“You Have to Love It.” Brittany Cavallaro on Writing for Young Adults
Like Sylvie, the protagonist of my new novel, Wayfarers, I grew up in downstate cornfield Illinois, where I was an odd duck in a small pond. I was always reading, always writing. Poetry, and stories, and two-hundred page novels about
Brittany Cavallaro, a teacher turned author, shares her journey of writing for young adults in her new novel, Wayfarers. Growing up in central Illinois, Cavallaro was an avid reader and writer, crafting imaginative stories from a young age. Her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Madonia, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue writing. Cavallaro reflects on this pivotal moment, emphasizing the importance of a supportive mentor in nurturing a writer's passion.
After college, Cavallaro spent a decade in graduate school, teaching writing workshops and engaging high school students in poetry and fiction classes during summer gifted programs. She found joy in these experiences, noting the depth of emotion and creativity that flourished among her students. Cavallaro believes that to effectively write for teenagers, one must understand and respect their unique perspectives and complexities.
Cavallaro's writing process involves marking the strengths and weaknesses in her students' work, offering constructive feedback during breaks and after class. She recalls the profound impact of her students' questions, such as their aspirations, relationships, and personal struggles. These interactions fueled her desire to write for young adults, resonating with their dual nature of intellectual curiosity and emotional vulnerability.
In creating Wayfarers, Cavallaro collaborated with Jeff Zentner to explore the internal conflicts and external challenges faced by two protagonists, Sylvie and Knox. Their novel in verse and conversation format captures the essence of their inner turmoil and the external obstacles they encounter during a cross-country road trip. The story weaves together themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of literature to connect and heal.
Through Wayfarers, Cavallaro aims to inspire and empower young readers, much like the teachers who influenced her journey. She hopes to provide a literary space where teenagers can find themselves, express their emotions, and envision a future that transcends their current circumstances.
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