Oh my gosh my first car was named Remy. This Lullaby has so many great lines but for whatever reason I always think of “and just like that, I had a job and a car payment before my 18th birthday”.
I hope so much that we get to read your stories. It’s so hard for me to imagine you of all people feeling like you are starting over. Your stories are so important. ❤️
At 32 years old, I have found my way to your blog in my search to see if I somehow missed a release in the years since The Rest of the Story. I'm glad to see you have 2 books with editors.... looking forward to reading them soon!
I was an obsessive fan of your books and a routine reader of your blog 20 years ago, and I remember commenting right around the time I was getting married, and that you said something so kind and calming. It's so good to be able to "catch up" with you in these Friday Five! The YA market really has shifted-- I've been a youth librarian since 2003, and things are very, very different than when I started out. The thing is, though-- there is always going to be a market for solid realistic fiction if it's well-written and character-driven. Hopefully the editors out there can see that. True fans like myself need our next Sarah Dessen fix, and there are readers who are solidly NOT into The Castle of Thorns and Dyspepsia or whatever and need your writing.
If ever you need a reminder...you have been the most formative author for me. I vividly remember my mom giving me This Lullaby and The Truth about Forever for Christmas when I was in middle school. Reading This Lullaby was the first time (of many in the future) I stayed up reading past my bedtime, under the covers with a flashlight, into the early hours of the morning. I read the entire book that night. It was the first time I had a "book hangover." I couldn't wait to read The Truth about Forever next, which turned out to be my favorite book—not only within your books but of all time. I read it once every year. I tear up at the end every time. I had my first child this year and I can't wait to let her borrow (not have, ha!) my copy when she's in middle school. You're the reason I knew I was right about wanting to be a writer all those years ago, you're the reason I'm now a children's book editor. Your books helped me get through long and hard nights when my parents were getting divorced. You and your books have been part of my story, and then some. And I could never thank you enough for that.
I have been looking forward to these posts each week since you started the blog again. (I've been impatiently waiting for a new book, lol.) But I feel like this blog has taught me so much more about you as a person and I admire you even more than before - and that's saying something.
I do my best to be that rock for my loved ones and on Feb 13th I was knocked down several pegs when I suddenly lost my dad. My friends have been my saving grace and I'm so grateful to have such a strong support system. You are such a good friend and I'm sure she knows that.
My best friend and I met you back in 2013 in DC for your book tour. We are eagerly awaiting being able to see you again! We both have quotes from your books tattooed. Thank you for being so candid and so real.
1. I am also cheering March!! It really does start the transitory time towards spring and puts the end in sight.
2. TWO books!? Be still my beating heart! We will take them in whatever medium we can get and happily so! Sending positive hopes for both your way.
4. I think just showing up and checking in every day is what I would ask for, just knowing someone is there that I can count on. The grilled cheese honestly sounds great, though, I could go for that right now.
5. That is so cool!!! Auden is one of my favorite names from the books. My dog is named Wes and let me tell you how much time I've spent over the years explaining that it's not a Princess Bride reference but a Truth About Forever reference.
To answer number 4 on your list, when someone in my group is having a hard time, I always try to plan a day full of comfort. A day with no responsibilities and to just feel comforted and pampered. May it be going to the movies, a day of junk food and gilmore girls, at home spa days, getting nails done, doing out for food and drinks. Coffee dates, bookstores. Whatever helps clear minds. Sometimes all we need it to get out of our heads for a minute. It doesn’t solve it all, but it brings some cheer to a hard time. Small gifts. Small details. Laughter. Good company. Food. All that is medicine to the soul. 🫶 hope it helps!
PS. Crossing all my fingers for those two books you have out to publishers! Your books are one of my biggest sources of comfort.
Hi Sarah, I am a longtime fan and I’m so happy to know you’re still writing. i was in high school when I first read That Summer, This Lullaby and now I’m 31! My favorites will always be Keeping the Moon, Dreamland, Lock and Key. I do enjoy fantasies and dystopias but I love realistic YA fiction soooo much. It’s sad to hear that the market doesn’t seem to favor them anymore- every time I reread your books I am hungering for more but no other YA author has come close. So I just reread your books some more. :) Please keep writing! I will quietly await your next story.
