For the readers who haven't heard about you yet, can you tell a little about yourself and your book?
Daniel and I are a brother-sister team, born in Iran, but raised in the U.S., who write a series of novels retelling classic tales in a modern New York high school. Our goal is to get teens to be interested in the original tales that have inspired our work and to feel empowered to write their own retellings of their favorite novels. Another Faust is the first book in our series and it’s a retelling of Faust, which is the story of a man who sold his soul to the devil. In our book, the story centers on five teens who are each so desperate for something that they’re willing to bargain with their soul.
What do you like most about writing for young adults?
I love the fact that teens are willing to suspend disbelief and travel to other worlds through books. They don’t need an ultra realistic situation as long as there is a good story to to be told.
How did the idea for Another Faust (and the series) started?The story started with the characters: five teens who each wanted something extra out of life. At first, it was going to be the story of these teens’ struggle and a witch-governess who guides and exploits them. But as the story evolved, the idea of Faust was introduced and we decided that no witch would have as much motivation as the devil. And once we started retelling Faust, we really got into the idea of retelling more of our favorite stories later on.
If you could be a character from your book for one day, who would it be?
Bice. Besides the fact that she has the least frightening moral dilemma, she also has the power that I would personally want most. I’d love to stop time for a day and just catch up on my emails :)
Where did you get the inspiration for the characters of Another Faust?From ourselves and people we’ve known over the years. Sometimes, you meet someone who is just so focused on something that you have to stop and say, “wow.” As a teen we wanted many of the things that our characters want. I think those particular desires are very universal: beauty, fame, power, money. Those are some of the desires that drive people to extremes.
Since you are a YA writer can you tell us what you were like as a teen?
I was one of the hard-core people described in the last question. I was desperate to get into a particular college and I was very hardworking and studious. I also did sports and had lots of after-school and summer jobs. I was always busy. I loved to read, and to exercise and to spend my day getting things done. Is that bizarre? Yeah, I guess I wasn’t the typical teen :)
What where your favorite books as a young adult?
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. Hands down. I loved that book more than any other. I also loved Jane Austen.
Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you love the accomplish?
I’m working on a literary novel now (for an older audience) about sisters in Iran, as well as a manga/picture-book series (with Daniel) for a younger audience. I guess my dream is to be able to write for a wide audience, to tell good stories, to have a voice that’s respected and widely read, and to have something important to say to the world. Wow, that’s a lot. But I wouldn’t sell my soul for it!
THANKS TO DINA! For more about Dina &Daniel Nayeri and Another Faust, visit the official site here
