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jddehartwriting

An Interview with Ellen Hopkins



1. What inspires your authorship?


Inspiration is everywhere! You just have to open your eyes, listen carefully (eavesdropping is a fave for me), investigate a new scent or taste. Life is sensual. Life is interesting. Life is something we share as human beings. I suppose that's why I'm drawn toward contemporary fiction rather than genre. I'd rather explore the terrible and beautiful facets of humanity. Enough monsters there. Don't need to create new ones.


2. What advice do you have for young writers/creators?


Read widely, and read outside of your favored genre. Stories structure differently and you'll learn how to scaffold your stories that way. But overall, character is everything. If you don't craft characters readers care about, they won't follow them, regardless of plot. Let plot flow from character. And learn patience. Rejection is hard, but sometimes necessary to find your true voice and where you shine as a creator.


3. What is the message you hope rings out to the world from your work?


That people are more alike than not. No one is all good or entirely evil. We have to understand the "whys" behind both elements. And beyond all darkness, there is light. There is hope. Beyond all pain, there is joy, and we must keep reaching for the joy.

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