Interview with Lisa Greenwald

Lisa Greenwald is the other of the upcoming young adult novel, My Life In Pink & Green. It is being released March 1, 2009. Click here to preorder it!

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What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I like to read (of course,) go to the movies, and go out to eat. I also like to people watch and walk around New York City. I'm not really a party-all-night kind of person and I prefer to go places where I can wear jeans and a hooded sweatshirt.

How long did it take you to write My Life In Pink & Green?

I started MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN in the spring of 2007 and I sold it in November of 2007 but then I did a few revisions after that. I'd say it took about a year and a half.

How did you come up with the title?

Actually my fabulous agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin came up with the title so I can't take any of the credit. I know a great title when I see one, but it's very hard for me to think of them on my own!

Are the experiences in MLIP&G based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Most of MLIP&G is totally fictional but my grandfather was a pharmacist and he told me many stories about owning a pharmacy. My mom would help out there so she also told me stories about working behind the counter and talking to the customers. And even though the rest is totally made up, I think that I'm a little bit like Lucy. I worry like she does and I like to try to find ways to help when people are struggling. Also, Sunny is based on my best friend growing up. I loved her family and spending time at her house and learning about her culture.

Who is your favorite author and why?

My favorite book of all time is TUCK EVERLASTING by Natalie Babbitt. I read it in 6th grade and fell in love with it immediately. The characters felt so real to me, the writing is beautiful and the concept of living forever fascinates me. As for other favorite authors, I love Gabrielle Zevin, John Steinbeck, Ann Packer and Melissa Bank.

Who is your favorite band/singer and why?

This is a hard question! I can tell you my favorite song is "When a man loves a woman" by Percy Sledge. My other favorite singers/bands are: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Dar Williams. I like songs that tell stories and songs that take a stand on events/circumstances going on in the world.

Are you working on any other novels?

Yes, right now I'm working on another tween novel. This one is about a girl going to the summer camp that her mother went to. I'm also beginning an adult book. I love writing for teens but the main character in this story is 21 so it's for slightly older readers.

Why did you choose to write books geared toward young adults?

I chose to write books geared toward young adults because in many ways I still feel like I'm a teenager. I remember middle school better than any other time in my life. I think the stories and experiences of young adults are the most interesting and often the most inspiring.

What advice to you have for aspiring novelists?

Write about what's important to you. Don't worry about writing anything groundbreaking or trying to write commercial fiction and don't think at all about following trends. Write what's meaningful to you and the passion and heart will come through.

Can you summarize the plot of My Life in Pink & Green?

I'm terrible at writing summaries actually. But you can visit my website for a summary: www.lisagreenwald.com/books

If MLIP&G were made into a movie, who would play the characters?

I'd pick Abigail Breslin to play Lucy. I'd pick Laura Linney or Mary Louise Parker to play Lucy's mom and Mimi Weddell to play Lucy's Grandma. She's a little old for the part but the makeup people can make her look younger and I love her. I don't have anyone in mind for Sunny so I'd love to do an open casting call where kids could come and be discovered! When I was that age, I really wanted to get discovered and even went on a few casting calls! It was so much fun.

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Thanks for the interview, Lisa! I'm really excited to read My Life In Pink & Green!