Ask Jay Asher & R.J. Palacio - October 23, 2012 discussion
Ask Jay and R.J.!
Mod
I wrote 13RW without thinking it would be read in other countries. In my mind, I pictured the teens living in my neighborhood reading it. But as I wrote it, I wrote it from the perspective of one girl. And sometimes I think that by focusing on one character and not trying to make that character represent every girl or every teen, readers are more able to identify because it's personal and not overly general. So I have heard from readers all over the world, in entirely different economic stations, and while they may not identify precisely with all of Hannah's situations, they completely can understand some of her emotions. That's what I've found ties all types of readers together. We all want to be treated with respect.
And yes, reading often helps teens (and adults) realize that other people out there will understand them. Unfortunately, that sometimes has to start by realizing an author (who doesn't even know you) understands you. But that feeling of being understood needs to start somewhere for you to realize that probably a whole bunch of people get you. And group reading experiences can be even more powerful for that same reason. I also love seeing schools, libraries, and parents using fiction as ways to open up discussions that are often hard to begin. Sometimes it's easier to talk about fictional characters than ourselves. But that usually opens up opportunities for more personal discussions, which is so important.
Marcy wrote: "R.J., I am currently reading Wonder to fifth graders. It is a beautiful story that is so appealing to the students, that four of them have bought the book to read at home! Thank goodness schools ..."Thanks so much!
Carol wrote: "I wondered about your motivation to write Wonder and if this was personal to you or your family."Hi, no it's not personal to my family: we don't have facial differences. But the themes of feeling like an outsider, not feeling popular, having friends betray you in middle school: those are universal.
Jonathan wrote: "Hello! I am a student at Metro State University of Denver. In my Young Adult Literature class we have read and discussed Wonder and Thirteen Reasons Why. What struck me is the crossover nature in b..."I was purposely writing for middle school kids, but I never took that to mean that I was writing very differently than I would write for an adult audience. In fact, there was no difference, other than my probably having put in the farting nurse and a few other scatalogical phrases that I knew would appeal your average 10-year old.
—RJP
Orinthia wrote: "Hello, I'm a writer. I've read Wonder and it was so inspiring. I've been bullied while I was in highschool, just because I'm a little bit different than the others and it made me could feel how bad..."Hi Orinthia,
Your english is awesome! I was never bullied, but I certainly remember having kids be mean to me. Feeling different in middle and high school is more natural a feeling than you realize.
Thanks,
—RJP
Mod
I think there have been both good and bad changes. We're more willing, as a society, to discuss these issues now and more aware of how harmful it can be to people, both in the short and long term. Too many people still use the "Oh, it's a part of growing up" cliche that helps absolutely nothing, but we've still made great improvements in actually addressing the problems.
Because of that growing intolerance toward bullying, more teens know where they can go for help. Or they at least know that not "everyone" is against them. But with social networking, the bullying that does occur can feel even more relentless because it's so much harder to get a break. I didn't realize this when I was in school, because there was no social networking, but there is a comfort in knowing that when the hallways clear and you go home, you get to take a breather for a while. That's more difficult to come by now, and it's important for adults to appreciate that and not think of it in the same terms as when we were growing up.
Michaela wrote: "Hi, I'm Michaela, and I teach fifth grade. I am reading Wonder aloud to my class right now and they LOVE it. We all love how well RJ seems to get how kids think, but we noticed that a lot of the ..."Hi Michaela,
At my son's school that boy-girl school started in fifth grade, though not with ALL the students, just a handful. It might be because where we live, the fifth grade is the first year of middle school and the kids are in the same building as the high school students all of the sudden. I think being accepting isn't really an urban or non-unrban thing: it's more about what the kids are getting at home. Do you live in a community where people are tolerant of one another's differences, accepting of gays and minorities and people who forge a different path than the conventional norm? Or do you live in a community where people are not used to diversity? These feelings get passed on. These fears become absorbed. Where there's openness, there's tolerance. As for Julian's chapter: I didn't want to give voice to a bully, or have him air his grievances against Auggie, or give a mean kid a pulpit. And as I wrote him, it didn't seem realistic for me to have him suddenly have a revelation about being a jerk. I wanted to keep it true to life, and sometimes some kids just don't get it, don't get why the things they do don't make them liked. Julian will hopefully get it in his next school. I'm hopeful he'll have learned a lesson and will start over fresh and be a kinder person.
