Interview by Alicia L’Archevêque
Alyson Derrick was born and raised in Greenville, Pennsylvania, a town where burn barrels take the place of recycling bins. After making her great escape to Pittsburgh, where she earned her bachelor’s in English writing, Alyson started her own food truck, but soon realized she much prefers telling stories over slinging cheesesteaks. She is the coauthor of New York Times bestseller She Gets the Girl and author of Forget Me Not. Alyson currently resides in Pennsylvania with her wife and their dog, Hank.
Hi Alyson! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions today. You’ve found great success in the realm of YA literature as the author and co-author of two wonderfully crafted novels: acclaimed solo debut Forget Me Not, and New York Times Bestseller She Gets the Girl. What is it about writing YA — and specifically sapphic stories — that keeps you coming back?
A: Hi! Thank you so much for the kind words. Originally, I was drawn to YA because it was what I always loved to read! So, writing in that space always felt most comfortable for me. I think I’ve taken a special interest in sapphic stories, not only because I’m a lesbian, but because it took me a very long time to come to terms with my sexuality. A big reason for that is that I never had access to stories with queer representation. I see messages every day from queer readers about how my books have positively impacted their lives (most of them living in similar situations to how I grew up or worse). That’s what keeps me writing these stories. It’s for them.
While Forget Me Not was your solo debut, you first co-wrote She Gets the Girl with your wife, Rachael Lippincott. What was it like to co-create with someone so close to you, and how does it compare to a more independent creative process?
I loved co-writing She Gets the Girl with Rachael! That collab was particularly special, because it was loosely based on our own love story. It was so special to be able to write from the points of view of two people falling in love with each other. It truly felt like writing love letters back and forth with Rachael at times.
There was definitely a learning curve with writing together. Rachael writes and reads very fast and I…well…don’t. It was frustrating for both of us at times because of that, but we learned to adjust to accommodate the other person’s style. On the flip side, it was so nice to have someone to brainstorm and edit with. Sometimes once a scene is down on paper, it feels impossible to make the big changes that are necessary for the story. So having another set of eyes can be invaluable.
Both Forget Me Not and She Gets the Girl are set in different areas of Pennsylvania — the state you grew up in and the state you now reside in with your family. In your opinion, is there something to be said about writing what you know, or even from where you know? Have you found yourself infusing bits of your experience in your home state into these stories?
So far in my career, I feel like I have really only written what I know. I pull a lot from my real life, my experiences, and the people around me. I think it can be extremely helpful when you’re getting started to help give your story and your characters depth. I’m just now starting to branch out into the unknown and it’s got me a little nervous to be honest!
At what point did you realize that Forget Me Not was something special — a story that would become your first solo novel? Were there any memorable words of encouragement that nudged you along?
Oh man. I sent the first six chapters to my agent, Emily, who’s opinion I respect the most out of anyone in this industry. And then a month later I got a call from her, telling me that she loved it! I didn’t believe her and then she said, “Alyson, I am not shitting you.” Lol. And then I believed her. That was all the encouragement I needed to finish that book!
What are some artists, including but not limited to writers, that have inspired you to pursue writing?
Siobhan Vivian, who was the best teacher I’ve ever had. Nina LaCour. Emily Danforth.
And of course, my talented wife!
Alicia L’Archevêque loves to write, talk about movies, dance with friends, and climb trees in good company. She is an art student at UBC and a swimmer on the school’s varsity team.
YOUNG ADULTING 