Find Out Friday: Tish Cohen

Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?

My most recent adult book has in it a fourteen year old and I loved writing in her angsty, pseudo-punk voice so much I decided to write a whole novel from the point-of-view od a teen girl.

Was there a particular person who inspired you to become a writer?

I think John Irving (A Prayer for Owen Meany, The World According to Garp) writes eccentric and real characters so well, and reading his books definitely inspired me to try to write.

Personally, what's your favorite young adult book?

I would have to say Carolyn Mackler’s The Earth, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things.

Are you currently working on any other books?

I am working on a book for adults, as well as a new book for teen girls.

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What was your favorite part to write in Little Black Lies?

I loved writing the scenes where Sara was dealing with the slightly insane Carling Burnack. I went to school with a girl like Carling and the subway scene was based on a real (but very stupid) incident.

Where did you get the idea for Little Black Lies?

I was a kid who moved around quite a bit, so I did want to write about a girl who was the new kid. And I thought – why not make it even worse by making her dad work at the school, worse still by making him the janitor?

Was the cover what you imagined it looking like?

I actually had no idea what the cover of this book should look like, and I am very happy with the way it turned out – especially the girl and guy leaning on the VW bus!

Are any of the characters inspired after people you know in real life?

As I said, Carling is loosely modeled on a girl I used to know. Sara is a milder version of me as a teen. The others are all made up.

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Thanks so much Tish!

Click here to read my review of Little Black Lies!

Click here to visit Tish's website!