The Genesis and Evolution of Edward Blewer’s Craft

In this insightful follow-up conversation, author Edward Blewer delves into the origins of his acclaimed novel Tangerine and reflects on the broader lessons learned throughout his extensive writing career. The discussion provides a rare glimpse into the transformation of a writer’s life, from the quiet solitude of creation to the public demands of authorship.

The Roots of 'Tangerine'

When asked about the inspiration behind Tangerine, Blewer reveals a narrative born from observation and environmental change. His daily commute to a job in publishing forced him to witness the gradual destruction of the landscape he loved. He describes watching "beautiful orange groves" being "plowed up," "set on fire," and "bulldozed" to make way for "British-themed housing developments."

This physical transformation of the land became the catalyst for his social commentary. Blewer wanted to bridge the gap between two worlds: the "new people moving in," represented by the Fisher family, and the original inhabitants who were "getting pushed out," such as the Cruz family. By grounding his fiction in these tangible, local changes, Blewer created a story that captures the friction of displacement and modern expansion.

The Paradox of the Public Writer

Transitioning from the internal world of a writer to the public sphere presents a significant challenge. Blewer identifies the biggest lesson learned during his career as the need to adapt to a lifestyle that is the "opposite of what you imagine a writer is."

While writers are typically "hold up at work" in an "introverted life," success demands that they suddenly become "the entertainment" at luncheons, dinners, and conventions. Despite the initial discomfort of having to "amuse people," Blewer admits he is "really glad" he learned to navigate these social requirements. He emphasizes that this evolution allowed him to move beyond his solitude and engage directly with the world around him.

Navigating the Digital Critique Culture

Blewer offers practical advice on handling the evolution of reader feedback. He recalls a time when only a handful of outlets reviewed "Young Adult Lit," providing a controlled environment for criticism. However, the rise of the Internet changed the landscape entirely. Suddenly, "everybody was writing reviews," and he notes candidly that "not all of them were kind."

When asked how he builds the "armor" necessary to protect himself from harsh criticism, Blewer’s strategy is remarkably simple yet effective: "I just concentrate on the good ones." By choosing to filter out negativity and focus on constructive or appreciative feedback, he maintains the mental fortitude required to continue his creative work.

The Enduring Joy of Creation

Despite the pressures of the industry, Blewer affirms that writing remains as fulfilling today as it was during his debut. He highlights his recent pivot to playwriting as a major source of renewed energy. After a theater in Miami hosted a "staged reading" of one of his plays, Blewer expressed being "absolutely thrilled" by the experience.

He describes "reeling from the effort" the theater company put into the production, noting that the collaborative nature of theater "really propelled me forward." This transition illustrates that for a dedicated storyteller, the medium may change, but the core passion for narrative and the excitement of seeing a story come to life remains a constant driving force.