Nicole wrote: "I am a seventh grade literacy teacher in Maine. Your main character's disfigurement in Wonder is very visual. I'm wondering what you think about the perception of children who do not have such ou..."Hi Nicole,
In telling Auggie's story, there are other characters who reveal their own lives and the reader can see that they ALL have their own issues to contend with. Auggie's is the most obvious, to be sure, but all the kids are dealing with things they wish they could change in their lives. Reading about other people and how they deal with adversity is a great way for kids to learn empathy.
—RJP
Kristin wrote: "Hi this question is for R.J. Palacio. I'm a a children's librarian, and I was curious about your approach in describing how Augie looked. You gave some small descriptions about his appearance, but ..."Hi, yes it was deliberate. I wanted readers to get know him on the inside before they focused on his outside appearance.
Ali wrote: "Hello, I would like to ask RJ Palacio what inspired you to write Wonder? I have a daughter with a rare syndrome; one of the features is facial disfigurement, which is why I was initially drawn to t..."Hi Ali,
I would say simply write from your heart, pour it out on the page. I wish you and your daughter the best of everything,
—RJP
Mod
I wasn't inspired to write the story because of any bullying I experienced, which there wasn't that much of, but when I came up with the idea for my book I could certainly identify with many of Hannah's emotions. In fact, I think most people, even without having experienced bullying, can still understand what it would feel like if it happened to them. As a writer, that's always my job. I need to be able to understand things even if I haven't experienced them. But even if that isn't your job, I think it's always important to at least try to understand what others are feeling.
The rest of your comment hits on something I really wanted to address in my book. Bullying, and every other issue in my book, is a complex issue. Bullying is wrong. End of story! But many bullies don't realize that's what they're doing. And many people who are bullied could do more to help themselves. Unfortunately, when you're bullied, and if your self-esteem has been beaten down, it gets harder and harder to see what you can do. I love that you're able to see the complexities of this issue. Anyone who thinks there's an easy solution to a complex issue like this usually just WANTS that to be true. And so do I! But it's not true.
Personally, I don't expect you to be perfect. (And I hope you don't expect me to be perfect!) But if you really are trying to treat others with respect, and asking others to treat you the same way, then I'm proud of you.
Mod
When one of your favorite authors asks if you want to write a book with her, you say YES! That's how it all began. Then we brainstormed ideas until we hit on something that fascinated both of us. If you could see your future, how would that affect who you are now? Would that be a good or bad thing? There were so many questions that we wanted to know the answers to regarding that concept that we couldn't NOT write that book!
Mod
Writing THE FUTURE OF US was the easiest writing I'd ever done because Carolyn Mackler and I knew exactly how we wanted the story to feel and what we were trying to say. When you agree on those big things, if one author brings up an idea that doesn't gel with what you both agreed upon, there are no hard feelings when that's pointed out. In a way, it was like writing with myself (because I already agree with myself!), but much faster.
I'm very excited about the movie! Every person involved at this point understands precisely what I was trying to say with the book and appreciates what the readers have responded to. They want to bring all of that to the screen. Best of all, they're all huge fans of the book, so it really is going to be a fan-made movie.
Oh, I almost forgot about your sequel question. I don't think we'll write one, but I'll never say never (other than when I say "never say never"). But, we do have a GREAT idea for a sequel if we choose to go that route.
Mod
I very specifically wrote for a teen audience. I've found that most books written about teens that are also, or primarily, for adults have a nostalgic sheen over those years. I didn't want that at all. When adults read my book and understand it, I love it. But it's purely a bonus.
Mod
why did you decide that hanna's story should be on tape?"
Honestly, I haven't put too much thought into figuring out Clay's future. I have wondered at times, but I ended the book where I did because that's the precise moment when my entire reason for writing the story comes to an end.
I thought telling Hannah's story would be more visually interesting if told on tapes, and it gave Clay tangible items to work with as opposed to just downloading her story. But more than that, if I tried to use the most modern form of technology, and the characters treated it as modern, it would now be outdated. I began writing that book ten years ago! Because cassette tapes are old fashioned, and Clay treats them that way (not knowing if he has a way to play them), it keeps the story from being outdated.
