Exploring Inspiration, Challenges, and the Impact of Literature with a Literary Icon
Sharon M. Draper discusses her journey as an educator and author, the challenges of writing impactful stories, and how her work inspires empathy and resilience in readers worldwide.
Sharon M. Draper is a name synonymous with excellence in both education and literature. A celebrated author, educator, and advocate for the transformative power of storytelling, Draper’s work has touched the lives of countless readers across the globe. With a career spanning decades, she has not only penned award-winning novels but has also inspired generations of students and teachers alike. Her groundbreaking book, Out of My Mind, has become a modern classic, resonating with readers for its poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Draper opens up about the inspirations behind her dual passions for teaching and writing, the challenges of crafting stories that tackle complex themes, and the profound impact her work has had on her personally. From her early days as a voracious reader in her local library to her travels across the world as a literary ambassador, Draper’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of words and dreams.
Join us as we delve into the mind of a true literary pioneer, whose stories continue to ignite imaginations and foster empathy in readers of all ages. Sharon M. Draper’s wisdom and warmth shine through in this conversation, offering invaluable insights for aspiring writers, educators, and anyone who believes in the magic of a good book.
What inspired you to become both a teacher and a writer, and how do these two roles complement each other?
Words have always swirled around me. My mother read to me from infancy-stories and songs and poems. Our local library was just a few doors from my house, so we went every Saturday to go to story time, browsed the hundreds of book possibilities, and checked out as many as were allowed. That library became my launching pad. I went every week through high school, so I’d read hundreds of books before I even thought about writing a novel. I tell young readers all the time, “In order to be a good writer, you must first be a good reader, with words constantly floating in your mind.
I became a teacher of reading and writing so I could continue to read and share the magic of “story” with my students.
Out of all the books you have written, which one was the most challenging to write, and why?
Each book offers its own challenges. To write the Out of my Mind series, I had to delve into the heart and body and soul of an intelligent girl caught in a broken body. In the Tears of a Tiger series, I worked to demonstrate the lives of teenaged boys as they dealt with peer, as well as societal pressures. Blended deals with a girl who is caught in the middle of her parents’ divorce, where she has to balance her love for her mom and dad and their very different lives. So the most challenging one is the newest one, which is still just a faint idea in the distance.
Your novel Out of My Mind has resonated with so many readers—what kind of impact has it had on you personally?
I’ve been asked a zillion questions over the years, but this is the first time someone has asked me how the book impacted me. So thank you for making reflect on that. Out of my Mind was written way back in 2010. Very few writers had tackled the topic of a teenaged disabled girl, so I was opening new doors. The response was tremendous because Melody became a cherished character for hundreds of young readers, in countries all over the world! And I think many people now can look at people who function differently with renewed respect. The impact on me has been humbling. Melody, who can not talk, has become the voice of those who have difficulty communicating, and in doing so, her silence has shouted loudly and proudly.
How do you approach writing about serious and complex themes for young readers while keeping the stories engaging and relatable?
Every book requires TONS of research. I check books out of the library, read articles online, and look into scientific realities of the subject as well. For Out of my Mind, I interviewed dozens of young people with disabilities, as well as their parents, read shelves of books, and started taking notes and formulating a story. The books went through dozens of revisions (because I have an editor who was as hard as I was on my students!) and many, many refinements. It may take several years to write a book.
You’ve travelled extensively to speak about literature and education—what is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had on these journeys?
I’ve been so fortunate! I’ve been to Egypt and touched the pyramids, been to slave castles in Ghana, had a sip of fine wine in Italy, and gazed at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I’ve been to every state except Alaska, and I’ve met so many wonderful teachers and students on those journeys. But some of my best travel memories are in London. I saw the changing of the guard, rode the London Eye, strolled through the museums, and inhaled huge gulps of the history that I’d tried to teach my students over the years. I got to visit Stratford-on-Avon, where I marveled at Shakespeare’s legacy. Since I had taught Shakespeare for so many years, it was truly thrilling. Of all the snapshots I took, one of my favorites is a photo of me at Stonehenge. History is magical and powerful.
What advice would you give to young readers who are struggling to find their voice, much like Melody in Out of My Mind?
We all struggle to find our voice at some point in our lives. Students in the early grades especially struggle to understand the complexities of English, which can have rules that can baffle even the teachers, lol. English is not an easy language to learn. But our voice is more powerful than language. It is the essence of what we are. When I speak to school groups, I learn so much by listening to their questions, and I to respond in a way that is meaningful to their young lives. If the fictional Melody, who had no physical voice, is somehow able to encourage students today who might be facing difficulties, then I feel I’ve accomplished something important. Melody managed to scream through a world of silence, and by doing so, shouting for others who struggle as well.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you would offer to aspiring authors who want to create impactful stories?
I tell young authors they should be good readers. It’s impossible to write a good book, if you’ve never read a good book! I encourage them to focus on the five senses. For example, what does it feel like to walk barefoot in the snow? What do armpits smell like after a game? Describe the smells of a kitchen during a family gathering. Describe a sunset or a rainbow. How many colors of green are in the tree outside your window? How many colors of blue are in the sky? Describe the taste of chocolate. (That one will surprise you—it can’t be done! 🤪)
So I tell young authors to create meaningful stories with strong characters, meaningful plots, and memorable action. It is MUCH harder to do than it seems. Most of my books go through 40-50 versions, and THEN it goes to my editor, who corrects it again!
