Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing eighteen year old Alexa Schnee, the author of Shakespeare’s Lady (Guideposts Books Spring 2011).

Hi Alexa! Thanks for hanging out at with me at Today’s Teen Writer. Can you tell me what your book, Shakespeare’s Lady is about?

Shakespeare’s Lady is about the “dark lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets. No one really knows who she was, but I found a person living at that time with the same characteristics as Shakespeare described in his sonnets. Her name was Emilia Bassano Lanier–the first woman in England to publish her own book of poetry. The book is about Emilia, her relationship with William Shakespeare, and her life in Queen Elizabeth I’s court.

What inspired Shakespeare’s Lady? Have you always enjoyed historical fiction?

I was actually writing a report about poetry when I came across the idea. There are several people who have been proposed as Shakespeare’s “dark lady,” but I thought Emilia seemed the most interesting and the person who fit the bill the best. Needless to say, it was a long summer of research. I loved every second. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.

Did you use an agent? How many publishing house’s did you submit to before your book was accepted?

I did use an agent. I used Rachel from Books and Such Agency. She has been an amazing advocate for me. I was lucky enough to journey from my small town in Montana to California where the Mount Hermon Writers’ Conference was being held.

There, I met my to-be agent, Rachel, my to-be editor, Beth, and a lot of really nice people who wanted to see me succeed. I submitted a part of my manuscript to three or four publishing houses. Luckily for me they all wanted the whole manuscript!

However, Beth at Guideposts showed the most interest so she was the first I sent the whole book to. She read it, pitched it, and before I knew it they had offered me a contract.

What did you do to celebrate when you heard your book had been accepted?

I love this question. It all seemed a little unreal to me for a long time. Even now I’m kind of wondering if this is really happening. It didn’t really become real to me until signing the contract and receiving the first check. I did a little screaming, a little dancing.

Your novel is approximately 100,000 words, how did you write it? Any special secrets you can share?

I think just getting started and perserverance. Somedays writers just don’t feel like writing, but they are always really glad when they do. I spent a lot of time in my room alone thinking about it and writing. My friends weren’t happy with me for a few months because I wasn’t really available to go to a movie or to go get coffee, but they understood how much this meant to me.

Have you been published before? If so, can you tell us about that?

Not a book. My writing mentor, Tricia Goyer, put one of my stories on her blog awhile back. It’s buried under years of entries but you can take a look at it at Teen Script. It’s amazing how your writing changes in a few years. I’ve also been published in our local community college’s newspaper (I’m a high school senior, but I go to the college instead of regular high school) as an article about my mission trip to New Orleans.

What are you working on now? Will your next project be historical fiction?

Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I’ve started another book about the Greek gods. It’s the sibling rivalry between Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Athena, goddess of wisdom and virtue. So yes, it’s somewhat historical, somewhat fanstasy, a lot of myth. That and deciding on an out of state college!

Is there any advice you can give to other young writers who want to have their novels published?

A writing group is great way to get together with friends and share your ideas. Not only are you working on your writing, but you’re having fun, too! If possible, a writing conference like Mount Hermon would be a great place to start pitching your novel. Publishers and agents want teen authors to succeed. Don’t give up!

Where can readers find out more about you?

My current website is here. You can also contact me through email, Facebook, my blog, and Twitter. I’d be happy to answer any questions about publishing, my book, or anything that comes to mind.

More About Alexa:
Alexa Schnee has always wanted to be a writer. She is the youngest recipient ever of the Mount Hermon “Most Promising Writer” Award. She loves the smell of the bookstore, because nothing in the world smells exactly like it. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her parents and her sister and brother. She also likes shopping, playing the piano and guitar, and traveling. She listens to Indie music and drinks way too much coffee. She will never, ever like math and she will always love dancing in the Montana rain.