About the Author: E.J. Schwartz
What would you like readers to know about you?
I'd like readers to know the years of my life I spent writing, researching, and living parts of this book--and how truly humbled I am by the positive reviews and awards it's received! The morning I read the Kirkus Review of my book I was jumping up and down in my apartment, elated! The same for the IPPY award and all the other honors! So many pinch-me moments!
What music do you listen to (if any) when you write?
If I listen to music when I write now, it's usually instrumental music that fits the scene. However, I did listen to music when I was writing "Before We Were Blue" and you can read more about those songs in another interview I did with Books Beyond Binaries HERE!
What books or authors inspired you to become a writer?
I truly think every book I've read has influenced me to become a writer. Incredible books like "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "Anxious People" made me so annoyed--They were so perfect I wished I'd written them! On the flip side, with books I didn't like, it felt like there was a chance for me to try tell that same story in a different way!
About the Book: Before We Were Blue
What is your book about for those who haven’t read it?
"Before We Were Blue" is about two teenage girls who meet in an eating disorder clinic. Their friendship is intensive, messy, powerful, and transformative. The story wrestles with how their friendship helps and hurts their eating disorders as they work their way to get out of the treatment center.
What has been your inspiration for writing it?
This story took inspiration from many things--my own complicated relationship with food as a teenager (and sometimes still), my competitiveness in sports, friends I've had and lost, friends I've had and kept, other stories I've read, movies and documentaries I've seen... As with most works of art, the inspiration comes from a bit of everything in life!
What was your favorite scene or part of your book to write?
Such a good question! My favorite scene to write was one where the two main characters, Rowan and Shoshana, are outside the treatment center, just talking and almost falling into the snow. It felt magical to write.
Where can your book be purchased?
The novel can be purchased at any good bookstore! (: The audiobook is also available on Audible and wherever audiobooks are sold! Here's a few links: Flux | Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Book Depository | Target | Goodreads
To the Future Writer:
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write a book?
I'd say: write it! Make yourself a word count plan if that works for you--that helped me with "Before We Were Blue." Also, a little loneliness can be a positive thing for writers. Don't shy away from meeting yourself and hard or complicated feelings!
What’s next for you? Any events, upcoming pubs, etc.
What's next for me is the summer! Summer, where I hope I have more time to write, since I teach Elementary school now and love that as well! More writing and exploring the outdoors!
Where can we find you:
Twitter-@byejschwartz
Instagram-@ej.schwartz
What's on your TBR list?
"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus
"The Push" by Tommy Caldwell
"How to Be Anti-Racist" by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
"Born for Love" by Bruce D. Perry
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