Authors Interviewing Characters: Elly Swartz
Elly Swartz Interviews her character AUTUMN from her novel Dear Student!
About DEAR STUDENT
When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper she is faced with a dilemma–can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret?
Starting Middle School is rough for Autumn after her one and only BFF moves to California. Uncertain and anxious, she struggles to connect with her new classmates. The two potential friends she meets could not be more different: bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who’s a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a dilemma: what do you do when the new friends you make don’t like each other?
When Autumn is picked to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. But before Autumn can figure out what to do, the unthinkable happens. Her secret identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it’s time for Autumn to find her voice, her courage, and follow her heart, even when it’s divided.
Elly Swartz interviews Autumn!
ES: Hey, Autumn. I was asked to interview someone from DEAR STUDENT, and I chose you.
AB: Oh, Okay, I guess. But why me?
ES: I think you’ve got a lot of good stuff to say.
AB: I don’t know about that, but I’ll play along. Especially since I can write my answers.
ES: Kind of like with the advice column, Dear Student. Why do you like writing so much?
AB: It’s easier for me to write the way I feel. That way I can process my words and feelings in my own time. I can edit them. And not be so weird.
ES: I don’t think weird is such a bad thing. I kind of think weird has gotten a bad rap over the years. What do you think?
AB: Maybe. Prisha says I’m good-weird. I do kind of like that. But like you said, not everyone agrees that being weird is something positive.
ES: Well, maybe after they read DEAR STUDENT, they’ll meet you and see how great it is to be good- weird.
AB: Laughs.
ES: So, I wanted to talk to you about Fearless Fred (FF). I recognize that you know what FF is, but can you tell those who might have never heard of FF what it is?
AB: Sure. FF is the part of each of us that fear can’t boss around. My dad named it after my grandpa Fred, the bravest man he knew, and says we all have FF in us.
ES: Thanks, Autumn. And now that you’ve found your FF, how are you feeling?
AB: Proud, I guess. I mean it was hard. And if I’m being in my heart honest, not that I share this a lot, but sometimes it’s still hard. I mean just because I found FF once, doesn’t mean every time I feel anxious, FF is just waiting there for me. Sometimes, it takes a while.
ES: I get that. Sometimes I feel anxious, too.
AB: Really?
ES: Yep. And just like you, I write to feel better and find my FF.
AB: I guess we’re a lot alike, you and me.
ES: I guess we are.
AB: You know, I kind of have a secret. Can I, um, tell you?
ES: Of course.
AB: I don’t know if I ever really want to move back into the house with the lilac bushes. I kind of like living above Mom’s veterinary clinic with Mom and Pickle.
ES: That’s a surprise. I thought that’s what you always wanted.
AB: I thought so, too. But not anymore. I like it there. I get to be close to Malcolm and all the animals. Watch over Pickle. And help out my mom.
ES: True. Is Dad still in Ecuador?
AB: Yeah, for now. But he says he’s coming home when his volunteer commitment there is over.
ES: How do you feel about that?
AB: That I’ll be okay no matter what. If he keeps his promise or if he doesn’t. Not that I won’t feel all the feels. I know I will. But I also know that I’m going to all right.
ES: I’m really proud of you.
AB: Thanks.
ES: How are things with Logan these days? You guys friends?
AB: Sort of. I mean we never went back to the way it was in the beginning. But we’re not not friends. It’s just different.
ES: And Cooper?
AB: We’re still close. I spend a lot of time with him, his mom, and Mr. Magoo.
ES: You guys just friends? Or something more?
AB: Laughs. 100% just friends.
ES: So, before I go, I want to ask what advice you have for other kids who feel anxious and weird.
AB: Dear Anxious and Weird,
It’s okay to not feel okay. It’s okay to feel worried and weird. But know that you’re so much more than JUST those feelings. They don’t define you.
You are brave and strong and going to be okay.
Signed,
Your equally anxious and weird friend.
ES: I love that, Autumn. And thank you for all of it. It’s been a huge privilege getting to know you.
AB: Right back at you, Elly.
BUY Dear Student HERE
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Elly Swartz grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She studied psychology at Boston University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean. Finding Perfect , called “a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder” by Publishers Weekly , was her debut novel. She is also the author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take, novels for middle grade readers.
Read more about Elly on her website: www.ellyswartz.com
Category: On Writing
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