November 21, 2013
Readers, here’s another debut novelist.
Hi, Lena. Thanks for having me on your blog!
What has drawn you to writing for the YA market?
I wanted to write a warm, amusing story about how a modern teenager would react to being totally unplugged. Some of my friends’ kids don’t even look up from their phones to say hello, and I wonder where this is taking our culture. My character, Edna, is thirteen, so the YA market was naturally drawn to my book, but I wasn’t drawn to a particular market. I’ve found that adults enjoy Edna In the Desert as much as teens.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I’ve done many quirky things, a lot of them in the desert! I took a “sound bath” at The Integratron. I hiked up a mountain in 110 degrees on a first date and eventually married the guy. My job in film and TV creates endless quirky opportunities, for example, covering Adam West, TV’s Batman, in creamed corn. We met years later in Palm Springs and laughed about it.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
At nine. I had an assignment to write an ending for The Lady or The Tiger in school. I wish I could find it. I wrote it on yellow, lined paper.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
From Bossypants to A Farewell To Arms.
What other books have you written?
Edna In the Desert is my first and I’m working on a sequel.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’m not sure I do.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
I’m glad you ruled out family, otherwise everyone would have to say that. I’m proud that Edna In the Desert is published. I’m proud of my work in film and TV. I’m proud that I can juggle, and that my stepfather taught me how over the phone (yes, it’s possible!).
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I would like to be a cat. They’re smart, cute, and seem comfortable in their own bodies.
What is your favorite food?
Spaghetti, with or without meatballs.
Is it hard to break into the YA market?
Yes.
What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
After writing a great story, look for a sub-genre within the YA market that your book fits into.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
Edna In the Desert is about a tech-addicted brat forced to spend a summer without cell phone service, internet, or TV at her grandparents’ cabin. The book is a glimpse into a teen’s spiritual and sexual awakening. It explores the widening gap between generations and how culture is changing with technology. It’s a love letter to the Mojave Desert. Also, it’s short.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
At Electio Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and my website. Here are the links:
http://www.electiopublishing.com/index.php/bookstore#!/~/product/category=4758361&id=27785741
Thank you, Maddy, for spending this time with us today.
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2013/11/edna-in-desert-maddy-lederman-one-free.html