Your book took me back to the 70s and finding my mom’s stashed copy of HELTER SKELTER. It was all the news was talking about at the time. I loved how you were able to capture the horror with free verse in a very convincing way.
My first question has to be what inspired you to write FAMILY?
I, too, read HELTER SKELTER at a young age and it made an impression. I've always been fascinated by people's dark impulses, and the concept of cult indoctrination. The more I learned about Charles Manson, the more unbelievable his story was to me. I had to explore it further.
What character gave you the toughest time to write?
I don't think I spend too much time in anyone's head other than Mel's, so any bumps in the road came from her POV. In the initial draft, there was a constant foreboding at the ranch, and everyone seemed dangerous and creepy. My agent was concerned that in that version, it was impossible to understand why Mel chose to stay with the family. I had to concentrate and creating a point of connection in the rewrites, which is where I focused on her friendship with Shelly. So that was something that took some work.
There’s some very intense stuff in your book. **Totally love this! Which scene was the hardest for you to write?
It was very hard for me to write Mel's recollection of her sexual abuse. It's probably a little icky to admit this about my own work, but I can't go through that scene without crying. Even though it's completely a product of my own imagination! It's upsetting to think about anyone having to cope with that kind of violence, and the fact that there are real-life Mels in the world breaks my heart. I hope I've managed to write about the subject with sensitivity.
I also reworked the ending in three different ways. Each time, I thought I'd nailed it. But my agent suggested some revises to the first version, and my editor had thoughts about the second. I'm very happy with the ending as it stands, but I love hearing others' feedback on it, because literally each draft was a complete evolution from the previous version (and no, I won't elaborate!).
Which scene was your favorite?
I can't say that I have a favorite, per se...but it was really satisfying to write an ending that felt cohesive and true to the character.
Who would your ideal cast be if a movie was made?
I'm afraid that's an impossible question for me to answer - since I've seen every single Manson-inspired movie ever, I've got too many pre-established images in my head! Obviously the "singer" would be Sharon Tate...
For what it's worth, my favorite bit of random casting was a made for tv version of "Helter Skelter" starring Clea DuVall as Linda Kasabian and Mary Lynn Rajskub as Squeaky Fromme.
Some writing questions:
What do you like best about being a writer?
It's a toss-up between MAKING UP STORIES FOR A LIVING, and working in my yoga pants. I mean, come on. It doesn't get better than that! :)
Why Young Adult?
Let's just say the genre chose me, rather than the other way around. It's just where my brain is stuck at, and where the writing goes to. Why fight it?
Best part of writing Y.A.
All of the intensity and emotion that comes with that age. There's no other time in life like it, when every experience feels utterly urgent.
What's your writing process like?
It's different with every book! But I'm beginning to see a pattern where I'm writing early in the mornings, and early in the evenings - during those times of the day when the "real world" mostly falls away. The afternoons are for emails, phone calls, errands, but the blurry times just after and just before bed are best for creativity.
What's next for you?
Another novel with Egmont! My first full-on spookfest! I'm very excited to write a ghost story. After so many years of reading them, it seems to be about time.
Thank you, Micol! And don't forget to enter our July FAMILY giveaway! Click here to enter.
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