Looking forward to hopefulling reading more of your books. Over the last 10+ years they have become my comfort reads. Even at 36 I still find your characters relatable.
The first YA novel I ever read was This Lullaby at 15 and it sparked something in my soul. Your writing style just has that ability. It doesn’t even seem real, but I first read that book 20 years ago. Since then, I have been a longtime reader. And, I would be remiss not to share that I indeed have a sweet little Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Macy, inspired by none other than The Truth About Forever…my all time favorite YA novel.
Although there may be struggles with relevancy in this zeitgeist, your writing has always featured characters with some sort of struggle, which makes them relatable. But, where your work becomes magic is when your characters find support, help, and strength in the most unlikely places. Keep telling the stories of people needing other people. That’s a high art that we all too often overlook in this day and age.
Just went to your website to see when the next book is out.. 20 years later and I still always want to read your writing. Like many who have commented before your books made me a "reader" the characters felt real and i loved every minute I could escape into the worlds you've made. I am crossing my fingers and toes these editors see how amazing you are and we get a few more books soon!
Sarah, my son's name is Owen. He isn't named after Owen from Just Listen, specifically, but when we were choosing his name (he's 4 now btw), I remember thinking that I've never met an Owen I didn't like - and your Owen definitely counted for that. Just Listen is still one of my favorite books ever. Thank you for your words always 💕
Re: "I am kind of starting over in a market that seems *really* hard to crack, especially if you write contemporary YA fiction."
You've said the YA (contemporary) market has changed multiple times but never elaborated on how (to my knowledge in these posts).
As an aspiring YA author (who loves your books 😀!!), I would really love if you would share your perspective. Thanks so much!!! Absolutely can't wait to read your next book!!
Oh my gosh my first car was named Remy. This Lullaby has so many great lines but for whatever reason I always think of “and just like that, I had a job and a car payment before my 18th birthday”.
I hope so much that we get to read your stories. It’s so hard for me to imagine you of all people feeling like you are starting over. Your stories are so important. ❤️
At 32 years old, I have found my way to your blog in my search to see if I somehow missed a release in the years since The Rest of the Story. I'm glad to see you have 2 books with editors.... looking forward to reading them soon!
I was an obsessive fan of your books and a routine reader of your blog 20 years ago, and I remember commenting right around the time I was getting married, and that you said something so kind and calming. It's so good to be able to "catch up" with you in these Friday Five! The YA market really has shifted-- I've been a youth librarian since 2003, and things are very, very different than when I started out. The thing is, though-- there is always going to be a market for solid realistic fiction if it's well-written and character-driven. Hopefully the editors out there can see that. True fans like myself need our next Sarah Dessen fix, and there are readers who are solidly NOT into The Castle of Thorns and Dyspepsia or whatever and need your writing.
If ever you need a reminder...you have been the most formative author for me. I vividly remember my mom giving me This Lullaby and The Truth about Forever for Christmas when I was in middle school. Reading This Lullaby was the first time (of many in the future) I stayed up reading past my bedtime, under the covers with a flashlight, into the early hours of the morning. I read the entire book that night. It was the first time I had a "book hangover." I couldn't wait to read The Truth about Forever next, which turned out to be my favorite book—not only within your books but of all time. I read it once every year. I tear up at the end every time. I had my first child this year and I can't wait to let her borrow (not have, ha!) my copy when she's in middle school. You're the reason I knew I was right about wanting to be a writer all those years ago, you're the reason I'm now a children's book editor. Your books helped me get through long and hard nights when my parents were getting divorced. You and your books have been part of my story, and then some. And I could never thank you enough for that.
I have been looking forward to these posts each week since you started the blog again. (I've been impatiently waiting for a new book, lol.) But I feel like this blog has taught me so much more about you as a person and I admire you even more than before - and that's saying something.
