I started writing seriously when I was a teenager, around 14 years old. Marie Lu startteenagerwrite Change image and share on social
We determine whether a book is for boys or girls long before the reader gets a chance to decide: we package them with soldiers and ballet slippers on their covers, war machines and glittering gowns. Marie Lu balletbookboy Change image and share on social
I don't think anything really consciously went into 'Legend' that was influenced by videogames, but I'm pretty sure some of my experiences and love for gaming contributed to a few of the factors that are in 'Legend'. Marie Lu consciouslycontributeexperience share on social
I am a hopeless pantser, so I don't do much outlining. A thought will occur to me, and I'll just throw it into the story. I tell myself I'll worry about untangling it later. I'm glad no one sees my first drafts except for my poor editor and agent. Marie Lu agentdrafteditor share on social
Writing is an extremely rewarding and humbling process, and I've learned to go with it, that even if it feels absolutely impossible, I will find a way to tell the next story. Marie Lu absolutelyextremelyfelt Change image and share on social
I've always had this interest in sibling relationships because I don't have any siblings. I'm completely a product of the one-child policy in China, so I always kind of wished that I had an older brother or a younger brother or sister just to have that bond, so I find myself constantly writing about that relationship. Marie Lu bondbrotherchild share on social
When I first came over to the States, I started writing, I think, as a way to help myself learn English. I would start stapling together little booklets for myself. Marie Lu bookletenglishlearn Change image and share on social
On the one hand, I'm so relieved that I've actually managed to finish my very first series and that I've been able to see my characters through to the end of their journeys. On the other hand, I feel like how parents must feel when they send their kid off to college. It's a bittersweet mix. Marie Lu bittersweetcharactercollege share on social
Boys are different from girls, but boys are also different from other boys, just as girls are different from other girls. Calling a book 'for boys' or 'for girls' is well-meaning, but to me, not terribly helpful. Marie Lu bookboycall share on social
I write the story as it comes to me - YA is my natural voice, not a conscious choice. Marie Lu choiceconsciousnatural Change image and share on social