7.SR: Why is dark literature so very appealing, especially to boys? Somehow this type of fiction draws even the most reluctant male readers?
DL: I think the safe scare is part of the appeal. Most of my dark work is fantasy, so the reader knows the threat isn't real. If one of my characters becomes lunch for a giant spider, the reader might shudder a bit, but he doesn't start walking around with a can of bug spray. Maybe this sort of literature helps us face our own fears.
8.SR: What is the very best writing advice you have ever had?
DL: Someone once suggested that I deconstruct my novels. He was thinking about the sort of approach used by Robert McKee, who lectures about story structure. I did a modified approach to that, breaking each book into scenes, but not giving it the same strict analysis that McKee uses for screenplays. I list the goal of the main character in each scene, and my own reason for including that scene. (For example, the character's goal might be to cross the street, while my reason for the scene might be to introduce another character or to show that the main character is reckless.) By doing this, I really see how each scene functions, make sure my character has a reason for doing what he does, and make sure I'm not including lots of prose that serves no purpose.
9.SR: Your humor columns for VOYA are so funny? Where else can we find your columns and writing?
DL:I have some of my humor pieces on my web site, including stuff for writers and for librarians. My first piece for the ALAN Review is online. I'm hoping they eventually post the second piece, since it gives the entire history of YA literature in less than two pages.
10.SR: Can you discuss any upcoming projects or books?
DL: I have two books coming out in 2005. SLEEPING FRESHMEN NEVER LIE (Dutton, July 2005) is a comic novel that pays homage to the joys of freshman English. Interestingly enough, in light of the previous question, my main character writes lots of short humor. I'm also thrilled to have a second story collection coming out. INVASION OF THE ROAD WEENIES AND OTHER TWISTED TALES will be out in October from Tor.
11.SR: Please finish this sentence, "If I could do it all over again I would......
DL:....write more and complain less.
