" In high school, I was lucky enough to have a big group of girlfriends that have really inspired a lot of the stories in my books. I’m still close with my friends from that time, so it’s never very hard to put myself back into that place, that voice. "
- Sarah Dessen

In this statement, Sarah Dessen reflects on her high school experiences and the significant influence that her group of friends had on her writing career. She mentions how these friendships have inspired many stories within her books and underscores the enduring nature of those relationships over time.

The deeper meaning behind Dessen's words highlights the profound impact that personal connections can have on creative endeavors. By referencing her close-knit circle of girlfriends from high school, she illustrates how real-life experiences and emotional bonds serve as a wellspring for artistic expression. This not only underscores the importance of friendships in shaping one’s identity but also emphasizes the role of nostalgia and memory in fueling creativity. Dessen's ability to revisit these formative years through her writing demonstrates that the memories we cherish can be powerful sources of inspiration, allowing us to draw on past experiences to enrich our present work.

Sarah Dessen is an acclaimed American author known for her young adult novels that often explore themes of friendship and personal growth. Born in 1970 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she has been writing since the mid-1990s and has published numerous best-selling books loved by readers around the world. Her work frequently draws from personal experiences and the dynamics within close friendships, making her novels resonate deeply with young adults who are navigating their own life journeys.