Exclusive Sara Shepard intervieww

1) When you write each book how do you come up with the plot?

I know some of the plot lines from the very beginning-- like who A is, what happened to Ali, etc. Other twists and turns come as I'm writing. (Like that Jenna conspired with Ali to hurt Toby-- that was completely a breakthrough while working on that chapter.) I outline the plot, and I do a lot of work to make pieces fit. I have great editors, too.


2) Were you impressed with the PLL pilot? When will you know if the show has been picked up?

Yep, I'm impressed with the PLL pilot! The girls do a great job embodying the characters. And they're very pretty! And it *HAS* BEEN PICKED UP!

3) How do you feel when you see that you have so many fans who love your books?

I think it's great. I wish I had more time to respond to everyone individually, and I wish I could travel to more bookstores to meet them. But I can't be in two places at once...


4) Are you going to write another Pretty Little Liar book? If so what would it be about?

Well, I've written WANTED, which is the conclusion to the series. It ties up what happened to Ali and all of the rest of the weird mysteries. We'd love to do Ali's diary, but I don't know if that will happen.

5) Who is your favorite character in the series?

I love all the girls equally-- I don't have a favorite. I also love Aria's brother, Mike.

6) Which book was your favorite to write?

I get pretty into each book I'm writing. The books are so complex and intriguing that I don't really slog through any of them. The point is to make each enjoyable, and I think if you enjoy what you're writing that comes through on the page...

7) What makes you think of the names for each book ( Pretty Little Liars, Flawless, Perfect, etc..)?

I can't take credit for the names-- those are the work of my editors! Titling is not my strong suit.

8) Can we be expecting another adult novel from you soon?

I wrote a second novel, which is yet untitled. It is goign to be published in the Uk, and we're looking for a publisher in the US.

9) Can you tell us about The Lying Game and when it will be out? Is it going to be like Pretty Little Liars?

The Lying Game is another mystery about separated identical twins. They plan to meet, but suddenly the twin with the better life forces her sister to "become" her while she goes off on a mysterious jaunt. The twin takes over her life, but realizes her sister's world is way more complicated and scary than she thought...

10) Do you make a point of responding to your fans?

I try. It doesn't always work though...


11) Can you give us any type of hint or any type of anything about Wanted? :)

A lot of things will be revealed. What you think is the end actually isn't. I can't say much more!

12) What do you do when you write a book? Is there a specific process?

I outline first, and then go over and over the outline, and then write the book. Then I revise on the computer and print it out and edit on the page. Then my editors get their hands on it and I have to revise some more.

13) Do things that happen in your life inspire the plots of the books?

Not really! A lot of it just comes out of my head.

14) Do you ever just say to yourself wow I cant believe I made it this far? I mean you have accomplished a lot with a bestselling series and a possible tv show.

Yes, it's pretty amazing! I always wanted to be a writer, so just getting the PLL deal was enough. I feel very fortunate to be able to write for a living. The TV show is something else, though. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would happen.

15) What is your favorite store to shop at?

Hmm... Anthropologie, I think!

16) What is your favorite book/series to read?

I like a lot of books...mostly adult fiction, actually. Right now I'm reading "American Wife" by Curtis Sittenfeld. For lighter stuff, I love the "Shopaholic" books. British humor is so great.

17) Do you have any recommended reads for PLL readers as we wait for the next book?

Hmm...definitely the Private series!

18) Since Wanted is the last book :(* will there be anything special going on for the release of it for your or for you and your fans?

I hope so! Stay tuned...I'll let you know! I'll try to work out something w/ my publishers as it will be coming out about when the show is.

19) Is there a message that the readers should get from reading the books?

Well, I don't think the girls are as bad as they first seem. And I hope readers realize that the girls are learning from their mistakes and becoming better people. ANd these books are not ALL about clothing labels or Aria having an affair with a teacher (which a lot of people get stuck on). They're about family dynamics, friendships, fitting in, peer pressure, etc. too!

20) Lastly is there anything you'd like to let your fans know?

Not really! I'm just happy you like the books!

Thank you so much Sara! Can you let me know the information needed for fans to send you letters and books to sign etc.? :)

Right now I would suggest you send it either to Harper Collins or to Alloy Entertainment. They'll get letters to me. As for books, I'm not sure...I'll get back to you.


and there was a tie of excitement for wanted and for the pll tv show next week.


xoxo allison