Author Interview: Margie Gelbwasser (Inconvenient)

Books by Margie Gelbwasser:
Inconvenient (Flux: November 1, 2010)


Inconvenient:

Alyssa Bondar’s world is falling apart. She has just entered her sophomore year at Glenfair High, the only place to hang out is behind the CVS, Keith her cross-country crush keeps sending her mixed signals, and her best friend Lana has started the school year with large breasts and a sexy attitude–-attracting the attention of the most popular kids in the school, a group Alyssa clearly doesn’t fit into. Alyssa’s Jewish, like most of Glenfair, but since she’s also Russian, Alyssa feels even more separated from other teens. How many other Jewish families have a New Year’s tree with ornaments? On top of all this, Alyssa’s once stable home environment has become chaotic. Alyssa is used to alcohol accompanying every meal and event in the Russian culture. But when Alyssa’s mother loses her job, the usual drink or two changes into a full-time happy hour. While Alyssa’s father uses news reports of war unrest in the Middle East as his escape from reality, Alyssa is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered family alone. As her mother’s alcoholism gets worse, Alyssa must decide how much she can and should handle before she crumbles as well.

Interview:

Have you had any life experiences that influenced Inconvenient?

There were a few things. I'm Russian and Jewish, just like Alyssa. Growing up, alcohol was a large part of every occasion, big or small. People driving home drunk was common and not thought to be a problem. As the story of Alyssa came to me, I started thinking about how anyone would know if someone was an alcoholic since drinking is so accepted in the culture. And although my parents weren't alcoholics, I did have friends whose parents were, and—while in college—I dated someone with a drinking problem. 

How are you reflected in the character of Alyssa?

I think parts of me are in all the characters. There is some of me in Lana, some in the mom, some in Alyssa. I will say that Alyssa is more outspoken and mature than I was in high school. And she got kissed way more than I did too. :-)

What were some of the easiest scenes to write?

I don't remember if any were especially hard or easy. Just expanding characters and themes was challenging. The most fun scenes for me to write, though, were the barn scene, Keith and Alyssa's first kiss, and the scene where Lana and Alyssa have a sleepover and parade around like Victoria's Secret models.

What has been the most exciting thing to happen since you found out Inconvenient was going to be published?

Seeing it on book shelves has been fantastic as has the wonderful e-mails people send me, detailing what they like about the book.

What are you working on now?

I am currently revising an MG and I recently handed in my 2nd YA to my editor (it should be out Nov. 2011).

Where can readers find out more about you or your books?

My website is the best bet. I have links to interviews, reviews, blog, etc. on it. The address is www.margiewrites.com.

Anything you’d like to add?

Just thanks so much for having me here! I appreciate it!! Oh, and if anyone hasn't bought a book, go buy one please. :-)