Laurie Boyle Crompton is the YA author of Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) (2013), The Real  Prom Queens of Westfield High (2014, both Sourcebooks) as well as her most recent title, Adrenaline Crush (Farrar, 2014). School Library Journal’s review of Adrenaline Crush says “Thoughtful teens will enjoy this satisfying read with well-crafted characters and a nice sense of place.” Of Blaze, “Crompton offers an interesting perspective on how a rumor can affect its victim. Blaze is a likable character, and the snarky dialogue will hold readers' interest.” Crompton has written for national magazines, such as Allure, as well as numerous trade publications, and has appeared on Good Day New York several times as a toy expert—yes, that is an actual thing that people sometimes get to be. Crompton recently stopped by Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School and chatted with SLJ reviewer Donna Rosenblum. Here’s what she had to say. When did you discover your love of writing? I made up stories when I was little, but really began writing in high school. I was not the best student and did what was needed to get by. I received an assignment for my English composition class and decided to recount a story about a babysitter that my aunt and I had (my aunt was only four years older than me). It was the funniest story that I knew, but I never expected the reaction I got. Not only did the teacher love it, he had me read it in front of the class. I still remember the students laughing at all the right places. I was so empowered and felt on top of the world. This became my favorite class and I looked forward to going to school to receive my next assignment. I went on to major in English with a minor in journalism. I thought that writing nonfiction would be my focus because fiction seemed too overwhelming at the time. I had read Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls (Putnam, 1994) by Mary Pipher and the book resonated with me. Its focus is on why adolescent girls fall prey to depression, eating disorders, suicide attempts, and crushingly low self-esteem became a call to arms [for whom?], offering important tactics, empathy and strength, and urging a change to rediscover their sense of self. I decided that this theme would be my first project. It deals with body image based on my experiences and struggles as an adolescent. It was sort of a memoir. I sometimes go back to that project, but it is not in the cards right now. Why did you decide to write for the young adults? I connect the most with this time in a [young person’s] life. It is [a time in which] the decisions [that are] made make such a huge difference and impact down the line. I write from that place—the place of raw emotion, or shall we say, “from the gut.” The ability to overcome obstacles and challenges and to persevere is something that is so meaningful to me, and why I love this genre. Is this why many of the themes in your novels revolve around body image, bullying, and self-esteem? Yes, most definitely. My parents got divorced during my teen years and my way of coping was to control my eating. I understand firsthand the struggle with eating disorders and the effects. Talking about this issue will not only continue to shed light on it, but also remind teens that they are not alone and should seek out someone they can trust. In terms of bullying—it has been an important focus in recent years and I am glad that is not taken lightly. In the past, bullying was seen as a teen rite of passage and something that kids have to work through and deal with on their own. Thankfully that is not the case anymore. I want readers not to accept bullying and understand that they can stand up and take action. I have gotten a lot of feedback from fans stating how much they identify with Blaze and the responsibility that is thrown on her shoulders to take care of her younger brother. Many have similar circumstances and share the role of being “a surrogate parent.” Adrenaline Crush is different from Blaze and Prom Queens—where did the idea for this come from? I had read an article that discussed how most of the population was filled with extroverts while authors tend to be introverts. So I began the journey of writing a novel where the main protagonist is bold, confident, and a bit reckless. All of my books are different and I am always challenging myself to write out of my comfort zone. How has your family, particularly your children, dealt with your success as an author? My family is very open and communication is an integral part of our family dynamic. When I compare [it to] the things we discussed [during] my own upbringing, it is like night and day. We are a close-knit group, but I think the real key is that my family has seen me struggle over the years. They have seen the rejection, the years of trying, all the hours spent [writing], and how hard I have worked. Now they are part of the celebration and come to my events with me. My daughter dyed her hair pink for Blaze and wore a prom dress for Prom Queens. It is wonderful to have their support. Do you think you might try writing from a male perspective? I have never really given it much thought. But I do have a 12-year-old son who is not an avid reader, so writing books for boys has been on the radar. Where did the comic connection come from for Blaze? When my stepfather moved in, he brought a giant comic book collection with him. I read them all and have been always been of huge fan. I have also gone to ComicCon in New York City and it was a blast! What are you working on now? I do have a few irons in the fire that I am excited about, but it is too soon to say. I am waiting to hear from my agent, so we shall see what comes to the surface.