Let’s welcome author Krysten Lindsay Hager who writes novels for tweens and young adults. Krysten has won numerous awards for her writing, and her work has appeared in many publications including USA Today.

Linda Covella: Hi, Krysten. I’m so happy you could join us today!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Krysten Lindsay Hager: I enjoyed creating stories since I was a kid making up storylines for my dolls. I can remember writing little stories in first grade and I always knew I wanted to write.

LC: I love that!

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

KLH: I’m not an outliner, but when working on a book in a series I do have a journal where I jot down ideas so I have an idea of where I’m going.

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

KLH: I find inspiration everywhere from the news, overheard conversations, movies, and my own experiences. Friends of mine from my school days like reading my books to go down memory lane!

LC: Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

KLH: I like Cecily from Can Dreams Come True because of her sense of humor. She was fun to write as she meets her favorite pop star and goes through all the emotions of being overwhelmed and trying hard not to fan girl over him

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

KLH: Emme, Landry, Cecily, Pilar, and Lila have bit of my sense of humor. And Emme, Landry and Cecily all have my overthinking ability!

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

KLH: My books are more character driven. When you read the Landry’s True Colors Series you’re really going on a journey with the character.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

KLH: I was a big reader and used to go to the library a lot. My parents were very into education, so books were something they have a love for.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

KLH: It’s crucial. You can’t write well if you’re not a reader.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

KLH: I like May Sarton, Erika Tamar, Judy Blume and I’ve recently been reading some of the newer Nancy Drew books for fun. I like any story that pulls me in and makes me forget about the outside world.

LC: I loved reading Nancy Drew when I was young. I’ll have to check out the new books.

Anything new in the works?

KLH: I’m working on the follow up book to Can Dreams Come True.

LC: We’ll look forward to that. Thanks again for sharing your writing with us!

Author Bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, Next Door to a Star,  Landry in Like, Competing with the Star, Dating the It Guy, and Can Dreams Come True. True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book and the Dayton Book Expo Bestseller Award for childen/teens. Competing with the Star is a Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist. Dating the It Guy has been nominated for a RONE award. ​Krysten’s work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton.

You can connect with Krysten at:

Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClIQCsRcKc97-25oXvabZ8A

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1