Q & Eh. (I’m Canadian, remember?)

What’s that? You posted a question for me in the Comments section of this Blah-g? Something I haven’t been asked a trillion times before? Nothing to do with The Clique being turned into a movie or which character I’m most like? I’m in!

1. Q: What’s your favorite thing about humanity? (Erica Jane).

Eh: (This question makes me feel like a beauty pageant contestant.)

My favorite thing about humanity is our differences. Individually, we are jagged puzzle pieces. Our strengths and interests are all so different. Alone we aren’t capable of much. But when we come together the picture is divine.  Together we build, heal, teach, create, explore, expand and evolve. We each have something unique to offer. And for that I am grateful. My biggest fear is living in a world of people exactly like me. Yes, we’d have a lot of books and some laughs, but we’d starve and die naked in the streets by noon. Wait, there wouldn’t be any streets.

2. Q: How do you make an unlikable character likeable? (writereader1223)

Eh: If you want to develop an “unlikable” character who is ultimately a good person, show the reader what made her turn bad. Help us understand her. Why did she end up mean? You can also reveal things about her that show us her softer side.

Massie Block was a “mean girl.” Still I wanted you to like her because she was my main character. So, I showed you how much she loves animals. How evil can someone be if she cuts her horse’s carrots into lovely little stars? I showed you how insecure she was. I showed you how hard she had to work at staying popular. And I made her funny. And who doesn’t love a funny girl?

Comic book villains or James Bond bad guys can stay unlikeable. Their roles are to challenge the hero. That’s it.

3. Q: I bring around a writing inspiration notebook. It’s blank. What should I write in it when it comes to characters….plots…descriptions…etc…etc… (Starwriter26)

Eh: Nicely done. I have tons of them and they are invaluable. Think of it as a backup for your hard drive. But in this case the hard drive is your own failing memory. Write down details that you love and may want to use one day but will inevitably forget. A cool outfit you saw. Those crooked glasses your teacher wears. A hilarious pet name. An odd facial tic. A stupid conversation you overheard on the bus. A funny conversation you had with your friend. A cool invention you dreamed up. A random scene that popped into your head. The perfect title. A killer comeback…

Its the place to store all of the random things that capture your attention. Because if you find them notable others will as well. Next time you’re searching for an unforgettable detail consult the notebook.

4. Q: Are all boys pig-headed and mean and perverted or is that just high school boys? And if so when do they finally mature? (Regan)

Eh: A good friend of mine happens to be one of those males you speak of so I thought I’d get his opinion. This is exactly how the text exchange went.

Me: One of the girls asked me this question about guys and I would love a male opinion.

Him: Sure. What’s the question?

Me: She wants to know if all guys are pig headed and perverted. And she wanted to know if they ever mature. Do you want to write up the answer to this one? I think a guy’s opinion would really help.

Him: Sure. What’s my reward? (;

Me: I guess that’s my answer, PERV!

Yep. I swear. That actually went down. So yes. Guys are pervs. They are hard-wired to be pervs. They can’t help it so cut them some slack. Especially high school guys. Their bodies are seriously out of control. They really can’t help the fact that they think  about sex ALL THE TIME. What they can help is how they treat you. Pig headed, mean and disrespectful is something they can control and many of them do. Find those ones. This doesn’t change as they get older so if you find one of the good ones, treat him well.
5. Q: How can I make the most out of college without forcing myself to be extremely outgoing? Is this possible?
(Janelle)

Eh: Of course it’s possible. Pick classes that inspire you. Get involved in things that matter to you. And find friends you admire and trust. Even if that means one person. One good one is better than ten forced duds. Remember, there are a lot of years after college. If the next four aren’t the ultimate that means the best are yet to come. School was never my thing. I didn’t thrive until I started working. We all hit our stride at different times. The best way to stay happy until then is to listen to your gut. Never force anything.
6.  Q: Was it any different writing in the POVs of male characters for The Pretenders than it was writing for gals (of both that and past series)? (Mimi)

Eh: Yes, it was different. It was soooo much easier. Boys are simple. This makes for frustrating relationships but easy writing.
7.  Q: Alphas has some of the best imaginary technology that actual inventors should take note of. If you could lug one thing from Alpha Island home, what would it be? (Mimi).

Eh: This is such a cool question. And thank you for the compliment. I would take the personal plane. Then, when no one is looking I’d stuff one of those uniforms in my bag that regulates my body temperature because I’m always cold.