Mod
A decision we made early on was that the main thrust of the story had to be the relationships and not the fantasy element. That was there, and the characters do wonder about it, but we wanted the story to feel as real as possible. At times, we did brainstorm ideas for answering that question, but it always took the focus off of the relationships way too much.
In the end, we decided that if Josh and Emma didn't know, then the readers couldn't know.
hi. i am in love with the book 13 reasons why because i can really connect to the story. when i was in seventh grade my best friend committed and my best friend now told me he failed. this book was a great one for me to read because it gave me some insight on this topic. blessed be x
Mod
"
It's a concept that's almost impossible to fully appreciate. There have been times, speaking at a school, where teens tells me the details of what they've been going through and how the book helped. I've gone back to my hotel room afterward and couldn't do anything but sit on my bed, stare at the wall, and reflect. It's a huge blessing to me to know that people allow my book speak to them.
Mod
If you read the book, identified with Hannah (as you did), and are still able to say that what she did wasn't the best option, you are correct. That's the book I wrote. If I had been preachy about suicide being wrong, most people wouldn't have let the book speak to them on a personal level. Emotions need to get involved with a book like this. If you find yourself frustrated with Hannah, great!
Suicide does happen. Every time it happens, it shouldn't have happened. But if every book about suicide has the girl or boy stand up and make their lives better, that wouldn't reflect reality. In my mind, it would also further the problem of not honestly discussing this complex issue.
As well, it's important to show someone going through the pain of losing someone to suicide, as Clay experiences. And that can't happen if everyone survives.
Thanks you for your response, Mr. Asher. I am shaking with joy! I am honored that you replied. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I read The Future of Us then discovered Thirteen Reasons Why and it seemed perfect, I have had issues with wanting to commit suicide and spent the entire book crying, so well written. But I wondered why you were inspired to write a book like that and how you decided apon Hannah's story. But most importantly what do you think of her and Clay as people?
hi I'm in 5 grade I just finished wonder. what are some other books you've wrote and what inspired you to write wonder what are your favorite's
Hi! I'm reading Wonder aloud to my 4th grade classes, and I already asked some questions from my morning classes. Here are some from KME: How long did it take to write Wonder?
Do you have connections with your characters?
What made you choose Auggie's disorder?
Was Julian inspired by a real person?
What made you decide not to tell Julian's story?
What do YOU see when you "see" Auggie?
What inspired you to be a writer?
Why did you want Auggie to have a facial disorder?
What made you choose August's name?
What is YOUR precept?
Christine wrote: "Hello Ms. Palacio, We are a fifth grade class from Massachusetts reading Wonder. We truly love it and it has helped us become model citizens within the school.
We have seven questions we wanted..."
Dear Mrs. Olsen's class,
Thanks so much. Here are the answers to your questions:
Did you add the word "wonder" to every chapter? (we noticed it in many)
I hadn't realized that! No, I didn't do that on purpose (it must have been subliminal!)
Are you working on another book and will there be a sequal to Wonder?
I am working on another book, but it's not a sequel to Wonder. I think Wonder's kind of a good stand alone book.
Was it easy to blend all the pieces together?
It was easier than I thought it would be, basically because I made sure all the voices told the same story, and kept the story linear and forward-moving.
Did you have a plan that helped you come up with all of the details?
My only plan, the only outline I followed in my head, was that it would follow the course of Auggie's fifth gade year. It would start right before fifth grade started. And it would end right as fifth grade ended.
What made you organize it into sections by character?
I wanted to tell Auggie's COMPLETE story, and to do that I really had to leave his head. He's just not aware of the impact he has on people (and I don't mean in terms of how he looks).
Were you sad when you were finished writing and Auggie was finished?
It was kind of sad when I finished, but then I had the precepts to write, so that let it last a little while longer. And then I had to go back and check up on the research I had done, to make sure the stuff I wrote was accurate. And then I had to go back and clean up the draft. So it wasn't a sudden goodbye. but there was a point when I had nothing left to do on the book, and that was bittersweet.
Do you still think about him?
I think about Auggie everyday. ;)
Thanks!
—RJP
Mod
We have a great idea for a sequel, but we probably won't write it. There are just too many brand new ideas to work on!
