How much of Wendelin Van Draanen is there in Sammy Keyes?
Not as much as people who meet me now might think. I was very shy and uncertain at thirteen. Very awkward. Sammy’s more the friend I wish I’d had in junior high. I’d like to talk about your new release, Flipped. What was your inspiration for this story? Click here for ordering information. I think most people learn how to “look beneath the surface” too late in life. I know I did. And thankfully, I figured things out before I made irreversible mistakes. But still, looking back on it, it took too long. I had tremendous crushes on people for their appearance, which is an all too common occurrence. I wish I’d had a book like Flipped around when I was growing up. I think it would have helped me develop an ability to see people for who they are, rather than what they look like. The story is told with alternating viewpoints between the two lead characters, Juli and Bryce. What went into your decision to tell the story in this style? The truth is, I thought it would be interesting to write a c
