In Conversation with Sharon Draper
| Sharon Draper is one of the giants of Young Adult Literature. When I first started studying YA literature in earnest in 2003 I knew I need to go back and catch up with Sharon’s early works. Reading Tears of Tiger and Romiette and Julio were foundational experiences. They were books that started to help me understand the beginnings and growth of African American YA. I have continued to read her works and have probably exhausted my friends talking about the power of Copper Sun, Stella by Starlight, or Out of My Mind. With every book Sharon delivers a fantastic reading experience. |  |
It was a great pleasure to host Sharon at LSU for a Summit on YA literature. We have kept in touch and have presented at NCTE since then.
Finally, I had the opportunity to document Sharon’s work in this conversation.
Join us.
Finally, I had the opportunity to document Sharon’s work in this conversation.
Join us.
Summary
Steven and Sharon discussed Sharon's upcoming book adaptation, her teaching career, and the impact of her books on the literary world. They also explored the importance of representation in literature, Sharon's writing routine, and the significance of extensive research in writing. Additionally, they shared their experiences as judges for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and discussed Sharon's upcoming projects.
Steven and Sharon discussed Sharon's upcoming book adaptation, her teaching career, and the impact of her books on the literary world. They also explored the importance of representation in literature, Sharon's writing routine, and the significance of extensive research in writing. Additionally, they shared their experiences as judges for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and discussed Sharon's upcoming projects.
Sharon's Book Adaptation and Teaching
Steven and Sharon discussed Sharon's upcoming book adaptation by Disney, set to release on November 20th. They reminisced about Sharon's teaching career, which spanned over 25 years, and her passion for writing, which began with a short story contest win. Sharon shared her desire to write about the real world her students lived in, as opposed to the classics they were taught. They also discussed the limited choices of books available in the past, which often focused on white characters from England, and the importance of libraries in expanding their knowledge of diverse cultures.
Steven and Sharon discussed Sharon's upcoming book adaptation by Disney, set to release on November 20th. They reminisced about Sharon's teaching career, which spanned over 25 years, and her passion for writing, which began with a short story contest win. Sharon shared her desire to write about the real world her students lived in, as opposed to the classics they were taught. They also discussed the limited choices of books available in the past, which often focused on white characters from England, and the importance of libraries in expanding their knowledge of diverse cultures.
Sharon's Writing Journey and Impact
Steven and Sharon discussed their writing experiences and the impact of their books. Sharon shared her journey from writing her first book, "Tears of a Tiger," to her more recent works, including "Copper Sun" and "Romeyette and Julio." She explained how her personal experiences, such as her trip to Africa, influenced her writing. Steven expressed his appreciation for Sharon's books, particularly "Copper Sun," and highlighted their importance in providing different perspectives on historical events. They also discussed the educational value of Sharon's modern adaptations of Shakespeare's works, like "Romeyette and Julio," which can make the original texts more accessible and enjoyable for contemporary readers.
Steven and Sharon discussed their writing experiences and the impact of their books. Sharon shared her journey from writing her first book, "Tears of a Tiger," to her more recent works, including "Copper Sun" and "Romeyette and Julio." She explained how her personal experiences, such as her trip to Africa, influenced her writing. Steven expressed his appreciation for Sharon's books, particularly "Copper Sun," and highlighted their importance in providing different perspectives on historical events. They also discussed the educational value of Sharon's modern adaptations of Shakespeare's works, like "Romeyette and Julio," which can make the original texts more accessible and enjoyable for contemporary readers.
Origins of Sharon's Books Discussed
Steven and Sharon discussed the origins of Sharon's books, particularly focusing on the inspiration behind "Stella by Starlight". Sharon shared that the book was inspired by her childhood summers spent in North Carolina with her grandmother, where she absorbed stories from the community. These stories were often told by older generations, and they dealt with difficult times faced by black people, including blatant racism and mistreatment. Sharon emphasized the importance of storytelling and the strength it brought to the community. Steven acknowledged the power of these stories and the challenges faced by the characters, highlighting the significance of understanding and addressing these issues.
Steven and Sharon discussed the origins of Sharon's books, particularly focusing on the inspiration behind "Stella by Starlight". Sharon shared that the book was inspired by her childhood summers spent in North Carolina with her grandmother, where she absorbed stories from the community. These stories were often told by older generations, and they dealt with difficult times faced by black people, including blatant racism and mistreatment. Sharon emphasized the importance of storytelling and the strength it brought to the community. Steven acknowledged the power of these stories and the challenges faced by the characters, highlighting the significance of understanding and addressing these issues.
Representation in Literature and Writing
Steven and Sharon discussed the importance of representation in literature, particularly for African American authors and characters. They reminisced about their experiences with books featuring diverse characters and how these books were scarce in the past. Sharon shared her experience of having her book, "Tears of a Tiger," published after receiving 24 rejections, highlighting the challenges faced by writers of color. They also discussed the impact of their work on the literary world and how it has paved the way for future generations of writers. Steven expressed his admiration for their contributions and the quality of their stories.
