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
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
Writing the first draft of a new story is incredibly difficult for me. I will happily do revisions, because once I can see the words on the page, I can go about ripping them up and moving scenes around. A blank page, though? Terrifying. I'm always angsty when I'm working my way through a first draft. Marie Lu angstyblankdifficult share on social
My first three manuscripts were epic fantasy - like high fantasy - and then the fourth one was a historical fantasy about Mozart as a child. I still have a soft spot for that one! Marie Lu childepicfantasy 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
In general, I write for ages 12 and up - although I've received emails from readers between the ages of seven and seventy. My books are science fiction. Marie Lu agebookemail Change image and 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
I remember my favorite books when I was a kid: 'The Redwall Adventure' series, 'Ender's Game,' things like that. Marie Lu adventurebookender Change image and share on social
I've always been interested in exploring the concept of child prodigies. When I was younger, I wrote a story about Mozart as a child, and I just always loved this idea of young people who are able to take control of their lives and bring a whole lot of change at such a young age. Marie Lu agebringchange share on social
We are both disturbed and fascinated by visions of bleak futures, predictions of what might come if we as a society aren't careful. Marie Lu bleakcarefuldisturb Change image and share on social