Since I spend a lot of time inside the mind of fictional teenagers, I thought it might be nice to get a little perspective from the real world.
I decided it could be fun to interview readers. Specifically teen (and tween) readers.
It’s research, not stalking.
So a big hello to Lydia.
Lydia is 16, plays piano, dives competitively and is on her school’s gymnastic team. Would you believe she made me do a round off dismount off the balance beam before answering any of my questions?
I didn’t think so.
Lydia also has an infectious laugh to go with that smile.
What book are you reading for school right now?
A book of my choice: Reviving Ophelia
What was the last book you read for fun?
The last Hunger Games book–Mockingjay.
So I have to ask . . . Peeta or Gail? Peeta.
Okay so besides Peeta, what makes you keep reading a book?
When I get really into a book and forget about other things that are going on around me.
Reader Zen!
What was your favorite book when you were younger?
Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes.
What is your favorite thing to do after school? Least favorite?
My favorite is watch TV or go running, least is homework.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
Krave cereal
Chocolate cereal. Yup, it’s a fave in our house too.
Top three songs playing on your iPod?
More than this-One direction
Crash Into Me-Dave Matthews Band
Country Girl-Luke Bryan
What was the last movie you saw?
The Vow
If you could Skype with a famous person, who would you pick?
Liam Payne from One Direction
Excuse me while I Google . . .
Someone looks good in Skype mode!
What’s your favorite class in school?
AP US History
Are you wearing nail polish right now?
Yes, silver.
What advice would you give your parents?
None, I think they did a pretty good job with me.
*A collective “aw” for Lydia’s parents* 🙂
And last question: What do you hope you will be doing 7 years from now?
I hope to be finished with college and finishing the professional school of my choice (Grad school, Law school, Med school, whichever I decide).
Thanks so much Lydia!
So dear readers, I couldn’t decide which photo to use to represent these interviews–which one do you like?
1. Reader Paparazzi (above)
2. The Real YA of the EC
The Real Young Adults of the East Coast
3. The Real YAs
I’d love your opinion! And if there any questions you would like to see answered in future interviews for YA/MG readers, let me know!
Coleen Patrick 
Great interview, Coleen and Lydia, I particularly like that collage photo up top, beautiful! I haven’t even heard of that movie, the title is intriguing.
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Thanks Catherine! Which movie do you mean?
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The Vow.
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I think it’s based on a true love story too. My daughter saw it and said it was “cute”–not exactly a ringing endorsement, but still 🙂
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It’s okay watching cute at home but going to cinema expect action and suspense.
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Super fun interview! Lydia, thanks for doing the interview. As a mom of a 16 year old (son), I appreciated your maturity and awesome personality. Bonus points for giving your parents some props! Did you see the Hunger Games movie yet? If so, what did you think, especially since you’ve read the books?
Colleen — my picture choice is number 1 — Reader Paparazzi 🙂 Great questions!! Loved it.
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Thanks Ginger! I’m leading toward number one also. 🙂
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I like #1 as well.
Great post!!!
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What? No vote for the Real Housewives sound alike–ha ha.
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Love it! That’s the kind of thing we what to know. What do the readers think. Fantastic, Coleen and Lydia.
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Thanks Debra!
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This is such a great idea! I have a critique group that reads my work, but I might just have to seek out specific readers that enjoy the type of work that I write. Thanks for the post!
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Sure Christina! I was thinking it could be useful for both writers and for the teen readers. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Great idea to interview a teen. Enjoyed learning about Lydia and her interests. After all they are our audicence and I don’t know teens like I used to since my daughter is a decade older.
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Thanks Patricia, that was what I was aiming for. Even though I have teens in the house right now, there’s always more to learn 🙂
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I love Reader Papparazzi. It’s so catchy, Coleen. And I loved your interview with Lydia. 16 years old is the best age. You’re just really becoming the person you’re going to be for the rest of your life. And the future possibilities are endless! 🙂
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I know, the possibilities excite me still–which is probably why I write stories about teens! Thanks Sheila.
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Hey Lydia, nice name! Ha ha.
I like the last picture best. It’s punchier.
Lydia sounds like a great person. This is a great series of yours, Coleen!
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Yes, and possibly another Dr. Lydia!
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Great interview, Coleen! And I vote for photo #3, “The Real YA’s” 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by and weighing in 🙂
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Interviewing teen and tween readers is a brilliant idea, Coleen. I hope this becomes a regular blog feature.
I keep thinking about Lydia’s answer to the question “What advice would you give to your parents?” Would my children have answered the same? Nope, not a chance.
Put me down for “The Real YA”s.”
