Twitterview: Trish Doller

 
Trish Doller, author of SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL (reviewed here), stops by to play along with our Twitterview series, which celebrates being two years old today (and you can read the full archive of Twitterviews here). Along with talking about the Marine back story, her favorite moment in the book, and, of course, her favorite ice cream, you have a chance to win a finished copy of the book at the end of the post. Without further ado, Trish.


 

Pitch SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL in 140 characters

A young Marine's struggle with adjusting to life--family, friends, love, death, and post-combat stress--after Afghanistan.

What inspired SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL?

In 2003, I interviewed a Marine home from Iraq. Couldn't get over how someone so young had seen and done so much. That stuck.

You wrote through the eyes and with the voice of a male main character. How did you get into the mindset/perspective? 

My son's friends spent hours at our house. I paid attention to what they did, said, and -- more importantly -- how they said it. 

Travis is a Marine, and he's inspired by those who do serve. Care to talk about the influence?

Without the Marines who patiently answered my questions, there would not be a SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL. They are everything.

In Something Like Normal, Travis is suffering PTSD -- how did you handle incorporating such a huge thing without making it the central plot?

I read the memoir of a real marine who dealt with PTSD. For many Marines and soldiers, it's a part of life but not the central plot.

What's your favorite moment in the book? 

When Travis is recalling Charlie's story of why he became a Marine. I know I wrote it, but it never fails to make me laugh. (Kelly's note: I loved this scene too).


What should readers walk away with from Something Like Normal? 

Knowing that Travis isn't an extraordinary Marine and that his struggles aren't unusual for the real Marines who've inspired him.

What was the road to publication like for you? 
Bumpy. My first book was cancelled by the publisher, so my second book is now my debut. Seems to have turned out for the best, though.

Who or what do you write for?
I write because to not write would be unimaginable. I've just been very fortunate that others think there is value in what I write.

What was your most influential read as a teenager? 
S. E. Hinton. She was a huge step away from middle grade favorites like George and Wilder into something more unsettling and raw.

Who are your top three writing influences?
Kirsty Eagar, Melina Marchetta, and Cath Crowley. Wonderful voice, wonderful writing, and a bar set very high.

Who do you believe is breaking ground in YA right now?

Steve Brezenoff and Nova Ren Suma are doing really cool things that make me want to be a better writer.

What's the best writing advice you ever received? 
I asked Maureen Johnson when you know your book is ready. She said sometimes you just have to jump. I think that applies to all things.

What's your best writing advice to give? 
Trust your instinct. So many times I've second-guessed a scene that's already written as it's meant to be. Don't fiddle too much.

What is your writing routine?
Fly-by-the-seat of my pants. Some days I'm on fire. Other days, I spend the entire time on twitter and tumblr. I really need a routine.

What gets you jazzed to write? 
An empty house, plenty of Coke & snacks, and the right music. Since that's a rare and perfect storm, housework avoidance works, too.

You use visual inspiration for your stories. Give us a peak at your Something Like Normal inspiration. 

I do!

Do you have a writing soundtrack? Share a bit?

My favorites from my SLN soundtrack are This is Letting Go by Rise Against and Bullet by Mat Kearney. The whole list is here.

What's next for you?
Writing, writing, and more writing.

Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate almond chip.

Want to win a copy of Trish's book? I'll pick one winner at the end of the month.