Ask the Author: Stephan Lee
Answered Questions (7)
Stephan Lee
I'm one of those writers who has too many ideas! I had to cut out a lot of scenes and characters I really loved, although I realized my editor was totally right that they had to go. There was a lot more in both books about Candace's genuine chemistry with One.J that I ended up having to cut. Also, there were scenes that were just fun but didn't really carry the plot forward, like Candace's participation in an ISAC-type event and her going through an awkward interview on a Variety Show. Maybe I'll post some of those scenes online one day!
Stephan Lee
Hi Tom! I have a lot in the works... maybe too much! I'm writing a middle grade novel with the incredible drag artist Kim Chi. It's a dream project, and the book is going to be amazing and can't wait for y'all to read it!
I'm also working on two gay YA romances.
And I've also been working on an adult literary novel for YEARS and the end is in sight! That's the one I'm most excited about. :)
I'm also working on two gay YA romances.
And I've also been working on an adult literary novel for YEARS and the end is in sight! That's the one I'm most excited about. :)
Stephan Lee
SeoHyung, thanks so much for your kind words! I love K-pop and have loved writing about it. I actually have an idea for a Book 3 in the series, but I would love to write about other things before writing about K-pop again. I never thought my first two books would be K-pop YA, but it just turned out that an idea and opportunity came to me quickly! I've been working forever on an adult literary novel, and I'm also working on two gay YA romances as well as a middle grade novel with one of my icons, the drag performer Kim Chi! Still, I think about my idea for K-pop Confidential #3 all the time, so if there's suddenly a lot of demand for it and my publisher is on board, I would love to write it one day!
Stephan Lee
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Stephan Lee
Yes! I grew up going to a large Korean church in Atlanta, GA (the same one as Eric Nam, who I've known all my life!). Christianity informs Umma's views in the book, which she of course passes on to Candace. Thank you for the great question!
Stephan Lee
Hi Tom! Thank you so much, and yes we are! It's tentatively titled K-POP REVOLUTION and it's slated for early 2022, although I hope my publisher will make it sooner.
Stephan Lee
This is such a fun question!! I've always loved the idea of co-writing a book with another author ... I think I'd prefer the kind of book where we trade chapter by chapter, or each write a character's perspective, rather than write the whole thing together. If I were to dip a toe into mystery/thriller, I'd want to buddy up with Jessica Goodman, author of THEY WISH THEY WERE US, and a fellow EW alum! She'd have to give me some pointers on how to write amazing twists. If it were YA contemporary, it'd be a dream to write with Becky Albertalli or Emma Lord ... I'm obsessed with their work, and I feel like our styles would meld well together!
Thanks for the question and I hope you'll give K-POP CONFIDENTIAL a read ... You definitely don't have to be a K-pop fan to get into it!
Thanks for the question and I hope you'll give K-POP CONFIDENTIAL a read ... You definitely don't have to be a K-pop fan to get into it!
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