24 Nov Author Q&A – Jason Reynolds
When did you first know you were a writer?
I still don’t know if I’m a writer. I mean, is one ever sure? In all seriousness, I think, though I’ve been writing for almost 20 years, and have been in the industry for 15, I think I’ve felt like “a writer” just in the last five. I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m better at not knowing. Ha!
What inspired you to write Ghost/What is your favourite part of the book?
Ghost was inspired by a lot of things I myself, and my friends experienced growing up. Most of the characters in the book are real people. I just wanted to write about what it means to run. What it means to try to escape, or to chase after something. What it means to be out of breath while trying to figure out how to be a better version of yourself. This is what running is. My favourite part of the book is definitely the first scene, but not because of the trauma. Instead, I think the way he describes how to eat sunflower seeds is the most interesting part of the book, AND if the reader is paying attention, everything you need to know about Ghost you learn right there.
Share an interesting experience you’ve had with one of your readers.
Too many. But I guess one that comes to mind recently, was a young man in Texas who couldn’t have been older the six. He came up to me and whispered that someday he would like to have a private meeting with me so that I could tell him how he could grow and become me. My response was that he’s a much better him, than any “me” I could teach him to be.
How would you describe your writing style in three words?
Honest. Musical. Intuitive.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
To discipline your passion is to discipline your time.
What are you reading?
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
What are you working on now?
Something cool, but I can’t say.
A very special thank you to Jason Reynolds. Ghost is on our Book Club list. His new novel, Look Both Ways, is on sale now.
To learn more about Jason’s work visit https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/.
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