And yes, I added hyphens into the above question. Haven't you heard of SPOILER ALERT!?!? :-) So why did we keep some things unanswered? Because the main thing we wanted to say with the novel is that, yes, it's important to think about who you want to be in the future and to realize you can start becoming that person now. At the same time, you can never know for certain how things are going to turn out, so you need to also live in the moment and appreciae what's around you right now. So if our characters have to be okay not knowing those answers, then you have to be okay with it, too.
(But I totally know the answers!)
Mod
When trying to come up with a premise that intrigued both of us, Carolyn Mackler told me about a conversation she had with her dad while in high school. He mentioned that, somewhere out there, her spouse was also living his life. Maybe she knew him already, but she probably didn't. We began talking about how it would've affected our teen years if we knew who we were going to end up with. Would those relationships have meant as much? Would heartbreak have been easier? Then we brainstormed the most interesting way to find out that info.
When we began working on the book, Carolyn and I barely knew each other, so we did talk a lot about our own teen years. Sometimes one of us would say something and the other person would find a use for that info in one of our characters, but only if it worked toward the story we wanted to tell. The only person who looks like someone in real life is Sydney. Carolyn asked me to describe what my "Sydney" in high school looked like, and that's her.
Holly wrote: "Hi! I'm reading Wonder aloud to my 4th grade classes, and I already asked some questions from my morning classes. Here are some from KME: How long did it take to write Wonder?
Do you have conne..."
Hi Holly,
Let me see if I can answer some more of your questions for your 4th grade classes...
How long did it take to write Wonder?
It took me a year and a half. I probably could have written it faster, but I actually have a fulltime job, so the only time I could find to work on the book was between midnight and 3am every night.
Do you have connections with your characters?
I have connections to all my characters. They're all kind of mash-ups of people I know or have known, and they seem so real to me.
What made you choose Auggie's disorder?
I had a brief encounter with a little girl once. She looked exactly like how I describe Auggie looking in the book.
Was Julian inspired by a real person?
Hmm, not specifically one person, but a bit of some kids I've known. There are always Julians in the world.
What made you decide not to tell Julian's story?
All the other characters enhance Auggie's story and propel the narrative. That is to say, they move the story forward, and it's always Auggie's story they're moving forward because the book is about him. Julian. though, exactly because he never wanted to get to know Auggie, had nothing to add to Auggie's story. The only things he would have said about Auggie were mean things, and I didn't want to give a bully a chance to air his meanesses. We shouldn't listen to bullies because what they say doesn't really matter. I suppose I could have made Julian "get nice" by the end of the book, but I really tried to keep the book realistic, and that didn't seem realistic to me. Sometimes people don't change. I think there is an indication that Julian might have learned something at the end of the fifth grade, though, because his precept is about "starting over fresh." Maybe in his new school he'll try to be a nicer person.
What do you think? I'm hopeful.
What do YOU see when you "see" Auggie?
I see a boy who's shy and looks at the ground a lot because he doesn't want to see how people respond to him. But he's so goodhearted and has a spirit that makes me soar.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I've always wanted to be a writer. I love reading. I love stories.
Why did you want Auggie to have a facial disorder?
Because it was something I thought worth exploring, the idea of this normal little boy with a face that was anything but normal.
What made you choose August's name?
I love the name August. I've known a couple of kids with that name: it's a lovely name.
What is YOUR precept?
BE THE WONDER YOU WANT IN THE WORLD
THANKS,
RJP
Logan wrote: "hi I'm in 5 grade I just finished wonder. what are some other books you've wrote and what inspired you to write wonder what are your favorite's"Wonder is the first book I've written. I have too many favorite books to list here. Too many ;)
Thanks,
RJP
Mod
I have an idea for a companion novel to 13RW, but not a sequel. It would delve much deeper into the stories we already know than a sequel could, but I probably won't write it because the original has meant so much to so many people, I don't want to tamper with that.
As far as future books and their genres, I would never rule out any type of book. Before I came up with the concept for 13RW, I never considered writing a serious book or a book for teens. I wanted to write funny books for young kids. The most interesting story to me is the one I'll write, no matter what it's about or who it's for.
Anabelle wrote: "R.J Palacio- Will you make a sequel to "Wonder"?Jay Asher- What inspired you to write "The Future of Us"?"
