Author Interview – Krysten Lindsay Hager

Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. We had the pleasure of having this Author interview – Krysten Lindsay Hager for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. Her work includes YA contemporary, middle-grade fiction, and adult and young adult rom-com.

She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like, Competing with the Star, Dating the It Guy, Can Dreams Come True, In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety, and Cecily in the City.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid hiding a notebook under my math homework. I knew in grade school that I wanted to be a writer.

What was it like growing up?

I was always the kid creating little storylines for my Barbie dolls. I used to read a lot and loved trips to the library.

How was your early life?

I got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents, who greatly influenced me. My grandfather wanted to continue pursuing his musical career (he had been in a band and an orchestra), but his parents wanted him to follow a more traditional career path. His love for music and the arts stayed with him, and he encouraged me to continue on that path.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

Great teachers that both encouraged me and inspired me. I was introduced to some great books in class, and so many professors really took the time to encourage me.

Tell us about your newest release.

Cecily in the City is a young adult contemporary novel about a high school girl who has her dream come true of getting an audition for a TV soap opera her family grew up watching. She thinks all her dreams are coming true getting to be an actress while still in high school and also dating her favorite singer/songwriter. She soon learns things are different in the spotlight and how to stay true to herself.

Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety is the one I re-read the most. It makes me laugh and smile. Landry in Like is also one I re-read, as well as Dating the It Guy. The epilogue in Dating the It Guy brings happy tears to my eyes.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to continue Cecily’s story of having her dreams come true, but seeing that the reality of having a big, fabulous life wasn’t what she expected.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

I love watching movies and journaling. I even watch YouTube videos of other people setting up their journals with cute stickers.

What does your writing space look like?

I have bookcases filled with books and cute toys like Funko Pops. Currently, my desk has stacks of papers and notebooks on it, but I also have some Wonder Woman toys and a polar bear stuffed animal on there.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?

Tasteful, Yet Chaotic

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

Cecily in the City took a little longer because a few things I put in the book that happened to characters ended up happening in real life, which threw me off! Every once in a while, life will imitate art, but this was really something. I ended up taking some of those scenes out and rewriting the novel. I listened to a lot of music while working on this one.

Favorite reads?

If I’m working on a book, I tend to read a lot of non-fiction, Currently, I’m reading Rick Rubin’s book on creativity. If I’m stressed, I like YA mysteries to take me out of my head.

Do you have any book recommendations?

Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act

What’s your next big project?

I’m doing a spin-off of the Cecily Taylor Series. It’s called Stars in the City, and it will feature an actress on the soap opera Cecily’s on, and Cecily and several of the characters in Cecily in the City will be in the book.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Keep a notebook of your thoughts as you write because you never know what might inspire you. The time before you publish a book is the last time you will write freely without the weight of critics looking over your shoulder, so enjoy it and try not to pressure yourself. I see many writers who feel getting published is like getting the keys to the executive bathroom. Just take your time and, most importantly, enjoy the process.

Follow Krysten:

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

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