Author Interview: Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz

Books:

• Of All the Stupid Things

Website / Buy the Book

It really was a stupid thing that Brent Staple did – doing it (so the rumour goes) with Chris Sanchez, one of the guy cheerleaders. Who’d have thought that Brent, the school’s hottest jock, could be gay? But the doubt about Brent doesn’t just hurt Tara – it’s the beginning of the end for an inseparable trio of friends. Tara’s training for the marathon, but also running from her father and her fear of ever being abandoned again. Beautiful Whitney Blaire’s got everything and nothing, because her parents have never had time for her. And Pinkie has a compulsive need to mother everyone to make up for the mom she never stops missing. The girls couldn’t be more different, but doesn’t that just prove the strength of their friendship?

Then new-girl Riley arrives in school, wafting her long black hair and a scent of lilacs. Suddenly, Tara starts to feel things she’s never felt before for a girl - and to reassess her feelings about Brent and what he may/may not have done. Is Tara gay – or does she just love Riley? And can the map of her deepest friendships ever be redrawn in a post-Riley world?

Describe your book in five words or less.

Friends, relationships, misunderstandings, school, life


Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did you just kind of fall into it?

I started making up stories before I could write, often revolving around things I wanted to happen to me, so yes, I've always wanted to be a writer. There are still many jobs that I find interesting and would like the opportunity to try, but they would ultimately be jobs taken for the experience, but not as a career.


What is your typical writing environment like? Do you have any "must haves" when writing?

Being comfortable is very important and I like ability to move or shift positions if I'm working at home. That said, I can work in cafes or other environments just fine as well. If I'm working for a long time, then I like to have something to munch on (raisins and pine nuts are favorites). I don't think anything is a "must have" though since I've gotten used to writing when/wherever I can through my various jobs.


Who is your favorite author and what is it that you really like about their work?

At the moment I really like Jaclyn Moriarty. Even though her narratives are all through messages, letters, etc, her characters always seem really fresh, amusing, and sympathetic. I think she's quite clever in coming up with different ways of indirect communication like leaving messages on refrigerators or fill-in-the-blank notebooks). She always keeps me entertained.


If you could travel back in time, what time and place would you choose? And if you can only take 3 things with you, what would they be?

Mid 1800s, either exploring the wild fronteer on horseback/covered wagon or in a quaint English village where having a full dance card is the highlight of the annual social. LOL, call me a Cinderella tomboy! As for what I'd take, pen, notebook, and the complete Harry Potter series in case I get bored!


If you could ask yourself an interview question, what would you ask? What would your response be?

How would you feel if someone asked to make a film of your book?

I've often thought about this and I don't know how I'd react. Although I'd be thrilled, I think I would find it difficult to let go of it and accept someone else's vision of my story. I always find it difficult to enjoy films made from my favorite books because I want it to be more like the book. On the other hand, if it were to happen, I think seeing my book come to life would be an unforgettable experience.

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Thanks Alexandra!