Interview with Jo Knowles

by debbi michiko florence

Jo Knowles is the author of Lessons from a Dead Girl and Jumping Off Swings (Candlewick Press). She teaches writing for children in the MFA program at Simmons College. She was the 2002 winner of the SCBWI Contemporary Novel Grant and the 2005 winner of the PEN New England Children’s Book Discovery Award. Jo lives in Vermont with her husband and son.

Congratulations on the release of your second YA novel with Candlewick Press, Jumping Off Swings! We talked about your journey and your first novel, Lessons From A Dead Girl, in a previous interview. How have you changed as a writer since then?

I wish I could say I’ve gotten older AND wiser, but... Not so much the latter. I feel like each new project has a unique set of challenges so I’m always learning and struggling and figuring things out. I guess one way I’ve changed is that I’ve learned to accept that it doesn’t get easier or faster. Everyone’s journey and process is different and it’s useless to compare yourself to anyone else. You just have to stay on your own path and do your best. There really aren’t any shortcuts.

Jumping Off Swings is a powerful story about one teen’s unintentional pregnancy and how it affects her and those close to her - told in first person POV from four characters. The voices are distinct and very real. How did you meet the challenge of telling a story from four different characters?

Thanks Debbi! I think because each of the characters had such different personalities and stories, they just naturally sounded different in my head and hopefully their voices came out that way on paper. In revisions though, I definitely paid closer attention to the details to make sure none of characters shared common phrases or words (even though in real life, friends often do this).

I know that writers often have a spark for an idea for a story – what was it for Jumping Off Swings? Readers often wonder - how much of the story is fiction? Can you share with us your journey of developing this story?

I’ve always wanted to explore how no story is just one person’s story. That every event in life affects each of us in different and profound ways. Unexpected ways. None of the characters in the book are based on anyone I know. In fact I’m not sure where they came from. But in high school I did know of girls who got pregnant. I remember watching them and thinking how lonely and scared they must feel. And I wondered what the fathers of their babies were going through, too. I also knew a lot of girls like Ellie, who were taken advantage of and unfairly labeled for some of the things they did, rather than who they really were. Everyone has a story and it’s so rarely the one we assume before we get to know them. I think this is why I love books so much. They make us realize that people are rarely who they seem at first glance. None of us can be put into simple categories. We’re all too complex for that. I think every time we read a book, we become a little more compassionate, open minded and aware of these complexities. I hope so, anyway.

What was the hardest thing about writing Jumping Off Swings?

Probably writing each character’s last chapter—especially Josh and Ellie. I knew the ending had to be realistic. That in these lives, they weren’t going to get everything they wanted and needed. But I do think I left both of them with hope. They were moving forward, despite the pain they both felt. I think when we leave them, we know that somehow they’re going to be OK.

What has been the best surprise since Jumping Off Swings has been released?

I know this sounds sappy but I think just hearing from readers who really connected to the characters. Hearing from readers I’ve never met—especially teens—still catches me off guard in the best of ways.

I’m sure fans want to know – what’s next? What are you working on, can we look forward to any upcoming releases?

My next novel, Pearl, will be out in 2011 with Henry Holt. It’s another realistic YA novel, but I think (I hope!) it’s a bit more humorous than my first two novels.

Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to share with aspiring writers?

I’ve been asked this question a lot lately, so I am going to start by quoting how I last answered this question: “Write what you really want to write and write it as true as you possibly can, no matter how hard that is. If you can’t tell it true, you’re probably not ready to tell it. But someday you will be.” And I will add to that: READ READ READ. I think the more books you read, the better writer you become. I know I’ve said that before, too. But I believe it with all my heart. Sure, lots of people have a natural talent for writing, but writing, like any craft, requires discipline and hard work. You need to write and write and write in order to hone your craft. And you can’t give up. :-)

How has the fantasy of being a YA writer jibed with the reality? What has surprised you most after the release of two novels?

I can’t really remember what I imagined it would be like, but the reality is pretty great. I’ve met so many wonderful people both during the journey to publication and after. What’s surprised me the most is that I have survived it all somehow. Ten years ago the thought of speaking to an audience or traveling to various places on my own would have terrified me. I still get incredibly nervous before talking in front of a crowd, but I always end up enjoying it. I love sharing advice with aspiring writers, and meeting teens, teachers and librarians. It’s a big honor when someone takes the time to read your book. It still surprises me when people do! :-)

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love hanging out with my husband and son. My son still loves to be read to, and I would say my favorite thing in the world is to get lost together in a good book.

How can fans/teachers contact you?

They can reach me at jo @ joknowles dot com. I’m available for in-person visits as well as Skype visits.

Thanks so much for having me, Debbi!

Thank you, Jo!

what's new?