Celia
Celia asked M. Weidenbenner:

Just finished 'Fractured, Not Broken'. I was paying no attention to the author's name. Throughout the book, I just assumed Kelly had written it. Your style is so authentically first person. How did you get your material for the book, personal interviews or ESPN?? I do assume you spent time with Kelly. Would you please share your most positive and most negative experience with her?

M. Weidenbenner Hi Celia - I rarely hang out at Goodreads, so I just saw your questions today. Sorry for this late response. Thank you for your questions!

Kelly types with a mouth stick since she's a quadriplegic. Her fingers can't type, which is why I helped her. She and I communicated by voice-to-text through emails and phones. I asked her many, many questions--some of them were bizarre and unrelated to her 'story.' Those questions (like - tell me a time about a popsicle) helped bring the story out. Kelly's mother is my husband's sister--so Kelly and I are niece/aunt.

ESPN interviews happened because Kelly was dating an NBA hopeful when the accident happened. She was connected to the sport's world through him.

The positive experience - learning about Kelly's faith and finding strength through her. She's strong.

The negative experience - it was difficult to get her to open up. She didn't want to relive the trauma in her life. I hated seeing her that way and pressing her for details.

Thanks again. Let me know if you have any other questions.

More Answered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more