Marie Lu
Marie Lu
Marie Luis an American young adult author. She is best known for the Legend series, novels set in a dystopian and militarized future. The novels form the basis of a movie to be produced by CBS Films and directed by Jonathan Levine...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionAuthor
CountryUnited States of America
characters finish kid parents relieved send series
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.
constantly interest older policy product relationships wished younger
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.
both disturbed fascinated might society visions
We are both disturbed and fascinated by visions of bleak futures, predictions of what might come if we as a society aren't careful.
came learn
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.
drafts editor except glad occur sees throw
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.
epic fourth high historical mozart soft spot
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!
forcing writer
What can I say: I'm a writer - I enjoy forcing pain and suffering on my characters!
judgmental tend
For me, as a fan, when I read book series, I tend to be the most judgmental of the last book.
ballet boys chance determine gets girls glittering machines package reader slippers soldiers war whether
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.
absolutely extremely feels humbling next rewarding
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.
blank draft happily incredibly ripping scenes
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.
addictive appeal believable best boy create intriguing plot satisfying tons unexpected
As a writer, I try to appeal to the 'elusive boy audience' the same way I try to appeal to everyone: I do the very best I can to create interesting characters, addictive plots, tons of conflict, believable settings, unexpected plot twists, intriguing beginnings, and satisfying endings.
conscious ya
I write the story as it comes to me - YA is my natural voice, not a conscious choice.
books favorite
I remember my favorite books when I was a kid: 'The Redwall Adventure' series, 'Ender's Game,' things like that.