Blog Tour: Emily Wing Smith Interview

1. Did your writing style change at all from your debut novel to Back When You Were Easier to Love?

I don’t think my style as a writer changed, but by necessity, the writing style of the book changed. My first book, THE WAY HE LIVED, is told in six separate short stories, narrated by several different characters. BACK WHEN YOU WERE EASIER TO LOVE is told by only one character, who is in a very fragmented state of mind as she’s telling the story, so the style is completely different.

2. Did you put parts of people you know into your characters? Do you relate to Joy in any way?

I definitely relate to Joy, and have put a lot of myself into her—some of my experience moving to a new, strange town, and my personality type—I tend to get easily obsessed, whether it’s with a project, my “life plan” or—yes—guys. However, she’s not me. Re-reading the book I found that although all the scenes sounded so familiar to me, none of them actually happened.

3. Your cover is very fun and different; did you have any say in its design? Do you think it suits the book?

I absolutely LOVE the cover. And it probably looks as good as it does because I had nothing to do with designing it! I love the doodled-over effect—it matches the mood of the book perfectly.

4. What has been the nicest thing a teenager has told you about your books?

I was once at a school book event and a girl came up to my signing line after everyone else had left. She was holding THE WAY HE LIVED, my first book, and said she had to buy it because she had to figure out the story. She was from Nepal and didn’t like to read because English was difficult for her, so this was the first book she was reading of her own choice. I could tell this was a big step for her, and it was for me, too.

5. Have you read any books lately that you would recommend?

Just off the top of my head, I recently enjoyed WHERE SHE WENT, the sequel to Gayle Forman’s amazing IF I STAY. I also loved, loved, loved CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS by Natalie Standiford. I thought it was so clever and unique.

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Thanks so much for answering my questions, Emily! I am dying to read your book and agree with your recommendations 100%! Be sure to check out Emily's website for more info on her and her books.