Author Interview: Allison van Diepen

Allison van Diepen

Books:

  • Street Pharm (2006)
  • Snitch (2007)
  • Raven (2010)
  • The Oracle of Dating (2010)
  • The Oracle Rebounds (2010)

Website

The Oracle of Dating and The Oracle Rebounds are really different from your previous novels, was the experience writing these novels different as well?

Definitely. Writing the Oracle books was like going to a slumber party with lots of junk food, boy talk, gossip, pillow fights and out-of-control giggling. My other books are darker, more intense stories. When I was writing the Oracle books, I revisited some of my own dating experiences – and disasters – and those of my friends. Seriously, if you can’t laugh over a guy who flosses at the dinner table, what’s wrong with you?

Which novel was your favorite to write? And why?

That’s like asking someone to choose between their children! :) Let’s just say when writing the Oracle books, the only tears were tears of laughter…

Did you ever give out relationship advice to your friends? Any funny stories if you did?

Oh, yes, I gave advice. Lots of it. My MISTAKE was in thinking I was also a matchmaker. It was not a talent of mine, and the results were horrific. I set up my macho colleague with my melodramatic roommate and, when the infatuation turned sour, I had to witness the fallout at work and at home. Total mistake!

Why do you love writing for Young Adults?

Teen readers are so passionate, so enthusiastic, and they will vow to love your characters forever. Some have even wanted to tattoo themselves with the Raven symbol (which, I admit, I’ve talked a few teens out of doing – I’m not big on doing something so permanent)! The teen in me is such a big part of who I am that my teen writing voice comes naturally. Funny enough, when I was a teen, I wrote mostly about adults, and as an adult I’m writing about teens.

What was your favorite YA novel as a teen? What’s your favorite as an adult?

Remember Me by Christopher Pike was my favorite back then. It was dark, romantic, suspenseful and emotional. As an adult, my fave is Sea Change by Aimee Friedman. It’s got that ethereal feel, and just fills you with romantic longing. Sigh!

What are you hoping that teens will take away from The Oracle series?

That we’ve all been through it. Crushes, love, heartbreak. They’re all a part of life. Sometimes you learn more when a romance doesn’t work out because it can help you make better choices later on.

If you could travel back in time for one year, where would you go and what three things would you take with you?

I’d go to Ancient Rome in the first century A.D. I’d bring a taser in case some centurions messed with me. A laptop to document my experiences. And a camera so I could snatch pictures of some first century celebs. :)

Are you working on anything now? Can you tell us anything about it?

Currently I’m working on two YAs. One of them is a gritty urban book, and the other involves time travel (hence the Ancient Rome reference above). I’m very excited about my next book, The Vampire Stalker, which comes out in June. I think the tagline says it all: What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world–and came into yours?

Thanks so much Allison for stopping by!!
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