Hi Anabelle,
Nope, I don't have any plans to write a sequel to Wonder. it feels like it should be a stand alone kind of book.
Thanks,
RJP
Gabrielle wrote: "Did either of you--Jay or RJ-- did either of you think of suicide ever or were you ever bullied like the characters in your stories?"Hi Gabrielle,
Thankfully, I've never experienced either one of those things.
Grace wrote: "Hi R.J! I loved your book Wonder! And i'm wondering if you will be making a sequel to the great book Wonder? I also have another question about Wonder, what inspired you to write that book?Thanks"
Thanks, Grace. No plans for a sequel, and I was inspired to write the book because of a brief encounter I had with a girl with a facial difference.
Thanks,
RJP
PG wrote: "Which YA author do you admire the most or is your favorite?"Markus Zusak is a favorite. I have so many favorites: too many to list here ;)
Mod
When we decided to have our characters see their futures through a social networking site, if we'd been looking at a future for today's teens, it would've requred the book to contemplate where our current world is heading. That future-predicting would've taken the story away from what we wanted to be the focus: relationships.
That's one reason we set it in 1996. But it also let us see the present through the eyes of people living not that long ago. That allowed for some fun analysis of how much social networking has changed us in a relatively short amount of time.
By the way, since my first book was about communicating on cassette tapes, and my second was about dial-up internet, I thought I'd let you know that my third book is about communicating via carrier pigeons! That's BREAKING NEWS right there!!!
Allison wrote: "Hi, I'm Allison. I am an 8th grade student, and read Wonder(My whole school actually read it together! We even celebrated Auggie's birthday at lunch!). Your book is AMAZING! I love the ending; For ..."Dear Allison,
What a beautiful post. You sound like such an awesome girl, and your brother, wow: your parents must be very proud. I love that you're confident in who you are: never lose that. You're a gift to the world.
As for why I didn't write from Amos's point of view: I think there might have been too many voices. I did consider it, and writing from Charlotte's point of view, too, but I didn't want the book to stray too far away from being about Auggie, and adding too many voices to the mix might have done that.
Keep writing: you have so much to say.
Thanks for your post,
RJP
Reilly wrote: "My students ADORE Wonder. Many often ask if there will be a sequel, perhaps even from Julian's POV? Thank you for writing such a beautiful book!"Hi there. So glad your students like Wonder. There are no plans for a sequel, but it would be interesting to hear from Julian, wouldn't it? I hope he's doing well in his new school!
Noa wrote: "Hello!I am in 6th grade and for my summer reading project, I read Wonder. I really enjoyed it. I was wondering if you have had some connection in your life to anyone with any kind of facial deform..."
Hi Noa,
There's no one with a facial difference inside my circle of family and close friends, but I've known people who have things that are "different" about them, whether it's living with an ailment or having a brother with severe autism. I was inspired to write the book about a child with a facial difference because of an encounter I had with a girl who looked like Auggie does in the book, though: that's the extent of my personal connection.
Thanks,
RJP
Mod
I had a close relative who attempted suicide 9 years before I came up with the idea for 13RW. Around that same time, I came up with the idea to tell a story with two simultaneous narrators, one being a recorded voice and one being the thoughts of someone listening. After working on other projects for many years, both that subject matter and structure came together as a fully formed concept.
I don't like to outline, so I allowed myself to know only a sentence or two of what each "reason" would be about. When it came time to write each chapter, the characters just showed up and did their jobs. I didn't search for them. They were just there. I never had an experience before or since where that happened, so I guess I should consider it a blessing that it even happened once.
Jessica wrote: "My name is Jess, I'm a children's/teen bookseller at B&N and a YA writer. Hi Jessica,
Thanks for your honesty. I'm glad you stuck with the book. I remember reading As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner years ago, and the multiple povs always stuck with me. I wanted to tell the COMPLETE story of Auggie, not just his perspective of it. There's a lot that goes on that Auggie isn't privvy to. He knows how people respond to him but he doesn't understand the impact he has on other people. He's too young to really know, and I didn't want to make him precocious or magical in any way. How many little kids are self-aware enough to understand how they impact on the people around them? As for what's usual and unusual in Middle Grade fiction nowadays: I wasn't writing with an eye towards what's popular or what's a trend. I was just writing the book in the way that made the most sense to me, and seemed natural. All the characters propel the narrative forward, and the narrative is very linear. There was really nothing very experimental or daring in that, to my mind. Sorry you got confused in the middle, though.