I do my best to be that rock for my loved ones and on Feb 13th I was knocked down several pegs when I suddenly lost my dad. My friends have been my saving grace and I'm so grateful to have such a strong support system. You are such a good friend and I'm sure she knows that.
My best friend and I met you back in 2013 in DC for your book tour. We are eagerly awaiting being able to see you again! We both have quotes from your books tattooed. Thank you for being so candid and so real.
1. I am also cheering March!! It really does start the transitory time towards spring and puts the end in sight.
2. TWO books!? Be still my beating heart! We will take them in whatever medium we can get and happily so! Sending positive hopes for both your way.
4. I think just showing up and checking in every day is what I would ask for, just knowing someone is there that I can count on. The grilled cheese honestly sounds great, though, I could go for that right now.
5. That is so cool!!! Auden is one of my favorite names from the books. My dog is named Wes and let me tell you how much time I've spent over the years explaining that it's not a Princess Bride reference but a Truth About Forever reference.
To answer number 4 on your list, when someone in my group is having a hard time, I always try to plan a day full of comfort. A day with no responsibilities and to just feel comforted and pampered. May it be going to the movies, a day of junk food and gilmore girls, at home spa days, getting nails done, doing out for food and drinks. Coffee dates, bookstores. Whatever helps clear minds. Sometimes all we need it to get out of our heads for a minute. It doesn’t solve it all, but it brings some cheer to a hard time. Small gifts. Small details. Laughter. Good company. Food. All that is medicine to the soul. 🫶 hope it helps!
PS. Crossing all my fingers for those two books you have out to publishers! Your books are one of my biggest sources of comfort.
Hi Sarah, I am a longtime fan and I’m so happy to know you’re still writing. i was in high school when I first read That Summer, This Lullaby and now I’m 31! My favorites will always be Keeping the Moon, Dreamland, Lock and Key. I do enjoy fantasies and dystopias but I love realistic YA fiction soooo much. It’s sad to hear that the market doesn’t seem to favor them anymore- every time I reread your books I am hungering for more but no other YA author has come close. So I just reread your books some more. :) Please keep writing! I will quietly await your next story.
Looking forward to hopefulling reading more of your books. Over the last 10+ years they have become my comfort reads. Even at 36 I still find your characters relatable.
The first YA novel I ever read was This Lullaby at 15 and it sparked something in my soul. Your writing style just has that ability. It doesn’t even seem real, but I first read that book 20 years ago. Since then, I have been a longtime reader. And, I would be remiss not to share that I indeed have a sweet little Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Macy, inspired by none other than The Truth About Forever…my all time favorite YA novel.
Although there may be struggles with relevancy in this zeitgeist, your writing has always featured characters with some sort of struggle, which makes them relatable. But, where your work becomes magic is when your characters find support, help, and strength in the most unlikely places. Keep telling the stories of people needing other people. That’s a high art that we all too often overlook in this day and age.
I have to totally agree with everything you said about these books and the writing!
Just went to your website to see when the next book is out.. 20 years later and I still always want to read your writing. Like many who have commented before your books made me a "reader" the characters felt real and i loved every minute I could escape into the worlds you've made. I am crossing my fingers and toes these editors see how amazing you are and we get a few more books soon!
Looking forward to new books in whatever format we get. ♥️
Sarah, my son's name is Owen. He isn't named after Owen from Just Listen, specifically, but when we were choosing his name (he's 4 now btw), I remember thinking that I've never met an Owen I didn't like - and your Owen definitely counted for that. Just Listen is still one of my favorite books ever. Thank you for your words always 💕
Hey there. Love your posts!!
Re: "I am kind of starting over in a market that seems *really* hard to crack, especially if you write contemporary YA fiction."
You've said the YA (contemporary) market has changed multiple times but never elaborated on how (to my knowledge in these posts).
As an aspiring YA author (who loves your books 😀!!), I would really love if you would share your perspective. Thanks so much!!! Absolutely can't wait to read your next book!!
Happy March! I so look forward to reading a new book from you someday! I've got so many of your previous books. Cheering you along on this journey.
I can't wait to read your future books I own every one you've written and I've reread them so many times!