8. Q: If you could put 1 new word into the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean? (Zula)

Eh: I mean, what a genius question!!! My word would be Girafic: (adj) It means extremely tall. Hey Jenny, you need to hem those jeans. You’re not as girafic as you think.

9. Q: Have you ever felt [insecure about your body and self-conscious, especially after watching tv and movies starring girls with perfect bodies]? If so, how did you finally become happy with yourself? And do you have any advice for how I should accomplish this in a healthier way? (Maya)

Eh: I have girafic insecurities, we all do. Want to know how I feel better?

1. I work out 4 days/week. I always feel more confident after a workout.

2. I remind myself that I don’t make a living as a model (thank god) so I don’t have to look perfect.

3. I just had the flu for six days. In bed for SIX days. I could not walk, stand, function. Today is my first day back at work. I have never loved and appreciated my body more. I am so grateful it works properly most of the time. I know people who aren’t as lucky. Every time I allow myself to get upset about an imperfection I am taking my good fortune for granted, and that’s downright obnoxious.

10. Q: What is one thing that high school has taught you that you are still applying to your life today? (Lillie)

Eh: Life is so much more than the moment you’re in right now.

11. Q: I heard you just received an advanced copy of Pretenders. Would you please show a picture of you reading it in your office? (Alisha, Office Elf. FYI Lisi made me post this.)

Eh: Sure Alisha. I would be happy to.

photo

Thanks for your incredible questions!!!

TTYW,

Lisi

34 Comments

Leave a Reply
  • Siran says:

    Q:who was your fave character in alphas
    😃😃😃

  • Mimi says:

    Ogsigfiaohdpjfigsjfaufa BRB DYING

    Litte late here, but thanks so much for answering my questionS Lisi :O I seriously grew up idolizing you and your books and seeking the Pretty Committee out whenever insecurities got me..so just…thank you 🙂

    Welp, time to bra–er, tell my friend’s that grew up with me that Lisi Harrison called my question ‘coooool’ *fangirl face* And haha the boy POVs XD <3

    Also I am never saying 'tall' again..

  • caitlin says:

    hehe I didn’t know u where Canadian (did I spell that right?) i’m 12 and u r one of my biggest inspirations. i’m accually writing a book called element but I don’t think it will ever get published but I can at least say I tried lol. so are you going to write more books. I thought writing a book would be fin but its really hard!! when ever I cant think of something rude for my mean girl to say (she is based o of a mean girl in my school) I read the clique lol. 🙂 your a cool bagel 😛
    yes I am weird like that

  • sara says:

    i think the dictionary word could have been “aswirl”, love that one, but “giraffic” is cool too 🙂 nice post!

  • Janelle says:

    I appreciate your answer to my question so so much! Thanks 🙂
    Also the inspiration nb is perf. I should take my own around with me, Lord knows I forget almost everything.

  • Haylee says:

    I’m even more nervous for the next TiD book. Apparently Cassandra Clare answered a fan question and said that The Infernal Devices was always meant to be a retelling of A Tale of Two Cities after someone pointed out the parallels between Jem/Charles. I’m scared for Will 🙁
    Another thing, did anyone try to click on the picture of Pretenders so they could read the back?

    • Haylee says:

      Oh and more about those pig-headed guys. I found out my grade in my gym class and I’m not getting that good of a grade which I think is unfair to me because I ALWAYS play and i’m a pretty decent player. And also when I asked him about those guys hurting me, he said that to ask someone else and that he can’t do anything about it. WTF? I’m really angry.

  • Millie says:

    Do you think boys and girls can be just friends?

    • Kathy says:

      Hi, I might not give as amazing advice as Lisi, but I definately think that guys and girls can be friends. I’ve had and still have a lot of guy friends. Sometimes it’s nice to have a guy friend cus they don’t care about all the girl drama, so if some of your friends are ditching you, the guy(s) is always there. But for me, being friends with guys is possible and I think it’s really nice 🙂 I dunno if this helped at all, but I hope it did!!

      • Haylee says:

        It is possible! I’m friends with a guy.

      • Millie says:

        This really helped! Thank you! But one of my guy friends told his sister, that like guys can’t just be friends with a girl, that they will end up having feelings for them at some point, and that if he had like a BFF relationship with a girl, like I do with this other guy, that he would probably fall for her.

