How did you get into writing?
I know that my parents read a lot to me when I was in the womb and I always loved books. I wrote poetry when I was very little. I was encouraged because my mom wrote down a lot of what I said and made me feel that it was valuable. Then I started writing short stories and eventually novels. Fiction moved me so much, took me out of myself, connected me to the world.
How do you do what you do? Describe your process.
I begin with a character, an image, a feeling, a setting. For instance: Weetzie was a name on the license plate of a pink Pinto I saw in high school. Eventually she became a girl with a bleach-blond flattop. She began to have adventures. In college I created a whole book about her.
I try not to shy away from the germ of the idea and then I see where it takes me. I try not to be afraid of revealing something too personal or not doing a good job or making a mistake. I always write about what excites me, even if I don't think it will interest anyone else. It feels a bit like dreaming, just going deep into your own world.
How many people are involved in what you do?
I work alone at first but I have a very close, collaborative relationship with my wonderful editor, Joanna Cotler, who helps me develop my work further. We often have very personal discussions, and by understanding aspects of myself and my life, I can usually improve my writing.
What do you like most or dislike most about writing?
I like almost everything. I like releasing the strong emotions that might overwhelm me otherwise. I like finding a way to reach other people. I like working on my own schedule and I usually don't mind the fact that I work alone, although sometimes it gets a bit lonely.
What was high school like? Were you into writing?
I enjoyed high school after a rather painful junior high experience. I had a close group of friends and we would go exploring together, go dancing, wear wild clothes. I've written for as long as I can remember. In high school, I wrote poetry and some short-short ("short-short" correct?) stories, and became more serious about my desire to be a published author. The character of Weetzie originated at that time and many of her adventures were inspired by that time of my life.
What other kinds of things do you do? What else would you like to try?
I have danced and painted in the past, but I feel much more limited than with writing.
In a way, Weetzie is my alter ego. At one point I had bleached hair and wore thrift shop prom dresses with combat boots. Now I identify mostly with her nurturing, maternal aspects. She is like the spirit of my youth in Los Angeles--full of sparkle and magic, a bit naive, silly, tender, passionate. I think of her as a punk rock fairy princess who, by letting me tell her story, has opened up a magic world. Because of the publication of her book, I have met some of the most important people in my life and had the chance to explore and develop a career I love.
