Alexandra Bracken

I think when we lose somebody, when we interact with those things that they also loved - like, you listen to their favorite music, or you read their favorite books - it's just a way to get in touch with them and your memories of them.

Fear makes us do things we would otherwise never agree to do, and people can be emotionally manipulated into believing something during times of great stress and tragedy.

Between the ages of 8 and 12, all I wanted to read were 'Star Wars' books.

It might be the history major in me, but I look to the past when I try to construct my fictional futures.

In 'The Darkest Minds,' Zu's trauma manifests in her choosing to remain silent. It's her one small way she can feel in control of her otherwise uncontrollable situation.

After I finished 'The Darkest Minds' series, I knew I wanted to take a risk and work on something completely different - lighter in tone, with a little bit more romance, and a completely different set of characters - that would also, um, finally justify my liberal arts degree.

There's so much standing around and waiting with moviemaking!

Being a very tall person, I have always felt a kinship with giraffes.

I absolutely love Johnny Depp, and I genuinely think he's one of the best actors of our time.

We are all protective over the things we love.

I've learned to really love revision over the years and worked hard to build up my craft muscle to make my revisions less and less painful with each book.

The truth is, I love history and studied it in college, with a particular focus on early American history. My love is so deep, in fact, I went to school at The College of William & Mary in Colonial Williamsburg.