Interview: Michelle Hodkin

NRR: Can you share with us how you got started into writing?

I began writing on May 15, 2009, because I had an idea. The idea became THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER, and the short story is that it’s based on true events. The long version is going to be posted on www.maradyer.com when it goes live. It’s…creepy. 

NRR: How were you inspired to write The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer?

See above! The first words of fiction I ever wrote were for this story, actually. I never before entertained the idea of becoming a writer—I just had to get this story out.

NRR: What was the most challenging part of writing this novel?

Making sure I stayed true to Mara’s first-person perspective. The whole series hinges on her perception of things, so that was critical (and tricky!)

NRR: What is your guilty pleasure?

I read Lainey Gossip almost every day. Her blog is SO well written and so hysterically funny—I can’t get enough of it.

NRR: What authors/books helped inspire your writing career?

I never planned to have a writing career, but I’ve always been a voracious reader. When I was a kid, I devoured books by RL Stine, and as an adult, I still love horror, suspense, and mystery. So I think RL Stine has probably had the biggest impact of any other author I read when I was younger.

NRR: Can you share with us the storyline to The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer?

Well, I’ve heard that the less you know going in, the more interesting the book is to read! But the basic premise is that a girl, Mara Dyer, wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. As she pieces together what happened, you learn what happened, too. 

NRR: What can we expect to see from you next?

The sequel to THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER will be out in Fall 2012. I can’t wait to share it!