Sara Zarr is the acclaimed author of many young adult novels including Story of a Girl, How To Save A Life, Once Was Lost, (What We Lost) Sweethearts, and Roomies (co-written with Tara Altebrando). Her books are award winning–Story of a Girl was a National Book Award finalist, and Once Was Lost was awarded a Kirkus Best Book of 2009.
Bull’s Eye: You have written over 5 novels. Do you ever worry that you might run out of ideas for a new story? How do you deal with writer’s block?
Zarr: I’ve never run out of ideas for things I want to write about—I’ve always got way more ideas than I have time to write them.
Bull’s Eye: What’s one thing that you’ve done in your career that you are most proud of?
Zarr: I’m proud of every book—it’s always an amazing feeling when it’s finally finished. More generally, I’m proud that I’ve rolled with the highs and lows of the business and retained my sense of self and identity. I’ve gotten pretty good at not letting the ups and downs mess with my head and I’m proud of that.
Bull’s Eye: When did u know you wanted to become an author? Did anyone/anything inspire you?
Zarr: I always loved to write, but I didn’t know for sure I wanted to try to make writing my career until I was in my mid-twenties. Books by writers from my era like Robert Cormier, Judy Blume, and M.E. Kerr made me want to write young adult fiction.
Bull’s Eye: If you were to travel back in time, what is one thing you would do differently in your career?
Zarr: This is a good question! Right now I would go back to a year and a half ago and tell myself “The book you’re writing now is going to take twice as long as you think so be patient.”
Bull’s Eye: What are your plans for the future?
Zarr: I plan to keep writing for as long as there are people who want to publish and read what I’m writing! I want to keep doing my best and trying new things.
Bull’s Eye: What’s one piece of advice you can give to young aspiring authors?
Zarr: My advice is to get into a writing habit, and spend less time online.
Zarr is the host of “This Creative Life Podcast.” You can visit her website at www.sarazarr.com or follow her on Twitter @sarazarr.