An Interview with Alex Richards, Author of Back Talk
June 12, 2007 by
Back Talk by Alex Richards takes a teen girl out of a small town and puts her in posh Manhattan brownstone with two sophisticated socialites. When Gemma comes to New York for an internship at a popular daytime talk show, she has no idea how much drama
happens behind the scenes. As she learns about the city and its social scene from her roommates, she also deals with backstabbing and lies at her workplace and learns how to stand up for herself.
In a matter of days, Alex Richards will be a newlywed. In a matter of months, she will be a published author. While preparing for one live-changing event, she found the time to talk about another.
How long have you been writing stories?
I've been writing YA novels since I was about 10, but back then I didn't have enough life experience to follow through with any of them. I've probably started 8 novels, but lost interest or focus. One time, I even left my half-finished manuscript on a plane, and it was gone forever! I'm still mad about that.
When I wrote the last sentence of Back Talk, I practically flew out of my chair. I was so excited to finally have a completed book. And then selling it -- fuggedaboutit.
Was Back Talk the first novel you completed, or simply the first you sold?
Back Talk is my first completed novel.
Why make the characters teenagers rather than twentysomethings?
I think teens are able to perceive things differently than twentysomethings. Call it a sixth sense -- or less cynicism maybe?
Also, writing this book from the perspective of an intern made it possible to more clearly see the inside of the TV industry. Gemma is able to surf from one task to the next, whereas if it had been focused on a twentysomething researcher (like I was), there would have been a lot more pressure, and less time for "fun." Besides, teens kick @$$! I've always written in a YA/teen voice. It feels very natural to me.
Your main character, Gemma, is stunned by the sights and sounds of Manhattan. What is your history with New York? Why set the story there?
In a matter of days, Alex Richards will be a newlywed. In a matter of months, she will be a published author. While preparing for one live-changing event, she found the time to talk about another.
How long have you been writing stories?
I've been writing YA novels since I was about 10, but back then I didn't have enough life experience to follow through with any of them. I've probably started 8 novels, but lost interest or focus. One time, I even left my half-finished manuscript on a plane, and it was gone forever! I'm still mad about that.
When I wrote the last sentence of Back Talk, I practically flew out of my chair. I was so excited to finally have a completed book. And then selling it -- fuggedaboutit.
Was Back Talk the first novel you completed, or simply the first you sold?
Back Talk is my first completed novel.
Why make the characters teenagers rather than twentysomethings?
I think teens are able to perceive things differently than twentysomethings. Call it a sixth sense -- or less cynicism maybe?
Also, writing this book from the perspective of an intern made it possible to more clearly see the inside of the TV industry. Gemma is able to surf from one task to the next, whereas if it had been focused on a twentysomething researcher (like I was), there would have been a lot more pressure, and less time for "fun." Besides, teens kick @$$! I've always written in a YA/teen voice. It feels very natural to me.
Your main character, Gemma, is stunned by the sights and sounds of Manhattan. What is your history with New York? Why set the story there?
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