Hello Beautiful People,
If there’s one author that I’ve encountered that cuts right to the heart & soul & minds of reluctant teenager readers, I would have to say it’s Ellen Hopkins. So, I’m pleased to say that she’s the next featured author in our Beach Book Bonanza Series! She has graciously provided us with an autographed copy of one of her books (no, I’m not telling you which one yet) AND she took the time to participate in our Q&A.
TWT: Where did you come up with the inspiration for Collateral?
EH: A lot of my readers, and a couple of friends, are military spouses/girlfriends. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wore on, I began to hear stories. Similar stories. I wanted to write about the people left at home while their warriors went off to fight. But I also wanted to represent the truth of war, and the collateral damage to both warrior and loved one. We have lots of young men and women returning home, and I hope to spotlight some of the issues they’ll likely be facing, including PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury). They laid their lives on the line for us. We need to reciprocate, and make sure they have the resources they need.
TWT: What’s your favorite summer reading spot?
EH: My favorite summer reading spot is probably on the beach at Lake Tahoe, under a tree in a comfy chair. Few places are quite as beautiful, and I love having the chance to relax there, where cool breezes blow off the sapphire water.
TWT: What’s the fondest memory of your summer vacation during your high school years?
EH: Have Van Will Travel. I had a nice Ford van, set up for sleeping, and I loved just hitting the road to see where I’d end up. Sometimes with friends, sometimes with a boyfriend. Sometimes just my dogs and me. I always had two big dogs, and never felt threatened with them there.
TWT: How would you suggest parents get their children engaged in reading over the summer?
EH: The best way (and, having a sixteen-year-old at home, I know from experience how hard it can be) is to limit screen time. All screens, including their phones. Then go together to the bookstore (preferable to shopping online, which is still more screen time) and discuss which books are of interest. Engage a bookseller, if you don’t know what the books are. Or use the library, and engage the appropriate librarian. There’s a great energy, and a synergy, in all that.
TWT: Just for fun, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
EH: Vanilla bean vanilla, but with something yummy over the top, like crushed Heath bars.
Thank you, Ellen!
Live, Love, Learn,