Thanks,
RJP
Rosemarie wrote: "I don't have a question, but I would like to see WONDER required reading in classrooms! Loved the book....thank you for writing this story, R.J.!"Thanks Rosemarie: that would be so nice!
Angie wrote: "R.J., my 11 year old son and I loved your book! He would like to know why you decided to write about a boy with a syndrome instead of a boy who had been homeschooled for other reasons? He also was ..."Hi Angie,
I wrote about a boy with a facial difference because I thought it was an interesting way to explore themes I wanted to explore: the nature of friendship, the testing of loyalties, the impact of kindness. As for the other question, no, I don't have anyone in my family who has a facial difference.
Thanks,
RJP
Mod
Carolyn Mackler and I still talk quite often about how easy and magical it was to work with each other. Before we began the actual writing process, we discussed what we did and didn't like in other books and movies. We found that we have very similar views on what makes a good story. So whether we were brainstorming, writing, or editing, we were shooting for the exact same goal. It made writing so much easier and much more fun than writing alone.
The main disadvantage was that Carolyn's a much faster writer than I am, so I'd feel guilty when it took me ten times longer to complete a scene.
Mod
That was always the precise tone we wanted for the end of the book. When we first came up with the concept, and then realized what we wanted the characters to understand by the end of the book, we knew we couldn't end things with all storylines wrapped up nicely. There couldn't be many big revelations. It had to be an acceptance and appreciation of how things are, despite what the future may or may not hold.
Mod
(I'm sorry I tried my best to make it different, okay *shrug*) THANKS GUYS!"
I love when I'm able to say, "I've never been asked that question before!"
I don't believe I had a reason to choose that candy bar other than it being an great candy bar and the sound of its name fitting with the other words around it. (Yes, I think about those things.) My favorite candy bar varies day-to-day. In any year, I probably devour Skor bars more than any other.
Jay wrote: "Sadiya wrote: "13 Reasons Why is a book that has touched my heart and remains close to it to this very day. There are very few books like that today. I wanted to ask what is you reaction to getting..."Thank you so much for taking the time to read and answer my question. =)
R. J. wrote: "Grace wrote: "Hi R.J! I loved your book Wonder! And i'm wondering if you will be making a sequel to the great book Wonder? I also have another question about Wonder, what inspired you to write that..."
Ok thanks for the response!:) keep writing though you are a great author!
Ok thanks for the response!:) keep writing though you are a great author!
Hi Mr.AsherMy name's Akanksha and I am a freshman right now but in eighth grade I read your book 13 reasons why
And honestly speaking it was really good
What inspired you to write that book? And i believe authors like you really have an influence on our society because of the way you bring up these sensitive topics! I cant wait to find more about The Future Of Us
Well i hope you keep writing such good books and keep educating our society!!
Hi.I've read "Thirteen reasons why" and It was an amazing read, I told everyone I know about it and some of my friends read it too. I can't wait to read "The future of us" when it comes out here in Romania.
My question is:
Do you want to come to Romania and have a signing meeting with the fans? :)
R. J. wrote: "Reilly wrote: "My students ADORE Wonder. Many often ask if there will be a sequel, perhaps even from Julian's POV? Thank you for writing such a beautiful book!"Hi there. So glad your students li..."
Thank you for the response. Maybe we could write a chapter from Julian's point of view in his new school as our next writing assignment! They would love that...I just hope they "choose kind" and write to fix some of his flaws instead of punishing him (which I am sure many would like to)!
Ask Jay Asher & R.J. Palacio - October 23, 2012
Books mentioned in this topic
Wonder (other topics)Wonder (other topics)
Thirteen Reasons Why (other topics)
The Future of Us (other topics)
My whole 6th grade class read Wonder and LOVED it!
This week they are writing a reflective piece about what the characters are like once they became older and wiser.
We have a question for you... Imagining your characters at any age beyond what they were during the story, which character from Wonder would you most want to sit down and talk to? Why? What age would would that character be for this conversation?
Thank you!
Mr. Beck's Class