Q&A with Susane Colasanti discussion

This discussion is starting before So Much Closer's May 3 pub date, but you can get a feel for the book by reading the first four chapters on my Scribd sampler. You can also watch the book trailer and read a synopsis. You'll find everything on my website.

For now, we can start by discussing any of my previous books. Feel free to ask about anything - characters, plot, setting, those quirky details I adore...it's totally up to you!

Why did you start writing? I love your books!!!!

Are there any characters you based off of real people?

Asia wrote: "Why did you start writing? I love your books!!!!"

Thank you, friendly neighbor :)

I felt really alone as a teen. Books were always able to make me feel better when nothing else could. I wanted to write books that would help other teens feel less alone the way my favorite books helped me. Writing is my way of reaching out.

Susane wrote: "Asia wrote: "Why did you start writing? I love your books!!!!"

Thank you, friendly neighbor :)

I felt really alone as a teen. Books were always able to make me feel better when nothing else c..."

Thank you for replying. And what age did you start writing?

Lauren wrote: "Are there any characters you based off of real people?"

Yes. Tatyana from Take Me There was inspired by a student of mine. She designs her own tees and is an outstanding spoken word artist. The poem that Tatyana reads in the book was actually written by the real Taty! Tobey from When It Happens was inspired by a real boy I knew in high school. So for those of you wondering if boys like Tobey exist, they totally do :)

Asia wrote: "Thank you for replying. And what age did you start writing?"

Reading and writing have been a major part of my life since I was little. I wrote my first short story in first or second grade. It was called "The Carrot and the Rabbit." You can read about it here (scroll all the way down): http://www.susanecolasanti.com/qanda....

Susane wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Are there any characters you based off of real people?"

Yes. Tatyana from Take Me There was inspired by a student of mine. She designs her own tees and is an outstanding spoken wo..."

That's cool. Thanks for replying. :)

Of all your books, which one is your favorite/means the most to you? *cant wait to read So Much Closer!!*

Anne wrote: "Of all your books, which one is your favorite/means the most to you? *cant wait to read So Much Closer!!*"

Thanks! This is a hard question to answer. I think When It Happens is the most special to me. First books are usually inspired by the author's own experiences. That's totally true for When It Happens. Sara's story was my own in a lot of ways. That first book gave me a chance to pour out all of the emotions and experiences and quirky details I'd been storing up for so long. Which is probably why the first draft was about 100 pages longer than the final manuscript ;)

^I love it when an author includes his/her experiences in the novel.

Krystal wrote: "^I love it when an author includes his/her experiences in the novel."

Me, too! I think it's an excellent way to make the story feel as realistic as possible, which I'm always trying to do. So Much Closer was inspired by lots of actual experiences.

That always makes the book so much better for me, if the author includes experiences he/she had as well or even character traits.

Susane wrote: "Asia wrote: "Thank you for replying. And what age did you start writing?"

Reading and writing have been a major part of my life since I was little. I wrote my first short story in first or secon..."

I write but I never finish my stories.

How did you think or the character John?

Aileen wrote: "How did you think or the character John?"

John is one of my fave characters ever! He's so unique and quirky. The thing is, I have no idea where he came from. John just busted into the story as I was writing it and kind of took over. I don't know anyone like John in real life. But I wish I did - he's remarkable in so many ways.