Todd Strasser talks to us about the insightful inspiration behind his latest novel, Famous. Read more at his website, www.toddstrasser.com.
What is your latest book about?
Famous is about several teenagers’ desire for fame at whatever cost is necessary. The central character, Jamie, is a teenage paparazzo who secretly wishes she was the one being photographed. When her dream comes true she sees a side of fame she never knew existed.
What inspired you to write it?
For many years, when I spoke at schools kids would ask how much money I earned and what kind of car I drove. Starting about ten years ago, the question, “Are you famous?” began to pop up just as often. When I spoke to kids, many said they wanted to be famous, but when I asked why, they didn’t actually know. Fame had become a goal the way previous generations wanted to be presidents, or actors, or sports stars.
How is eBook technology changing things for you as an author?
I’m thrilled with this technology because it has affored me the opportunity to revive many older out-of-print books which otherwise would have been lost to new readers. Now these books sell everyday on Kindle and Nook. Talk about a dream come true!
What advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
I think new authorshave an opportunity I never had. They can write a book, price it cheaply, and issue it as an eBook. It the democratization of book publishing because now the readers, not editors and sales people, can decide what should be read.
