I’m pleased to welcome Julia Hoban, author of Willow to FictionVixen.com.
What inspired you to write this book?
JH: I wanted to write a book for all of us with self destructive urges, a book that would take one person from a place of self harm to a place of healing, and in doing so possibly make people question their own damaging behaviors. I chose to make WILLOW a cutter because it’s a very dramatic and obvious form of self injury, but it could just as easily have been a book about overeating or doing drugs, or even something as innocent as watching too much television.
Describe some of the reactions that you’ve encountered about WILLOW? What was the most surprising?
JH: I’ve had so many! Truly. I never expected to receive so many heartfelt responses, and from so many different places! The other day I heard from two readers, one in Peru, the other in Hong Kong. This was amazing to me, as I assumed that no one beyond the corner grocery had even heard of me! In any case, when my husband came home, I rushed to the door and asked him if he thought that maybe I was an eensy bit famous now? He just looked at me and asked what was for dinner. The fact is though, I have been tremendously moved by the reaction to WILLOW. One type of response that has surprised as well as moved me is that I’ve heard from a fair number of young gay men and women. Some of them have told me that the “emotional honesty” in WILLOW made them decide to come out. There is a fair amount of LGBT literature out there, and I never expected WILLOW to impact people in that way, especially because the story doesn’t touch on any LGBT themes. I can say that I have been tremendously moved and honored by this reaction.
In your opinion, what are some of the most important themes in WILLOW?
JH: Well really, I think WILLOW is first and foremost a book about relationships. There are four major relationships in the book. The first is the one that WILLOW has with her parents, although they are no longer with her. There’s a famous play by Robert Anderson called “I Never Sang For My Father” and the first line is quite profound. It says “Death ends a life, but it doesn’t end a relationship.” This is something that all of us will learn at some point, and something that Willow has to learn throughout the course of the book. Unfortunately she has to learn this much earlier than most people. The second relationship is with her brother, which has been horribly fractured since their parents died. In many ways, the journey that Willow goes on throughout the book is one that re connects her with her brother. How does she embark on this journey? With Guy. It is her relationship with Guy that leads her back to her brother. Now, how does she connect with Guy? She connects with him through her love of books, and it is the love of books that is the fourth relationship in the book, and the one that ties everything else together. It is through talking about a book that she first connects with Guy. When she tries to talk to her brother about the same book (TRISTES TROPIQUES) the conversation is utterly untenable and literally sends her running off to join Guy and his friends. Willow tries to buy her brother a book, but fails utterly in this task, and buys one for Guy instead. And how do the barriers finally come down between her and her brother? When he discovers the copy of TRISTES TROPIQUES that she is planning on giving Guy.
Books play a large role in the story—what are some books that you read as a child that you hold close to your heart?
JH: That’s an easy one to answer! The Railway Children, The Railway Children, The Railway Children! Also, the Narnia books, and the entire Sherlock Holmes canon.
How did you research cutting?
JH: I did a fair amount of reading about the “technical aspects” of the disorder. Steven Levenkron’s book Cutting was very helpful. One thing that may surprise people is the amount of care many cutters take with their wounds. It may seem counter intuitive, why cut yourself and then clean and bandage the cuts? But that’s a real window into the psyche of a self injurer: as Willow says cutting is not a dress rehearsal for suicide. It is most often a way of stuffing down feelings that would otherwise be too overpowering. –- I also read many case studies, some rather harrowing memoirs, and these were invaluable. But as for getting to the depth of Willow’s need – I looked to the challenges I’ve faced in my own life. I have never been a cutter, but I have felt that kind of despair, that kind of desperation, that absolute inability to process pain in the correct way.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
JH: Now, I’m guessing that you’re expecting me to say Guy, and I do love him…. But I have a real soft spot for Willow as well. True, she’s high maintenance, but she’s also capable of great love and compassion, even in the depths of her pain. Look at the way she stands up for Vicki in the physics lab, and look at the way she responds to her brother’s tears.
