I hope you’re all staying safe in these trying times. Today, The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson is out in the world and in celebration I’m doing a rapid fire Q&A with her about her debut novel. Her book launch, along with everything else, had to be cancelled (although there is a virtual launch today) and now more than any other time it’s important to band together and show our support.
Here’s a bit about The Lucky Ones:
May is a survivor. But she doesn’t feel like one. She feels angry. And lost. And alone. Eleven months after the school shooting that killed her twin brother, May still doesn’t know why she was the only one to walk out of the band room that day. No one gets what she went through–no one saw and heard what she did. No one can possibly understand how it feels to be her.
Zach lost his old life when his mother decided to defend the shooter. His girlfriend dumped him, his friends bailed, and now he spends his time hanging out with his little sister…and the one faithful friend who stuck around. His best friend is needy and demanding, but he won’t let Zach disappear into himself. Which is how Zach ends up at band practice that night.
The same night May goes with her best friend to audition for a new band.
Which is how May meets Zach.
And how Zach meets May.
And how both might figure out that surviving could be an option after all.
Interview:
What is your favourite quote from The Lucky Ones?
“People aren’t just the sum of their mistakes. The world isn’t black and white – the best thing you can do for yourself is to look at the spaces between those poles to see that extremes aren’t useful to anyone.”
Whilst writing: music or no music?
Music! It’s a huge part of how I get into the mood of my books.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Plantser! (Although more a pantser than a plotter if I had to choose between those two!).
What was your most interesting piece of research you did for the Lucky Ones?
I read the book COLUMBINE, which is not light reading, but was incredibly eye opening.
What is your favourite writing snack?
Coffee!! Always coffee (not actually a food, but SO NECESSARY).
What was the main inspiration behind The Lucky Ones?
All the survivors of school shootings and all the kids who are faced with a world where shootings are a reality.
What were your favourite books as a child?
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
What was your favourite book of 2019:
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow.
And your most anticipated book of 2020?
The Cousins by Karen McManus (which I actually got the opportunity to read already and it’s SO GOOD).
Who is the author that most inspires you?
Leigh Bardugo. She’s succcccch a badass.
Books you would recommend for fans of The Lucky Ones:
- How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow
- The Truth Project by Dante Medema (out fall 2020)
What is the main message for readers to take away from The Lucky Ones?
I’d love for people to get a strong message of hope — that there is light on the other side of darkness.
A fun fact about one of the characters in The Lucky Ones:
Lucy is loosely based on an old friend of mine!
What came first: the characters or the names?
The characters!
Were there other contenders for the title of The Lucky Ones?
Nope that was the only title from the start, and I’m so glad it stuck.
Describe your upcoming release, In Silent Seas We Drown, in one sentence:
A story about addiction and secrets and the ripple effects those things can have on both family and friends.
Sum up both May and Zach in a few words each:
- May: angry lost lonely
- Zach: bewildered anxious tentatively hopeful
About the author:
Liz Lawson has been writing for most of her life in one way or another. She has her Masters in Communications with a Concentration in Rhetoric from Villanova University, and has written for a variety of publications including PASTE MAGAZINE. When she’s not writing, she works as a music supervisor for film & television.
Liz resides in Los Angeles, CA, where she lives with an adorable toddler, a fantastic husband, and two VERY bratty cats. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter at @lzlwsn.
Thank you so much to Liz Lawson for taking the time to answer my questions!
Sereadipity 