstorm ideas for a new project. After a few days of brainstorming, look over your list to see if any ideas make you excited. The idea that inspires the most excitement/fear/intrigue is probably a good one for you to explore!

Directioner wrote: "I only read one of Susane's books, but I loved it!!:)
My question is:How do you find last names for characters??? It always a struggle for me.
All I Need is a must-read for me this year."

Last names can be challenging. Some of the last names I've used were selected because they seemed to fit the character's personality. Or they went well with the character's first name. But some of my characters were named after teachers who made an impact on me. I've even named a few teachers in my books after my actual teachers. Sara's class schedule in When It Happens shows teachers' last names that I named after some of my favorite authors. Street names and last names of people I admire have also been used.

Kayla wrote: "Where did you get your inspiration to write Keep Holding On. And why"

Keep Holding On was inspired by my own experiences with being bullied. I was a total outsider in junior high and high school. I wrote about some really embarrassing experiences in this book that I would have been mortified to admit back then. I’m not embarrassed anymore. If those things happened to me, they’re happening to other people right now. Which means it was time to speak up.

I know how it feels to be relentlessly tormented. I know how it feels to constantly be anxious at school and at home, to feel like you’ll never fit in, like no one will ever understand you. Writing Keep Holding On was my way of turning a negative experience into something positive.

Leah wrote: "Honestly, I've probably read Something Like Fate and Keep Holding On at least 10 times in 2 years. They both give me such a good feeling inside to know that everything gets better at the end of the..."

Thanks for the sweet warm fuzzy! With each book I write, my main goal is to reach out to readers and help them feel less alone. It makes me happy to know that these books have given you comfort.

Kelly wrote: "Hi!
My question is, Are you influenced by any other young adult authors while writing new books? And if so who and what are your current favorite authors and books? And do you ever see yourself wr..."

Teens are my people. I write for them (although I have much love for my grownup readers, too!). So I have absolutely no desire to write in a different genre. That said, it's important to be open to change in life. There's the possibility that I might bust out with something different when I'm 60. But for now, my goal is to help teens in any way I can by writing books that inspire positive energy.

Laurie Halse Anderson is my fave teen author. She is a phenomenal writer.

Taylor wrote: "1st: Huge fan. Thanks.
2nd: Why would you do such horrible things to Noellle in Keep Holding On ? The plot is great, just really really sad. An eye-opener for sure."

Most of the things Noelle experiences in Keep Holding On actually happened to me in high school. Although my teen years were the worst years of my life, I can use those horrible experiences to write books that will hopefully reach out to teens going through the same or similar hard times. If my books are helping people feel less alone, then everything I endured was totally worth it.