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Hello?

Questions About Hello?

by Liza M. Wiemer (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (6)

Is this a 'deep' book? Or is it more of the superficial kind??
Liza Wiemer Juana, thank you so much for your question.

One word answer: Deep.

Longer answer: HELLO? opens the curtains into five teens' lives, revealing their dee…moreJuana, thank you so much for your question.

One word answer: Deep.

Longer answer: HELLO? opens the curtains into five teens' lives, revealing their deepest secrets. When I speak at high schools, I ask students to think about how they come to school clueless about what goes on in the homes of students they might sit in the same room with nearly every day. The person at school may be very different at home. For example, in HELLO? Angie is careful about the way she dresses, acts. In many ways, she's superficial, though she would never describe herself that way. It's a defense mechanism—armor! As time goes on, she realizes she does/says certain things to protect herself. Her childhood holds many secrets. Her chapters are written in free verse poetry, enabling her to express herself. It's the way she gives voice to what she doesn't want others to see.

HELLO? and its characters have many layers. I was constantly asking myself "why?" "Why would a character do this?" Why is this important?" "Why does a character feel this way?" "Why now?" I have a long list of why questions I think about while writing and editing.

If you read HELLO?, look for the deeper why questions/answers and it's very possible you'll have your own perspective. I'm always in awe when someone connects it to himself or others in a way I hadn't even thought of.

In addition, I wanted to reveal how a simple act—in HELLO? a phone call—can create a chain reaction. How kindness can transform. I personally have experienced many incredible connections. HELLO? shows the beauty and wonderment of serendipity.(less)
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What was the best part writing this wonderful novel?
Liza Wiemer This is a great question! But it's impossible to only choose one!

While I was researching the novel, I loved meeting and spending time with students a…moreThis is a great question! But it's impossible to only choose one!

While I was researching the novel, I loved meeting and spending time with students at Sturgeon Bay HS and at Washington Island School. Traveling around Door County helped me to create an authentic setting and present an authentic voice. For me, this was critical in order to bring DC to life on the page.

Also, I'm a teacher. Another best part of writing HELLO? occurred AFTER the book was finished. I absolutely love going to schools to conduct workshops. There is nothing better than meeting students, talking with them, and hearing how their "Hello" stories have changed their lives.

The BEST of the BEST occurred on May 15, 2016, when students from 5 Wisconsin high schools traveled to Washington Island to walk in the footsteps of the characters from HELLO?. By far, that day was the most spectacular day of my life. Seeing how the novel came to life for these students and watching friendships develop was absolutely incredible! (less)
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Where was this book released??? I was not able to find it in my country! So where can I get it?
Liza Wiemer Juana, Thank you for you question. HELLO? was released on November 10, 2015. It's available on ebook so can be downloaded through Amazon or iTunes or …moreJuana, Thank you for you question. HELLO? was released on November 10, 2015. It's available on ebook so can be downloaded through Amazon or iTunes or other ebook sites. The paperback can be purchased through Book Depository, which delivers for free to most countries. http://www.bookdepository.com/Hello-L...
Good luck! Hope you're able to get a copy of HELLO?!(less)
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What prompted U to write this novel?
Liza Wiemer Thank you for your question, Nolan.
Hello? was the novel that would have made a difference for me as a teen. It would have helped me through tough tim…moreThank you for your question, Nolan.
Hello? was the novel that would have made a difference for me as a teen. It would have helped me through tough times and given me hope. Who hasn't experienced or known someone who has gone through difficult situations? I wanted to "open the curtains" and show a realistic portrayal of five teens, yet also show that even if one experiences tremendous challenges, amazing, wonderful things can and do happen. My life mirrors this concept.
At the end of HELLO?, I have a honest, from-my-heart "Dear Reader" letter, which explains more.
I have also been drawn to the concept of serendipity, and have experienced some that have profoundly impacted my life. Without a doubt, I do believe that "One HELLO can change a life. One HELLO can save a life." (less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Liza Wiemer Thanks for the question, Hannah!! There are many actors from the GILMORE GIRLS, who I think would be incredible. That cast is amazing. Who do you thin…moreThanks for the question, Hannah!! There are many actors from the GILMORE GIRLS, who I think would be incredible. That cast is amazing. Who do you think would be great to play these characters? I'd love to hear your suggestions. :)(less)
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