  • asha says:

    Lisi, you should write a teen girl advice book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Rhea says:

    I enjoyed reading the Q & Eh (love the title). And I swear, seeing you read the book is just making me so… aagggh!

  • Lillie says:

    Lisi, I love the title of this Blah-g. Very Canadian of you 🙂
    You are such an awesome person for answering my question. Please continue to engage your Blah-g readers like this!
    This is your 2nd time giving me a shout-out; the last time was back in 2010 (or maybe it was 2011), when you gave me a birthday shout-out on the day of my birthday! So great!
    Lisi, I have been reading the Clique series ever since Grade 5, and I plan to revisit the Pretty Committee sometime soon. I’m sure they will continue to make me laugh 😉
    Keep on keeping on!
    BTW, I love the pictures of you in the “My Comments” section each week. They are so cute!

    Thanks a bunch, Lisi!

  • Zula says:

    Lisi, you have no idea how much you made my day answering my question! Thank you so much! I’ve said it before, but your dedication to your fans is beyond anything! You are THE BEST! and Girafic, in love, definitely going to become a word I use! Thank you so much Lisi xxx

  • hi lisi i was wondering if you could follow my blog? I love writing just like you and my posts aren’t all panties-in-a-twist serious they’re pretty funny i made my friend laugh to tears. http://rjimenezblog.wordpress.com/ this is my blog address PUH-LEASE follow! :3

  • SAM says:

    when is pretenders come out?

  • Laila N says:

    I’m adding ‘girafic’ to my dictionary. If Shakespeare can make up words… and Dr Seuss can… then I don’t see why you can’t ^_^

  • Kailee says:

    Lisi, I loved these questions! Thanks for always being so honest and being such an awesome role model. I’ve looked up to you for a long time and this week I posted my eating disorder story on my blog…I know you are busy, but if you have time and would like to read it, the link is here: http://peach-lemonade.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-story-of-girl.html
    Thanks again for being so amazing! 😀

  • Shaila Gottlieb says:

    Hi Lisi,

    I ‘m so in ah of you ( that’s awe in Canadian) You give the BEST advice.

    I used to print your blahgs off for Bubby…she loved them. Now I just print them and read them over and over again. You are AWE mazing!!!

  • Roxy says:

    I am totally getting one of those inspirational notebooks because I want to be an author when I grow up. I hope I can be as good a writer as you lisi. Love your books.

  • Roxy says:

    When does pretenders come to stores? I am dieing waiting.

  • Haylee says:

    This Q and Eh was enjoyable to read! Plus I love your sarcasm! And btw, I really hate pig-headed guys 🙁 Especially two of the guys at my school who injure me and throw balls at me in gym everyday and laugh about it afterwards. I bet even the nurse is sick of seeing me.

    • Haylee says:

      Plus my gym teacher is a lazy as hell and makes us play basketball the whole year and everytime I complain to him when I get hurt he doesn’t do anything about it or take me seriously.

      • Julia says:

        That sucks!
        Why don’t you like throw balls back really hard and hit them in the nose? Haha

      • Haylee says:

        I don’t want to get in trouble 🙁 And yeah, I hurt my ankle once too. But they hate me for bullshit I have no control over. Like the way I look or something.

  • writereader1223 says:

    Thank you for taking the time out to answer my question! 🙂 Looking forward to Pretenders. The release date can’t come soon enough!

  • Mehreen says:

    Cool questions!!! ☺☻☺☻♥♥♥

  • Julia says:

    Hey Lisi! You are so sarcasticly (is that a word?) funny.
    You look really pretty in that picture… Did you do something to your hair? And Bee-bee is a natural beauty, of course!
    I don’t know how to look good in pictures. I guess I’m in that awkward tween-ish stage or whatever, but I really want to be able to smile and look pretty and everything. I’m fine when people are just snapping pictures randomly when laughing, but I can’t just stand and smile.
    Could you do a post on picture-taking or something?
    I would love it. Plus, I saw I am mentioned in the Sage Advice one and even from my name I was happy! 😀
    Thanks (hopefully) in advance! Haha

  • Loved your answers! And haha, I’m Canadian too! Except, where I live (in Toronto) no one really says “eh”, unless we’re joking around about the stereotype, or teasing an American friend.

  • Regan says:

    @lisiharrison thanks for answering my guy question. I kinda had a fangirl moment in front of my whole class when I saw you responded. Haha
    Love ya 😊

  • I love these questions and answers! The inspirational book helped so much thank you.

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