Lindsey Leavitt is the author of the Princess for Hire books. The following is a complete transcript of her interview with Cracking the Cover.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I had a distorted view of what a writer is (old man, patched elbows, pipe, doctorate in french theory). So it wasn’t a dream I knew to pursue. I always loved writing, though, it was always something I did for myself out of sheer enjoyment.
Once you did decide, how did you make that happen?
In the early 2000s, I was reading lots of chick lit. I remember reading one book (not a great one as it was), and checking out the author bio in the back and seeing a woman who could easily be me. For the first time, I realized that anyone from any background can be a writer, as long as they know how to write. I was substitute teaching and home with my new baby at the time, so I started to write with the intent to publish during naps and lunch breaks. I wrote all sorts of stories, and revised and submitted until someone finally said yes, three years after I started pursuing publication.
Why do you write for young people?
I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let the lead the way….
I’m kidding. I mean, I believe that, but I write for young people because I like young people. Most every job I’ve had since I was 16 involved working with teens or kids (besides waitressing, which we don’t speak of). I think too many adults don’t understand/listen/relate to kids, so I try to write stories that give them a voice and also entertain.
Where did the idea(s) for your Princess for Hire books come from?
Like I said, I was substitute teaching when I first started writing. Not my favorite job, especially after having a classroom of my own. One night, I watched a favorite movie of mine, Roman Holiday, about a princess who takes a vacation for a day. I thought, what if she could get someone to fill in for her, sort of like The Princess and the Pauper. And that’s where the idea for Desi, a substitute princess, was born.
Did you always know it would be a series?
I always knew it could be a series, but I wrote the first one as a standalone in case that’s what publishers wanted. When Disney bought three books, I chopped out the last half of the first novel and rewrote so I could spread out some plot lines throughout the books. I’m so glad I had more books to tell the story. So much to tell!
How many more books are planned?
None. I think the third book ended in a good place for now. I would maybe be open to doing something in that world down the road, but for now I’m really happy with the work as is.
If you could sub for any princess (real or imagined) who would it be?
Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Alone with a nice pet in an enchanted castle with singing cutlery serving me dinner and all the books in the world? Yes please.
Why do you think your books appeal to tweens/teens?
Tweens haven’t quite abandoned those princess fantasies, but they need a fresh take on it. I also think this story has a good mix of the awkwardness, awakening and self-awareness that is so ripe in the early teens.
Are you surprised by the success of your books?
The fact that I’m even answering this interview as a published author is still an absolute shock to me. I hope that awe never leaves, either. If you go into this business expecting success or acclaim, you’re bound to be disappointed.
Looking back, how has your writing evolved?
This series involved a great deal of plotting. When I started the first book, I just sort of sat down and wrote whatever I felt like, which often led me into dead ends. I had to learn to outline, to really consider the importance of each scene and character. I write with more of a purpose now. The longer I do this the more I also realize I have so much more to learn.
What are you working on now?
In the teen realm, I have a book coming out next March called GOING VINTAGE, about a girl who gives up modern technology and lives like it’s 1962 after she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her online. I also have another contemporary that comes out in a couple of years that I’m still figuring out–takes me forever until I’m able to summarize a book!
In the tween realm, I have a fun mid-grade series I’ve been toying with for awhile that I haven’t sold yet, but it’s been lots of fun exploring. I love writing in both genres, gives me a chance to explore different stories all the time!