What inspired Other Words for Love?
I’m a character-driven writer, and the characters were what inspired me. Ari and her family were in my mind for quite a while before I fully understood Ari’s story and began to write it. When that story came to me, I just wanted to tell it and to share it with readers. I was also inspired by the concept of “limerence,” which is an important aspect of the story.
You have one of my favourite covers of 2011, how much input did you have and what do you think of it?
Thank you! I love the cover, too. I didn’t have any input into the design—it was created by Angela Carlino at Random House—but I loved it as soon as I saw it. I was hoping for something that represented the novel well, and captured the depth of feeling that Ari expresses in the story. I wanted it to portray both the romantic aspects and the more serious elements of the story. I feel that the two images on the cover—of New York and of the girl’s mouth—accomplish that. I think it looks like Ari is whispering all of her secrets and private thoughts.
Why did you choose New York as your setting?
I chose New York because I was born and raised there, and I know firsthand what it’s like to be a teenager in that city. I also chose NYC because it’s an interesting and exciting place filled with history and opportunities, and because there is such a sharp socioeconomic and cultural divide between those who live in the boroughs and those who live in Manhattan—a theme that is present throughout Other Words for Love and in Ari and Blake’s relationship.
Who was the inspiration for Ari Mitchell?
Ari’s character was not inspired by a single person; however, I think that many of the things she goes through and feels are universal for young women. Before I began writing, I saw her as a girl with many wonderful attributes (intelligence, sensitivity, artistic ability, etc.) who isn’t appreciated by her peers, and whose lack of experience and confidence—as well as her tendency toward depression—cause her to quickly fall into an intense relationship and to be devastated when that relationship ends. I created her personality based on her background, her experiences, and the events that shape her story.
How much research did you undertake for your debut?
I did a lot of research before and during writing Other Words for Love. There were several elements of the story that required research. As I previously mentioned, an aspect of the novel is the concept of “limerence,” which is when a person has extremely strong love/lust/infatuation for someone else, has high hopes and expectations for the relationship, and goes through a painful crash of depression if things don’t work out. Limerence causes very high and very low emotions. It’s a psychological phenomenon, and I researched it before writing the novel. I also researched post-partum depression, which Ari’s older sister deals with in the story. Additionally, I had to research details relating to the setting, time period, and other real-life references that appear in the story. Fortunately, Random House has very efficient copyeditors and proofreaders who fact-checked everything!
What has the best thing been about having your debut published?
My favorite thing is the amazing feedback I’ve been getting from people who have read my book. I hoped that readers would love Ari and her story as much as I do, and it’s so fulfilling to hear that people have connected with her and have such positive feelings about her. I’m completely overwhelmed by the wonderful interaction I have had with readers, and I really enjoy hearing from them! I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given by readers and book bloggers.
What were the messages you aimed to get across in your novel?
When I write, I don’t have an agenda. I just tell one person’s story—in this case, Ari’s story. Fiction is extremely subjective, and people analyze and judge it based on their personal experiences and values. Because of that, every reader will take something different from my novel. However, if there’s one message that I think readers—especially teen readers—might take from Ari’s story is that your existence won’t always be exactly as it is now. Young people don’t have enough experience to know that life is always in flux, and circumstances constantly change. So even if you’re not particularly popular or happy or appreciated at the moment, it won’t always be that way. What makes you different now will make you special later. I also think that Ari’s experience in Other Words for Lovedemonstrates that even if things don’t work out the way you expected, you will be okay—and maybe even better.
What are you writing at the moment and what should we expect in the future?I’m currently working on another YA novel that is also set in New York, and I plan to continue writing YA novels in the future.
Do you have any advice for teens that want to become authors in the future?
The most important thing is to enjoy what you’re writing. You should have knowledge of the market and genre in which you write, but don’t feel like you have to copy someone else’s work. Write what comes naturally to you, and what you would want to read. If you wake up in the morning and aren’t excited about your manuscript, then you should probably make some changes or move on to another idea. You really have to love your story and characters to make the novel good enough for someone else to love it, too. It’s also important to believe in your abilities, to work hard, and to persevere. Always remember that writing is highly subjective. One person might not like your work at all, and someone else will be crazy about it. Don’t let the people who don’t connect with your work discourage you or make you give up. Just keep trying until you find the people who love your writing as much as you do. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed, because you can.
Thanks so much to Lorraine for her insightful responses. I hope you'd enjoyed reading them as muc as I did.
I absolutely loved Other Words for Love. Thanks for an awesome interview, it was great to find out her inspiration and writing process. I can't wait to read her next novel, I bet it'll be just as good as the first!
ReplyDeleteI've heard such wonderful things about this book, and I really can't wait to read it!
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