Have there been any misconceptions about the book that you’d like to clear up?
JH: Well, yes, thank you for giving me the opportunity! I know that WILLOW sounds a little off putting to some people. If you look at the bare bones of the plot —the story of a young woman, who loses her parents in a car accident, and is so overcome with guilt, so isolated and alone, that she feels she has no other way to deal with her pain than by cutting herself, it sounds pretty grim. Believe me, I know! But while the above may be the basic outline of the book, the themes that WILLOW explores are really not so dire. WILLOW is really about hope, about redemption, and above all, about the power of love to heal. Now WILLOW is not the right book for everyone, no question, but I’d like to assure your readers who are a little … let’s say, frightened by the sound of it, that many, many people have told me that they found it to be a very uplifting book, a very hopeful book, and above all a very romantic book.
Why do you think that it is so important for teens to read?
JH: There are an infinite number of reasons, I’ll just give two here. One, reading can expand your horizons in ways you never dreamed, and introduce you to new worlds. Two, I can tell you from personal experience that I count many books as good and trusted friends, that there are books that have helped me through the deepest despair and through intense loneliness. That is what books can do to you and for you. Now WILLOW may not be that book for everybody, but if someone is able to learn from it, to question why they might treat themselves as less than they should, then this author will have truly done her job.
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~~GIVEAWAY~~
Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. has generously offered a copy of Willow to one lucky FictionVixen.com reader.
To enter, leave a comment here answering this question: Do you think it’s important for teens to read, why or why not?
Contest is open until March 26th 9 PST. I will choose a winner at random and announce the winner on March 27. Giveaway is open to US residents only, no PO boxes please. Good luck to all who enter.
About FV Sophia
Yes! A teen gains so much from reading.
Please consider me in your contest.
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
I think it is extremeley important for teens to read because 1) reading develops their imagination, 2) it broadens their vocabulary 3) they experience things which they wouldn't or couldn't in real life.
Please enter me in your contest, thank you.
stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com
I really enjoyed reading the author's thoughts on how this story originated.
I am so glad you interviewed this author! I loved Willow and would love to have a copy for my bookshelf!
I think it is important for teens to read this so they can not only be on the lookout for this with their friends, but if you are a cutter, it will help you work with this problem. So many people could benefit from this book. It is well written and deserves to be in the spotlight!
Amy J
djsfoxylady@gmail.com
I, too, enjoyed the book very much and would love a copy! So, thanks for the interview. I've been wondering the same questions you asked her in the interview.
As for your question, I believe it's VERY important for teens to read because books can open new worlds for them, and make them think. They can also provide an outlet for emotions, and give them something to do other than sit in front of the TV or play video games. Reading books helps with spelling and grammar, and might even make them a better student.
Thanks for the contest,
Kelsey
krae991@yahoo.com
of course it is important. it's either read and have a nice vocab (along with other stuff) or waste your brain away in front of the television.
sexywomenread@yahoo.com
I do think its important for teens to read, I believe it will help them with vocabulary and grammer in the long run. tWarner419@aol.com
I think its very important for teens to read! I have been seeing this book and it sounds really good. Please enter me!
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
I believe it is very important for teens to read. They not only increase their vocabulary and grammer but can learn about the world around them both pass and present. Reading opens up their minds so they can think for themselves and dream their dreams and maybe one day they may be an author.
I really enjoyed the interview.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I think its important for teens to read because their vocabulary skill is still growing.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
Great Interview! I liked the question "Have there been any misconceptions about the book that you'd like to clear up?" I agree that sometimes blurbs don't do justice to the entire story and focus on certain elements of the book. It sounds like Willow is a very complex and moving story.
Yes! I think it is important for teens to read.
This is one of my favorite quotes "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader" I hope that's me one day.
