An Interview with Susie Yang

What was the inspiration behind White Ivy and its compelling protagonist, Ivy Lin?

I was really interested in writing an anti-heroine character who is highly motivated to achieve her goals, no matter the cost. I also love a good coming-of-age story and stories about class and family. The first line of the book came to me out of the blue—“Ivy Lin is a thief but you’d never know it to look at her”—and that became the bedrock of the novel. I immediately knew where Ivy’s ambitions would lead her, and the plot has been unchanged since the beginning.

White Ivy is your debut novel. Was there anything about the publishing process that surprised you along the way?

I was really surprised by how long it takes to publish a book. After my editor acquired it, we did six drafts of edits together over two years. Then there were many rounds of copy edits, cover design, marketing, and so on. It’s really such a team effort. 

Shonda Rhimes won the adaptation rights to White Ivy for a Netflix miniseries. What would your dream casting be for the adaptation? Were there any actors you were imagining as you wrote the novel?

I didn’t have anyone specific in mind as I wrote the novel. I think Rooney Mara or Elle Fanning would make an excellent Sylvia. Timothee Chalamet is so talented, he could play any of the male roles. I cannot imagine any actress as Ivy because she’s so distinct and specific in my mind that I have a hard time seeing anyone else as Ivy.

Have you developed any fun author quirks during your first foray into writing a novel?

For most of this novel, I was nocturnal, writing from 10 p.m. to 4 or 5 a.m. But that’s not necessarily developed from being a writer—I was always a night owl. But since writing doesn’t necessitate any meetings or human interactions, I could stay up as late as I wanted without anyone bothering me. Those are my most productive hours.

What are some books on your #TBR right now?

I am looking forward to reading Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams. I read Stoner and Augustus by the same author over the holidays and loved both so much. When I find an author I love, I tend to read everything they’ve written back to back. I’m not a moderate person. It’s probably one of the few things I have in common with Ivy!