Would you be willing to participate in an interview?
Sure! Feel free to hit me up about it by clicking that ol' Email button - I'd love to hear from you.
What's your writing process like?
Let's just say the magic happens at 4AM on my phone's notepad application. Everything else is a mixture of overeating, daily goals, and pure, wacko perseverance. Wh00t! But to be more technical: before I start writing, I try to think about and plan out what I want to accomplish - so when my fingers meet the keyboard, they're not all "OMG WTH R U DOIN." That happens. And then, after revising... it's off to the fabulous people who will read it and help me improve! Rinse, wash and repeat.
What inspired you to write Autochromatic?
The idea itself was born from a desire to write about that perfect high school couple - the one that gets together early on and stays together for years. (Whoa.) Then the texting thing sort of fell into place. On the day-by-day level, I got lots of help from listening to music, mostly high-energy indie rock stuff (but not while writing, 'cause... *is easily distracted*). By the end, I was inspired the most by AC's feisty main character, Riley. She's a real live person to me, in a slightly creepy way. She helped me through the whole process!
How did you get your agent?
After lots and lots of revising, editing, query drafts, research, and general growing up, I queried Suzie the Amazing through email. She read the manuscript and offered representation soon after. It was like... whoa. If you want, you can read about the query that got Suzie's attention here!
How is life as teenage author? Did you mention your age in your query?
It's simultaneously good, amazing, nerve-wracking, chill, busy, and normal! To be able to start achieving my dreams, to have found the thing I want to do forever, at this crazy age - that's something I will always be incredibly thankful for. As for querying, personally, I didn't mention my age. It's my hope that my writing has the strength to stand on its own, without taking anything else, including age, into consideration.
What advice do you have for other teen writers?
Look for mentors. Don't let anyone get you down. Read and write like a mad person. If you're trying to get published, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons - doing it out of anything except love will most likely end badly. Don't worry about making milestones by a certain age or time - "the race is long, but in the end, it's only with yourself" is one of my favorite quotes on this subject. And above all, have fun. If you'd like to chat with me, shoot me a message and we can be instant best friends!
What do you do besides write?
Good question. I eat a lot. And dream about future travel/backpacking trips. College work is a big icky thing, although I like to think I've mastered the art of denying the existence of it until the last possible minute. Other activities I enjoy include reading, drawing, web design, and keeping up with politics (really)!
How do you pronounce your name? And who is the real Emilia Plater?
It's: ehmeeleeuh playter. I kind of like that spelling better. The real Emilia Plater is this fine woman, who was basically the Joan of Arc of Poland. Please visit her Wikipedia page a lot so I don't overtake her in Google results. That would just be lame, considering how much more awesome she is than me. Seriously.
What is your favorite fruit/cartoon character/movie/animal/comfort food/musical/color/flavor of fudge?
Awesomefruit/Charmander/Catch Me If You Can/ocelot/Tostitos Hint of Lime/Avenue Q/electric purple/cookie dough. OH YEAH.
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