Lisa Aldin has recently signed with agent Katie Shea of Caren Johnson Literary Agency. Lisa, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Congratulations and good luck.



QueryTracker: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

Lisa Aldin: It's a YA Contemporary I wrote over the summer. I wanted to try something different and it gradually formed from there. I wanted to write about a teenage girl trying to find herself during her sophomore year of high school.



QT: How long have you been writing?

LA: Since high school, which is when I was first bitten by the writing bug. I started looking into getting published about 4 years ago.



QT: How long have you been working on this book?

LA: Probably a total of about 6 months, on and off.



QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

LA: Yes. I did give up. Several times. But the great thing about writing is that there is always a new story. I queried two other books before this one and I just kept thinking I could do better.



QT: Is this your first book?

LA: This would be my fourth book.



QT: Do you follow a writing 'routine' or schedule?

LA: Sort of. I write everyday, usually in the evenings when everything else is done and the dogs have settled down to nap.



QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

LA: 4 times? I lose track. Over and over and over again. Not done yet either!



QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

LA: Not this one. I was way too self-conscious about it. But I did for my other book. Beta readers helped me realize a lot of my writing ticks so their critiques helped with this book too.



QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

LA: A little bit of both. I don't write in order so I might write the end before the beginning which can be sort of like an outline. I like to know where I'm headed, at least a little bit.



QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

LA: Don't give up. Push yourself as a writer. Get better. Study. Read a lot. Be patient. Don't worry too much about what other writers are doing. It's your journey! Be humble, humble, humble. I gave up several times but I kept going back to it because I love to write! Learn to trust your instincts. It's a tough road!