Author Uncovered: Lisa Sandell (Author Interview)

Hey everyone! This week, I'm hosting Lisa Sandell, the author of some really amazing books! Lisa was nice enough to let me interview her, so, here it goes!











Her Books:



Did you always want to become an author?
For as long as I can remember I have always been a voracious reader. At some point, I think when I was around six or seven years old, I decided I wanted to tell stories, too. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be an author.

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
I think my strengths are in weaving scenes—describing details like scents and tastes and sights and sounds—as well as creating characters who readers want to empathize with. One of my great weaknesses is, when I’m actually writing, I have a very hard time with being overly critical and I can rewrite the same sentence for an entire day, just trying to perfect it. It’s hard to make progress when that happens!

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I think the most wonderful thing a reader has ever said to me is that while she does not typically like to read at all, reading one of my books made her want to read more, to explore other books. Hearing something like that is truly awesome.

Do you have any must-haves when you're writing?
Music. I will pick one album, usually a Bob Dylan album, and just listen to it over and over and over again while I write, for the duration. It drives my husband crazy!

How does it feel like, knowing your books are on those bookshelves in a bookstore?
Amazing. There really isn’t a word to capture how thrilling it is, to see a dream that I’ve had for my whole life actualized. It’s pretty cool.

If you had to be any character (any at all!), who would it be? Why?
I think I would pick King Arthur. He’s just so good. Of course, he meets with a tragic end (I won’t spoil it for anyone who doesn’t already know), but he embodies all of the qualities that make humanity good. He’s courageous and strong and generous and thoughtful. He cares about his friends and his subjects. He believes in equality and egalitarianism and fairness. He’s a great leader and a great person. And he gets to go on all kinds of cool quests.

What are your ten, most favorite things?
Wow, this is an interesting question—well, here goes, in no particular order!
1. Thunderstorms
2. My family
3. All of my friends
4. My dog, Molly
5. Riding my bike along the river on a sunny day
6. The beach, in rain or sunshine
7. The American Museum of Natural History (in NYC)
8. Books
9. S’mores
10. Huddling on the couch with a book and a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day or on a stormy night, with my dog and my husband nearby.

What is your typical day?
I wake up at around 7:30, get dressed, walk my dog, and ride my bike to work. Then I am at work (I work as a book editor) for most of the day, and when it’s quitting time, I either go out with friends, or I go home, walk my dog again and sit down to do work. I usually stay up till around 1am writing. And I’ll admit it, I’m also a sucker for bad TV.

Do you have any upcoming books? Are you working on something else?
I am working on a new book, but it’s in its very early stages, and so I don’t want to reveal too much. However, I will say it will be another YA novel with a fabulous, kick-butt heroine!

Ohh! I wonder what Lisa's new book will be about! I'm hoping to read more by this fabulous author!

Peace, Love, and Maps of the Known World (hehe),