Yesterday was such a treat for me as a psychologist and an author. I talked via conference phone to Tonya, Lake and Emily at the Stanton High School. They are all students of Mrs. Whigham and they read my The Truth! All enjoyed the book. Some reactions and points made: Mrs. Whignam said that it was important for the girls to see that there are ways to cope with one’s problems outside of just leaning on other people. This is so important as girls often think they need a boyfriend or even a best friend to be able to cope. Reading about how the girl coped with a crush that led to frustration and other issues such as moving were very helpful. The kids commented that it was cool that ‘she’, the girl, figured out a way to remember the best of herself as she grew up. (That involves a mystery in The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything), so I can’t give it away.
The girls felt sorry for the girl and saw her mom as ‘rude’ in that she didn’t always listen to her. We discussed how important it is for adults to listen to kids!
As far as the next book, they wanted to know the title in the series. I told them but also that it is a secret. So…..I’m afraid I can’t tell you yet. But they loved it and want to see the girl continue with the ‘drama’ of growing up as they put it. They discussed how they see their lives as involving conflicts between friends -good friends one minute and enemies the next. Also issues with parents, school, crushes, problems and they want to see the ‘girl’ go through those things also. We talked about her having some weight issues in the next book and all agreed that is a good subject to have her deal with.
It was great to ‘be’ with these girls in Iowa. I hope they will write to me on the blog and stay in touch. They were great!
Hey this is Tonya from Stanton Iowa
Well I just wanted to say that you spelled my name wrong but it’s okay ever one does.. I was just wondering can you come to Stanton Iowa to talk to our school here? Well I was just wondering if you could e-mail me anytime soon it’s (tony_girl2011@hotmail.com)
I really injoyed your book!!!!! it so taught me somethings!!!!!! so how is your next book coming? prom is this weekend for me i cant wait!!
<3 emily
Hey,
Hey this is Tonya from Stanton Iowa. Well I was just wondering if you e-mail me to my e-mail instead of bloging… Well if you have a cell phone you can text me or call me between the hours of 8:30 A.M. – 3:21 P.M. Well if you want to get to know me more then just e-mail or call or text.. Well I have one more qusetion for you.. Will you come to Stanton Iowa and talk to our school? Emily, Blake and I where woundering that for a long time and so we can meet face to face and take pichter with eachother and we can make copys for everyone you know. Well im in school right now so i’ll let you go because I Have lots of homework to do well bye bye..
Sincerly Your Friend
Tonya M. Colebank
E-Mail (tony_girl2011@hotmail.com)
Cell phone (712-370-3512)
…Hey this is blake from stanton high school…and you spelled mine and tonya’s name wrong…its alright i dont kow if you can change it but tonya’s is like that and mine is Blake…you probably couldn’t here us on the phone very well…
Blake
Stanton High School
hey its emily for Stanton High School….. i just wanted to thank you for the pen…. it works sometimes but then again it dont but its really pretty!!! i like it alot! and also thanks for the stickers i have been passing them out to other girls! so how have you been? How is your next book going?? welll heres my email em_dittmer38@hotmail please email me back
Emily Sue Dittmer