And I’m like Lily’s mother, being a lawyer like her, and more of a realistic, down-to-earth (as opposed to gushy) kind of a mom. Once I found my niche, though, I became more like Hobart because I was comfortable, and because I’m generally a positive person who likes to have fun. I was shy, like Lily, when I was young, which made moving from school to school hard because I was always having to break into existing groups. Beginnings are critical and do so much-introduce the character, the voice, the plot-but I probably tweak the ending more because that’s my last chance to talk to the reader, the last impression they’ll leave with, and I want them to put down the book with a satisfied sigh, even wish there were more and, ultimately, I want the characters to stay with them.ĭo you see much of yourself in your characters? Do they have any connection to your personality, or are they a world apart? He provides laughter and, really, is the most loyal friend anyone could have.ĭo you find it harder to write beginnings or endings? Which do you change more? He’s young and naïve for middle school, he wears a bowtie, and he’s obsessed with curling, a sport few know or care about. It’s an uncommon name and Hobart is a quirky character. That’s why I picked “Hobart” for Lily’s best friend. However, sometimes I pick a specific or quirky name for a reason. I research popular baby names by year at the Social Security website, for example. I try to give characters names that are appropriate to the time, place, and culture.
I love this question because names convey so much. I also like to think of Lily’s “promise” as her “potential.” Like young readers, she has a lot! She also discovers that it’s imperative to speak out when you’re dealing with bullies and want to help your friends. As she discovers, it’s a lot easier if you reach out and make a few friends. Now, she has to attend public school and, as she promised her dad, learn to speak out and stand up for herself. Lily is a shy girl who was homeschooled by her father until he passed away. Lily’s Promise gives you an idea but, of course, it’s how she fulfills that promise that makes for an interesting story. My Q&A with the author: How much work does your title do to take readers into the story?
Kathryn Erskine is the author of several acclaimed books for young adults and children, including the National Book Award–winning middle grade novel Mockingbird.
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