Real People Empty Nesting

Laurie Halse Anderson:
Tackling the Tough Topics

by Robin Bonner

In her novels for young adults—and their parents—New York Times best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson tackles tough issues that concern teens: fitting in, college and other life choices, eating disorders, rape, and life with a war-veteran parent. In fact, as someone who had trouble learning to read as a kid and later eschewed symbolism (and literature by “dead white men”) in high-school English class, Anderson not only became a writer, but she also mastered the literary devices needed to tell an honest, riveting story.

If you ask Anderson, she will tell you she wasn’t supposed to be an author. First, she was “too tall” (you’ll have to ask her to explain that one). Then, in addition to her reading problem, she stuttered. Somewhere along the way, though, a reading specialist, then a speech therapist, befriended and helped her. She still loves them both. And, once she learned to read, Anderson read everything she could get her hands on. (First favorites were the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, followed, in high school, by sci-fi fantasy.) Since the second grade, she has also loved to write, and both early passions brought her to where she is today.

Anderson’s early childhood in upstate New York was a happy one. Her father was a college chaplain, and her mom was a secretary. But then there was middle school, which stands out vividly in her mind. “It sucks for everyone,” she says. And family problems, such as her dad losing his job, made things worse than usual. Her parents fought; she felt confused. Thus, she developed the ability to write for teens by drawing upon emotions she has felt herself. She is able to portray the sadness and confusion she felt as a young person trying to make sense of what was going on around her.

Spending a year abroad (on a pig farm in Denmark) during high school gave Laurie time to think about her future. That experience, and the next—a job in retail back in the U.S.—convinced her to pursue a college career. Community college led to Georgetown University, where she majored in languages and linguistics.

Post-graduation, Laurie landed freelance reporting gigs, at one point writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer. On the side, she wrote children’s picture books and then moved to the young adult (YA) genre. She has stacks of rejection letters from publishers to prove her dedication. It was only when she joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and attended their writers’ group sessions that her luck improved.

Anderson got her first break in 1996 in the children’s market with Ndito Runs, a fictionalized story about children who grow up in the Kenyan Highlands. That same year, Turkey Pox, a picture book about a child getting chicken pox on Thanksgiving Day (inspired by her daughter), also hit the book stores. Two years later, No Time for Mother’s Day, featuring the same characters as Turkey Pox, appeared in print.

In 1999, Anderson published Speak, probably her best known YA novel, which addresses the difficult issue of teen rape and its aftermath. In 2002, she published the historical Fever 1793, set in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak. Catalyst followed the same year and touched on issues of the type-A teen, using the same setting as Speak. Other YA titles to Anderson’s credit include Prom (2005), Twisted (2007), and Wintergirls (2009)—all three New York Times bestsellers. Her newest novel, The Impossible Knife of Memory (2014), told through the eyes of a teen whose dad is an Iraq War vet suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), crosses the YA genre to adult fiction. (Both generations of readers can take much with them from this page turner!)

In addition, Anderson blogs, tweets, and responds to each fan email. Many young readers open up to her about their concerns; these topics eventually are addressed honestly in her books, which, in turn, have helped countless teen readers. In fact, Anderson’s books have made numerous middle- and high-schools’ required reading lists.

Laurie Halse Anderson, now an empty nester (and also, recently, a grandmother!), has agreed to share personal insights with Empty Nest . . .

EN: Laurie, you had some trauma when you were a child, but you survived and found your way. Can you share some of those events and tell how you dealt with them at the time and then later? What advice would you give to parents and other mentors in helping children and teens deal with confusion and sadness in their lives?

LHA: My dad’s PTSD and alcoholism took over my family’s life when I was in 7th grade. We couldn’t talk about what was going on, and these issues nearly broke our family apart. I always encourage my readers to find loving trustworthy adults they can turn to for support when their lives are out of balance. If a teen turns to you, listen without judgment. Listen calmly and with compassion. When the story is told, work with the teen to figure out what his options are.

EN: What career did you imagine for yourself as a child, as a teen? Describe the ups and downs of your life as a writer. What have you enjoyed? What would you like most to forget?

LHA: As a child I used to say that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up, but I think that was mostly because adults reacted positively to it. As a teenager I just wanted to get through the next day; I was not thinking ahead to my future.

My career as a writer has been built one small decision at a time. It was a challenge to earn enough money while raising my kids and sending them to college; I had very good focus about the next 24 months, but didn’t let myself look at longer-term planning until the last one graduated last year.

I’ve really enjoyed the writing of the books, those magical moments where I lose track of myself because I’ve fallen so deeply into the story. I also love meeting readers. It’s an incredible joy to write books that make readers happy. I’d like to forget all the travel; hundreds of thousands of miles, beige hotel rooms, and time away from my family. That’s the downside to my job.

EN: Describe your relationship with your readers and how they inspire your writing. How deeply do you mentor your young fans? What kind of advice do you give them?

LHA: My relationship with readers is amazing. I am honored to be a part of their lives. They inspired Twisted and Wintergirls and Catalyst. I am heartbroken by how many of them don’t have good relationships with their parents but wish that they did. The advice I give most often is: 1. Speak up when you need help, 2. Don’t drink or get high, and 3. When dating, keep your pants on.

EN: Describe your relationship with your children. How has it changed now that they are adults? What advice have you given them as they have “left the nest”?

LHA: Our children are now 28, 27, 26 and 21. Raising them has been the most important part of my life. They’ve all worked hard, found love and friendship, and are busy creating interesting lives. I am so proud of them! My advice to them was not to make permanent, unalterable decisions before they turned 25, because that is how long it takes for your brain to mature. Other than that, I try not to give advice unless I am specifically asked for it!

EN: What projects do you have on the horizon? Do you envision doing more YA/adult novels? Historical writing? Children’s books? Are your interests changing over time? If so, how?

LHA: I’m working on Ashes, the final book of my trilogy about the American Revolution, as well as getting Speak ready for the illustrator who is doing the art for the graphic novel version of the book. After that, who knows? I can guarantee lots more international travel with my husband. I’m a strong believer in the power of serendipity. If I go into the world with an open heart, I’ll find the stories that I am supposed to write.

EN: What advice do you have for new or soon-to-become empty nesters? How can they best “let go”—yet stay in touch—with their grown children (and other young people they may be mentoring)? How do you suggest they go about changing their roles and maybe reinventing themselves for their new lives as empty nesters?

LHA: Master the technology that can keep you closer to your children, but let them define the boundaries. The glory of life is that it has many seasons. When your nest empties out, the season officially changes. The trick is to do something—anything. Don’t mope around the house. Get out there. You now have at least 20 hours a week that you haven’t had since you became a parent. Spend some time brainstorming about the kinds of things you want to fill that time with, then go out there and do them!