The DMS was lucky enough to interview Ingrid Law, author of the middle grade novel Savvy. Lizzy reviewed this fantastical book and its colorful characters. It was fun to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Ingrid!
What inspired you to write Savvy?
One day, I sat down and decided to write a single crazy sentence without thinking about it too hard and without judging it too much. I wrote: “When my brother Fish turned thirteen, we moved to the deepest part of inland because of the hurricane and, of course, the fact that he’d caused it.” It’s still the first sentence of the book! The whole story grew out of that simple, spontaneous writing exercise.
How long did it take you to write Savvy?
After that first sentence appeared on my computer screen, I was able to write the first draft of Savvy very quickly—it took about four and a half months. Once I found an agent and a publisher, I spent several more months in the revision and editing process. But, start to finish, from the first sentence that popped into my head to the last line-edit emailed back to my editor, the book took about nine or ten months. My second book, Scumble, took longer--nearly two-and-a-half years!
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| Ingrid Law, 11 years old |
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I always loved books about magic, and books with a sense of wonder or adventure. Diana Wynne Jones was one of my favorite authors. I loved the Anne of Green Gables books, by L.M. Montgomery, as well. Arthurian legends, the Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Prydain, mysteries, sci-fi... I loved it all. I enjoyed anything that showed me new worlds or new ways of looking at the world.
If you could befriend any of the characters from your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Uncle Autry, from Scumble! Autry O'Connell's 'savvy' gives him sway over all kinds of insects and creepy-crawlies. I'd befriend him in an instant just so that he could tell all the spiders of the world--and all the mosquitoes too--to stay away from me. (This will come in handy in my answer to question #6 as well.)
What is your favorite song?
It depends on the day, and my mood. But I am very fond of "Crazy ABC's," by Barenaked Ladies, and love anything by Regina Spektor (her new song "All the Rowboats" is very, very cool).
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
I would build a tiny, internet-free house next to Monet's Water Garden Pond, in Giverny, France. I love ponds. They are peaceful, yet so full of life. And I imagine that Monet's pond must be one of the loveliest in the world.
Where can we purchase your books?
People can ask for my books at tropical fish stores, miniature golf courses, and the Pentagon : ) Want better luck? Try your local bookstore, or shop online. Support your local indie!
☞ Barnes and Noble ☞ Amazon ☞ Author Website ☞ Facebook ☞ Goodreads ☟
Oh Savvy sounds fun! And just 4 months to write a novel is stellar. Love the great reviews and can't wait to add to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteHi L.M. Preston, It's a great story, and we had fun talking about what we would want our savvy to be. I think you will enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by : ) ~ F
DeleteHi LM Preston--Ingrid, here. :) I can't tell you how much I wish I could write a novel in under five months again! *sigh*
DeleteBut I should also tell you, the first draft of Savvy--the draft that sold--was roughly 38,000 words. So, pretty short. Through revisions and re-writes that took another (hectic) three months, the book grew closer to 58,000 words.
With my second book--which took much, much longer--I think I spent a month just trying to CUT 10,000 words at the very end of the revision process, when I was told it was too long.
:)
IL
Interesting stuff, I'm always intrigued to know which books and authors inspired writers.
ReplyDeleteHi Petty, Me too- that's one of our favorite questions to ask! Great to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteI loved this!
ReplyDeleteHi Patty, Thanks! Ingrid is very nice, we were thrilled to get a chance to learn a little bit more about her story. Wonderful to hear from you : ) ~ F
Deleteinteresting! and inspiring too...to think she could start and publish a book starting with that first sentence..
ReplyDeleteI think that sentence had some kind of magic in it, Annmarie! Like a beanstalk seed. :)
DeleteIngrid
Tropical fish are soothing, Heidi... I cheat at miniature golf (my family plays 'guerrilla warfare mini-golf--much to the annoyance of those around us)... and I've wanted to be a spy ever since my older sister read me The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, by Dorothy Gilman, when I was twelve.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really lucked out with that cover, didn't I? I love it too. Brandon Dorman is a brilliant illustrator. I adore his use of vivid colors. Want to see more of Brandon's work? http://brandondorman.com/portfolio/
Ingrid :)
I loved Savvy! Such a great read. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! I also really loved Scumble. I learned more about savvys when I read it!
DeleteSavvy is one of my all-time favorite books!! I read it a few years ago in an advance copy and I wish I had been blogging back then so I could have given it the credit it deserves!
ReplyDeleteWizkey- I can understand why it is one of your favorites. If you haven't read Scumble- I am sure you will love it, too! Thanks for stopping by. ~F
DeleteWonderful interview! I'm going to have to try that writing exercise. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cate! It is always fun to learn about different ways to get writing. ~F
DeleteI have Savvy. Should read it sometime.
ReplyDeleteGot to try that exercise sometime.
Adriana- If you have it already- you should definitely give it a try. It is fun to read about Mibs and her fascinating family. I keep wondering what my savvy would be. I like the writing exercise, too! ~F
DeleteHow cool to want to live in Monet's water lilly pond. I love that. I read Savvy and loved it. Now I have to read Scumble. I am very curious about it. I wish I had a savvy.
ReplyDeleteFlex- I would love to live there, too! Ingrid Law is such a fabulous writer. So glad you enjoyed Savvy. I think you will love Scumble. I wish I had a savvy, too! ~F
DeleteI like that Ingrid Law is so down to earth. The cover of Savvy is so nice- I really like the colors. It was cool to find out how she got started with the book.
ReplyDeleteTrey- She is down to earth! I agree with you about the cover of Savvy. It is AWESOME! I am glad you enjoyed the interview. :) ~F
DeleteWhat a fun author, and the book sounds fun too. I'm always amazed how stories come to us.
ReplyDeleteDonna- Ingrid Law is so fun and so are her books. I love hearing how stories come to different authors. It is so fascinating! ~F
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