Ask the Author: Beth Hautala
Answered Questions (7)
Beth Hautala
Finding the ending of a story is really about giving the characters what they need (which is different than giving them what they want). Throughout the character's plot line and arc, I am constantly asking myself, "What do they need? How will it arrive? What will they have to overcome? What will be most satisfying and believable? What will offer conclusion and peace, even if it doesn't all wrap up in a perfect happy bow?" As long as I keep being honest with myself as I write, the ending reveals itself.
Beth Hautala
Indeed there are! Looking forward to sharing more. Stay tuned! :)
Beth Hautala
As I mentioned, my personal experiences and emotions surrounding my relationships with family and friends definitely influenced my work—as they always do. :)
Beth Hautala
Hello! Thanks for reading my book. :)
Waiting For Unicorns was an exploration of grief for me, but also an exploration of Hope . . . I wrote it asking myself the questions: "What would become of me if something happened to those I love most?" And, "What would happen to those I love most, if something happened to me?"
I wanted to write a story that offered something beautiful to those who are hurting, especially kids.
There are all kinds of grief (big "G" and small "g"). We have all known and experienced them in one degree or another. I wanted to hold out a hand and offer a shoulder (in story form) to the certainty that better things are yet to come, even when the journey is hard.
There is always, always Hope. <3
Waiting For Unicorns was an exploration of grief for me, but also an exploration of Hope . . . I wrote it asking myself the questions: "What would become of me if something happened to those I love most?" And, "What would happen to those I love most, if something happened to me?"
I wanted to write a story that offered something beautiful to those who are hurting, especially kids.
There are all kinds of grief (big "G" and small "g"). We have all known and experienced them in one degree or another. I wanted to hold out a hand and offer a shoulder (in story form) to the certainty that better things are yet to come, even when the journey is hard.
There is always, always Hope. <3
Beth Hautala
Hello Kim, thanks for sharing my book! You're right—the spectrum of grief is wide and varying, ranging from the loss of a loved one to something as "mild" as disappointment. It's easy to forget that young people are fully human in their scope of emotions and don't just have "kid sized feelings."
My second book deals with what it means to love others (especially family members) who are unable to love in return—or at least love in a way that makes sense to the main character (physical disability and neurodiversity both play roles in The Ostrich And Other Lost Things).
My third book (not out yet) deals with a broader scope of adolescent issues including broken and restored friendships, loss, perseverance and desire for change, racism, and hope.
My second book deals with what it means to love others (especially family members) who are unable to love in return—or at least love in a way that makes sense to the main character (physical disability and neurodiversity both play roles in The Ostrich And Other Lost Things).
My third book (not out yet) deals with a broader scope of adolescent issues including broken and restored friendships, loss, perseverance and desire for change, racism, and hope.
Beth Hautala
Hello Amy, Thanks so much for sharing my work! I'm always thrilled when readers enjoy and share. I definitely do virtual class visits via Skype! I also do a lot of writing conferences for students if your school is ever interested in a larger-scale visit.
Beth Hautala
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! I'm always thrilled to hear when readers enjoy a story and even more when they recommend it to others!
Yes to more books on the way!
The Ostrich And Other Lost Things is out and hopefully another soon!
Yes to more books on the way!
The Ostrich And Other Lost Things is out and hopefully another soon!
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