-Leilani
Vampiregirl813@gmail.com
I definitely think it's important for teens to read. They develop better vocabulary and grammar that way.
dawnpnr at aol dot com
I think it's important for teens to read because reading gives them insight of things that are happening around them. They will also develop a better command of languages.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I definitely think it's important for teens to read. It enhances their imagination. Watching tv doesn't let you visualize things in your mind. Tv is very much "this is what that character looks like and how the events play out." LOL, I think characters in books are always better looking in my mind.
Plus, it helps them be more creative.
-Lena
longhorn08fan(at)gmail(dot)com
Definitely think it's so important for teen's to read YA/age appropriate books. I do believe it aids them in thought process and knowledge of their environment. It's also a nice escape just like it can be for adults!!!
Great interview!
Amy/tnsongbird865@aol.com
YES!! It's very important for teens (or anyone) for that matter to read. If you are reading you are broadening your horizons. In my town (I'm the librarian) not near enough teens read..I try everything I know of to get them to read to no avail!!
I think it is extremely important for teens to read…but sadly I see less and less as I grow older….(and I hoping ereader type devices might help bring them back into the fold).
There are so many reasons why they should read and I couldn't begin to name them all…but I think the most important reason is for them to know there are different opinions, attitudes and beliefs in this world (other than their own parents/family) and by reading they will develop (their own) opinions of what they see as right, acceptable or simply what is right or wrong…in essence, it helps to mold them into a more well-rounded adults…capable of making well thought out decisions..IMO.
I think it is important for teens to read. They gain from knowing what the reading experience is all about. Plus there are always so many things to be learned from books, even fictional books.
Do you think it’s important for teens to read, why or why not?
I think it's very important. It helps them develop imagination, vocabulary & reading speed. Now, that last one may seem silly, but I read as a teen & my husband did not and the same reading assignment in college I'd have done in a few hours and would murder his night. So building speed at reading is actually useful. ; )
Parents should read to their small children, and the children should continue to read on their own. Reading is the basis of most learning, and it will improve their vocabulary skills as well.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
yess i think its improtant for teens and children and well eveyrone to read more time spent reading its excersizingthe brain its great when teens read it give sthem an outlet and helps them usetheir imagination a little more
mortalsinn AT yahoo DOT come
I think it's very important for teens to read. I think it keeps them more grounded and they are definitely smarter because of reading. I am amazed by all the teen book bloggers in this blogging community that are so very intelligent and eloquent.
My mom, my sister and I have been very instrumental in inspiring a love of reading in my niece. It all started with Bitten by Kelley Armstrong…we were bringing Taylore back from Michigan for a summer visit and we were listening to it on tape. She was hooked! This was about 4 years ago. I bought her the first three books in that Armstrong series for her birthday a couple of years ago and she has also read the Twilight books. I think she is a better person for it…I definitely see a difference in her compared to other teens that do not read.
Sorry for rambling! Thanks for the contest. =O)
miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I absolutely think that it is important for teens to read. It provides information about the world, gives them insight into important issues, gives them an imagination, makes their brain stronger, broadens their vocabulary skills, etc. My mom instilled a love for reading in my sister and I when we were VERY young. 20 years later, we are still avid readers.
Thanks for the chance. bekki1820cb at gmail
Of course it is because it expands your learning skills and it gives you something to do other then watching tv or playing video games which is bad if thats all they do when they get home from school.
Elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com
I believe it is so important for teens, and kids of all ages, to read. I have an eleven year old son and he reads all the time. Its not always easy as a parent to find things that interest them. I think this is especially true to boys. He loves the YA stuff, but sometimes they are a little too mature for him. But the tween stuff just doesn't get him. I see a big difference is his focus the more he reads.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Yes, it is very important for them to read. Why? From personal expreience, I went through a lot of crap, and the only thing that helped me cope– my only friends– were my books. And not only they count as an escape, but you also learn a lot with them. And it helps with concentration.
ale_bodden11 (at) hotmail (dot) com