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Not my kids either. In fact, they probably have a list. 🙂
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Great interview!!! It’s great to get some perspective from the reader’s POV 😀
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Thanks Shay! Appreciate you stopping by and commenting 🙂
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What a wonderful idea for a series, Coleen! You asked some great questions and made this interview fun. I love Reader Paparazzi! Very catchy title.
Lydia sounds like a great teen. I’m sure her parents are very proud of her. I’m impressed that she’s reading Reviving Ophelia. I read it a few years ago and while reading it, I wished that I’d read it before my oldest daughter turned 12. It’s all about how girls lose themselves when they become teens. They give in to peer pressure and society’s pressures, look for advice from their friends, not their parents. Many become so depressed at the teen stage and they deal with so many issues. It’s a great book for all parents of girls to read (hey, knowledge is power, I say) and for all girls to read, but it’s a book most teens wouldn’t read, I’m guessing. If they can be reached as tweens or younger, they stand a better chance. I’m curious whether any of Lydia’s friends have read this book, too.
Nice post, Coleen.
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LOVED the interview. Lydia is so right about Mom & Dad, they did a great job!! Thanks for
sharing
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What a great interview! How much fun is that? Lydia, you are adorable! And I have to admit, if I were 15 years younger, that Liam…and OMG I always have loved silver stuff, especially nail polish. Even though I suck at painting my nails. I’ve heard bout Reviving Ophelia…I may have to add it to my list, actually. And I’m with you on Peeta! What is Krave Cereal?
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It’s a new cereal by Kellogg’s–it’s got chocolate inside the squares 🙂 🙂
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Great post. Your ideas and posts are so delightful and I always come away feeling so proud. You make each day brighter. Hugs…………
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What a great idea, Coleen! Kids will want to be interviewed and be on your blog! So smart. And I agree with most of the others, #1 is my favorite too.
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Great idea, Coleen! Lydia seems like a sweetheart. 🙂
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This was so fun to read! Now I want to paint my nails silver. I don’t think I can pull it off as well. The questions were fabulous and I love that she doesn’t want to give her parents any advice. That’s so cool. Can’t wait for more of these!
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Silver is not an easy one–but I’ve done the silver crackle on top of a color. 🙂
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I love the question “what advice would you give your parents” – nice twist!!! her answer certainly was surprising – my teen would not be so kind!
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Same here Margo!
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Sweet 16 is a great age. Thanks for the wonderful interview, Coleen and Lydia.
I vote for picture #3. I like the title ‘Real YAs’.
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This is such a good idea. I hope this becomes a regular feature because it’s very cool to see inside the reader’s mind and I don’t even write YA.
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Thanks Marcy! I hope to be able to continue it too 🙂 This is where my kids’ friends come in handy–ha ha!
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This is a great idea for a writing blog!
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Thanks Lydia. (Plus I’m sure I can find PB recommendations in these interviews). I like The Real YAs — who knows you may want to go west coast or heartland all on us. The nail polish question — perfect. I totally believed you took a dive to get us an interview.
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Stacy, I used to be able to do that move off the balance beam, but now I’m not sure I can even do a round off on solid ground! 🙂
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Sorry I’m late to this party, Coleen.
Great interview and great idea! Lydia sounds wonderfully grounded – once she got you off that beam – lol!
Ahh, One Direction – yep – they’re a British group and were on the X factor over here last year, the British girls go crazy too! Nice boy, Liam.
I love picture #1!
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You’re not late–I can always use feedback 🙂 Thanks so much Christine!
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Great idea – interviewing your readership! And I like #2 🙂
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“Excuse me while I Google,” that was so funny…’cuz I do that all the time too. I like The Real YA’s.
I’d like to know what scares YA’s? their fears or concerns for future, fears in the present.
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Thanks Mona! I will put your question on my list. 🙂
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What a cool interview! Bummer that my daughter doesn’t read much fiction, or I’d put her up to this. And +1 for Reader Paparazzi!
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My daughter doesn’t read much either, but she was happy to offer up her friends!
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I have so much in relation with Lydia! This is an amazing interview!
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Thank you Gina! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
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I see One Direction have made it to the States then!
I enjoyed this interview, what a lovely girl Lydia sounds. I like the first picture by the way 🙂
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Yes and now that I know who they are I feel like I see them everywhere! Thanks for stopping by Sarah 🙂
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I love this segment, Coleen. Great idea. I enjoyed getting a peek into Lydia’s head (that doesn’t sound creepy does it?) Oh, and I vote for “Reader Paparazzi.”
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Thanks Ruth! And it’s not creepy when it’s in the name of research! LOL
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Lydia is way too adorable! Any parent would be super proud to have her for a daughter. Pic choice? I think YA Paparazzi. I don’t know why I like it best, but I do.
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Fun segment! How could you not know who Liam Payne is?!? LOL. 😉 I absolutely love One Direction!
P.S.
My vote goes to Reader Paparazzi
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