Ask the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Answered Questions (186)
Laurie Halse Anderson
I am looking forward to it!!!
Laurie Halse Anderson
Of course - that's one of the great things about self-publishing!
Laurie Halse Anderson
I opened my email.
The monsters laughed.
The monsters laughed.
Laurie Halse Anderson
I don't think that will happen because they are published by two different companies. But it is a great idea!
Laurie Halse Anderson
HELLO, AMAZING SOPHOMORES AT STAGG HIGH SCHOOL!!
I'm honored that you liked my book!
I'm honored that you liked my book!
Laurie Halse Anderson
What kind of reference?
Laurie Halse Anderson
It was a pleasure to meet you!!
Laurie Halse Anderson
I wanted Melinda to learn from his shifting views of perspective and visual imagery of fractured self. And yes, he is frequently taught in high school.
Laurie Halse Anderson
Absolutely. During the writing process I had to practice regular self-care, making sure I had plenty of time away the stories, and getting outside to clear my head.
Laurie Halse Anderson
Thank you very, very much for taking the time to write again. I happily accept your apology. I appreciate that you have matured since then and that you wanted to set things right. I have so much respect for you!
Also, I'm really happy that you love books!
Also, I'm really happy that you love books!
Laurie Halse Anderson
What kind of closure are you looking for?
Laurie Halse Anderson
Hearing from readers who were struggling with eating disorders made me want to write about their battle. Eating disorders have the highest fatality rate of any mental illness. I wanted to tell a story that would show people how devastating they are.
Laurie Halse Anderson
I think they are great. I do that kind of writing all the time.
Laurie Halse Anderson
I am so sorry that you all are going through that nightmare. At the same time, I'm proud of you for recognizing the need for leadership, both as an older sibling and within your community.
In my experience, talking can help with the sadness that death brings. But sometimes you might not want to talk. That's when it's important to have something to DO - something physical and healthy. I think that is why 5K walks and runs are so popular. When a group of people come together for a common cause and move their bodies - be it walking, or rehabbing a building, cleaning a park, - positive and healing energy is created.
Also make sure that everyone has access to hotlines like To Write Love On Her Arms: https://twloha.com/, The Trevor Project: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/, RAINN: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s..., and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s...
Thank you again for caring. You are an amazing person!
In my experience, talking can help with the sadness that death brings. But sometimes you might not want to talk. That's when it's important to have something to DO - something physical and healthy. I think that is why 5K walks and runs are so popular. When a group of people come together for a common cause and move their bodies - be it walking, or rehabbing a building, cleaning a park, - positive and healing energy is created.
Also make sure that everyone has access to hotlines like To Write Love On Her Arms: https://twloha.com/, The Trevor Project: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/, RAINN: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s..., and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s...
Thank you again for caring. You are an amazing person!
Laurie Halse Anderson
Sadly, no. So many of our foremother's stories were not recorded. So tragic!
Laurie Halse Anderson
Shonda Rhimes, Tori Amos, Amandla Stenberg, Margaret Atwood, Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, Christiane Amanpour, my bestie Deb Heiligman, and my daughters.
We would SO rule the world!
We would SO rule the world!
Laurie Halse Anderson
The sad fact that it has taken me weeks to respond to your kind invitation (I'm sorry!! I'm so sorry!!) gives you the answer. I am fortunate to be so busy with writing, speaking, and traveling, but I simply can't promise to add anything else to the work load.
But thank you so much for promoting literacy with your students - teachers like you make the world a MUCH better place!
But thank you so much for promoting literacy with your students - teachers like you make the world a MUCH better place!
Laurie Halse Anderson
I've received plenty of backlash, but I know that any pain it might cause me doesn't come close to the pain suffered by teens who are dealing with these issues.
The criticism I've gotten for writing honestly about sexual violence, bullying, mental health, eating disorders, and the horrific reality of American slavery comes from adults who do not know how to talk about these things to their kids. Rather than confront their own fear and ignorance, they lash out at me (and other authors). I understand their pain. It proves that there is an enormous need for books like mine.
Maybe if we keep writing books about these things and promote conversations about the harsh realities of our world, we can help a generation learn how to handle the truth and grow up in strength and wisdom.
The criticism I've gotten for writing honestly about sexual violence, bullying, mental health, eating disorders, and the horrific reality of American slavery comes from adults who do not know how to talk about these things to their kids. Rather than confront their own fear and ignorance, they lash out at me (and other authors). I understand their pain. It proves that there is an enormous need for books like mine.
Maybe if we keep writing books about these things and promote conversations about the harsh realities of our world, we can help a generation learn how to handle the truth and grow up in strength and wisdom.
Laurie Halse Anderson
I have pondered a sequel to Fever 1793, but I have a bunch of books I promised to write first, so it might be a while before I can write it.
I think you should just write for fun. Not everyone has to be an author. Not every book has to be published. I've written several projects just for myself and have loved working on them.
I think you should just write for fun. Not everyone has to be an author. Not every book has to be published. I've written several projects just for myself and have loved working on them.
Laurie Halse Anderson
We have bits and pieces of information about the lives of children and teens during the Revolution. I pulled from all of them when I was developing my characters. Children who were enslaved worked every bit as much as adults did. They also try to free themselves, and made choices about which army to support in the war.
I'll be posting an updated and lengthy bibliography for the trilogy to my website soon.
My hero is Isabel because she is so brave.
Thank you for waiting so patiently for ASHES!
I'll be posting an updated and lengthy bibliography for the trilogy to my website soon.
My hero is Isabel because she is so brave.
Thank you for waiting so patiently for ASHES!
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