Steven and Sharon discussed the importance of representation in literature, particularly for African American authors and characters. They reminisced about their experiences with books featuring diverse characters and how these books were scarce in the past. Sharon shared her experience of having her book, "Tears of a Tiger," published after receiving 24 rejections, highlighting the challenges faced by writers of color. They also discussed the impact of their work on the literary world and how it has paved the way for future generations of writers. Steven expressed his admiration for their contributions and the quality of their stories.
Sharon's Writing Routine and Process
Sharon shared her writing routine, which involved checking into a hotel on weekends to focus on her writing without distractions. She would stay from Friday after school until Sunday afternoon, and her husband was supportive of her writing weekends. Sharon's writing process involved extensive research to ensure accuracy, as she believed every detail mattered. She didn't count how many weekends it took her to complete a young adult novel, but estimated it to be around six months. Steven found her writing process fascinating and asked about her approach to drafting and revising her work. Sharon responded that her character and plot development often came together simultaneously.
Sharon shared her writing routine, which involved checking into a hotel on weekends to focus on her writing without distractions. She would stay from Friday after school until Sunday afternoon, and her husband was supportive of her writing weekends. Sharon's writing process involved extensive research to ensure accuracy, as she believed every detail mattered. She didn't count how many weekends it took her to complete a young adult novel, but estimated it to be around six months. Steven found her writing process fascinating and asked about her approach to drafting and revising her work. Sharon responded that her character and plot development often came together simultaneously.
The Importance of Research in Writing
Sharon and Steven discussed the importance of extensive research in writing, particularly when it comes to historical or cultural accuracy. Sharon shared her experience of writing a book about ancient Egypt, emphasizing the need for meticulous research to avoid inaccuracies. She also highlighted the importance of engaging the senses in writing, using examples such as describing the feeling of sand on bare feet or the smell of sweat after a game. Steven agreed, noting that the writing process is not magical and requires a lot of hard work, including multiple drafts and revisions. They both stressed the importance of understanding the nuances of details to create a believable and accurate story.
Sharon and Steven discussed the importance of extensive research in writing, particularly when it comes to historical or cultural accuracy. Sharon shared her experience of writing a book about ancient Egypt, emphasizing the need for meticulous research to avoid inaccuracies. She also highlighted the importance of engaging the senses in writing, using examples such as describing the feeling of sand on bare feet or the smell of sweat after a game. Steven agreed, noting that the writing process is not magical and requires a lot of hard work, including multiple drafts and revisions. They both stressed the importance of understanding the nuances of details to create a believable and accurate story.
National Book Award Judges' Experiences
In the meeting, Steven and Sharon discussed their experiences as judges for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Sharon shared her enjoyment of reading through numerous books, with quality rising to the top. She also mentioned her favorite book, "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean, which she highly recommends to anyone who loves books. Steven expressed his appreciation for the recommendation and added it to his reading list.
In the meeting, Steven and Sharon discussed their experiences as judges for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Sharon shared her enjoyment of reading through numerous books, with quality rising to the top. She also mentioned her favorite book, "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean, which she highly recommends to anyone who loves books. Steven expressed his appreciation for the recommendation and added it to his reading list.
Author Discusses Book and Inspiration
Steven shared his excitement about his granddaughter's teacher, Grace Daniels, reading the book "Out of My Mind" to her class. He also shared some questions from the 4th-grade students about the book. Sharon, the author of the book, discussed her inspiration for writing the book and her satisfaction with the movie adaptation. She also mentioned her recent publication, "Bella Ballerina," and explained her writing process, emphasizing the importance of evoking emotions in the reader. Sharon confirmed that there are three "Out of My Mind" books in total.
Steven shared his excitement about his granddaughter's teacher, Grace Daniels, reading the book "Out of My Mind" to her class. He also shared some questions from the 4th-grade students about the book. Sharon, the author of the book, discussed her inspiration for writing the book and her satisfaction with the movie adaptation. She also mentioned her recent publication, "Bella Ballerina," and explained her writing process, emphasizing the importance of evoking emotions in the reader. Sharon confirmed that there are three "Out of My Mind" books in total.
Sharon's Writing Process and Projects
Sharon and Steven discussed Sharon's writing process and her experiences as an author. Sharon shared her thoughts on her books, including "Out of My Mind" and "Tears of a Tiger", and how she relates to her characters. She also mentioned her upcoming projects, including a book set in ancient Egypt, which she plans to research extensively. Steven expressed his admiration for Sharon's work and encouraged her to continue writing. The conversation ended with Sharon thanking Steven for the opportunity to discuss her writing.
Sharon and Steven discussed Sharon's writing process and her experiences as an author. Sharon shared her thoughts on her books, including "Out of My Mind" and "Tears of a Tiger", and how she relates to her characters. She also mentioned her upcoming projects, including a book set in ancient Egypt, which she plans to research extensively. Steven expressed his admiration for Sharon's work and encouraged her to continue writing. The conversation ended with Sharon thanking Steven for the opportunity to discuss her writing.