Kathryn Erskine's new novel for kids is The Incredible Magic of Being. From her Q&A with Deborah Kalb:Q: How did you come up with the idea for The Incredible Magic of Being, and for your main character, Julian?Learn more about the book and author at Kathryn Erskine's website.
A: Like all of my fictional characters, Julian popped into my head unannounced. I never know where they come from, or why, until I start writing down what they say, how they interact with a variety of characters who also arrive in my head, where they live, what’s bothering them, and eventually I figure out the real life circumstances that gave birth to them.
I started this novel not long after cancer treatment and I think my appreciation for life, and a feeling of urgency to experience and enjoy everything we can, even when things (and people) around us aren’t perfect, came through in Julian and the story itself.
Of all my characters, Julian is the most like I was as a child — except I didn’t...[read on]
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--Marshal Zeringue