Interview with Alexandra Diaz

Today, my special guest is author Alexandra Diaz. Her Young Adult novel, All the Stupid Things, is set to release on December 22, 2009.

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Describe your book in five words or less.

Friends, relationships, misunderstandings, school, life


Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did you just kind of fall into it?

I started making up stories before I could write, often revolving around things I wanted to happen to me, so yes, I've always wanted to be a writer. There are still many jobs that I find interesting and would like the opportunity to try, but they would ultimately be jobs taken for the experience, but not as a career.


What is your typical writing environment like? Do you have any "must haves" when writing?

Being comfortable is very important and I like ability to move or shift positions if I'm working at home. That said, I can work in cafes or other environments just fine as well. If I'm working for a long time, then I like to have something to munch on (raisins and pine nuts are favorites). I don't think anything is a "must have" though since I've gotten used to writing when/wherever I can through my various jobs.


Who is your favorite author and what is it that you really like about their work?

At the moment I really like Jaclyn Moriarty. Even though her narratives are all through messages, letters, etc, her characters always seem really fresh, amusing, and sympathetic. I think she's quite clever in coming up with different ways of indirect communication like leaving messages on refrigerators or fill-in-the-blank notebooks). She always keeps me entertained.


If you could travel back in time, what time and place would you choose? And if you can only take 3 things with you, what would they be?

Mid 1800s, either exploring the wild frontier on horseback/covered wagon or in a quaint English village where having a full dance card is the highlight of the annual social. LOL, call me a Cinderella tomboy! As for what I'd take, pen, notebook, and the complete Harry Potter series in case I get bored!


If you could ask yourself an interview question, what would you ask? What would your response be?

How would you feel if someone asked to make a film of your book?

I've often thought about this and I don't know how I'd react. Although I'd be thrilled, I think I would find it difficult to let go of it and accept someone else's vision of my story. I always find it difficult to enjoy films made from my favorite books because I want it to be more like the book. On the other hand, if it were to happen, I think seeing my book come to life would be an unforgettable experience.


Thanks Alexandra!

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Interview reposted courtesy of my sister site, Other Shelf Tours. We are currently featuring Alexandra's novel for a tour. Deadline for blogger sign-ups is Sunday, December 20th.