Debut Author Interviews

• Rebecca Stead on...Main Character and Self
• Rebecca Stead on...Outlines
• Rebecca Stead on...Book Memory
• Rebecca Stead on...Self-Help Books
• Rebecca Stead on...Favorite Library
• Rebecca Stead on...First Novels
• Rebecca Stead on...Family Appreciation
• Rebecca Stead on...Completion

Is your main character like yourself?

I have two main characters. Thea is sometimes impulsive and usually emotional (these are strengths, for the most part), while Peter holds stuff in more and feels isolated as a result. I’m probably more like Peter, unfortunately.

They are both far braver than I am.

Do you outline before writing?

FIRST LIGHT was a headlong plunge. After I had a full draft, I outlined what I had already written in order to “see” the story’s progression, where the tension was too slack, etc. (my critique group and editor really helped me to see these things too). Now that I’ve started my second book, I find that I’m outlining before writing, because it feels like the way to go with this particular story. But the one after this might be another plunge.

What is your earliest book memory?

I have a very impressionistic memory of a two-page picture-book spread — some sort of animal and a lot of colored dots. I also used to pore over the books “The Red Balloon,” which was always sad to me, and “Dandelion”, which was happier. The first “real book” I remember reading for myself was “Bread and Jam for Frances”. I still love that one, especially the part where Frances lays out her excellent lunch at the end. I could read that over and over.

What are some of your current favorite writing or author-help books?

Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird”: a truthful book about writing that made me laugh out loud (a lot). Now if only David Sedaris would write a book about writing…

Describe your favorite library.

My favorite library is one I sneak into to write.
It is not too small and not too big.
It has small, open balconies with writing tables.
There is gorgeous woodwork and inspirational stained glass (all those shards painstakingly assembled — kind of like a novel)
People there are quiet and focused on work.
The librarians look the other way if you bring coffee.
Obviously, I can’t tell you where it is.

Was this the first full-length novel you wrote, or rather the first that you sold?

Yes, FIRST LIGHT is my first novel.

The scary thing about publishing your first book is that you aren’t really sure you’ll ever be able to write another one.

Now that you’re under contract, does your family better appreciate your writing?

My family has believed in me from day one. They’re pretty wonderful.

How did you know you were “done” with your book and ready to submit it?

For me, it wasn’t really ever “done.” It was more that I was ready for a break.

The truth is that there is always more you can do. I’ve had significant changes with every turnaround, even after the advance reader copies were printed, and I’m sure that when I have the printed book in my hands I’ll still be editing it mentally.