T2T Spotlight on Jo Knowles

I am so pleased to spotlight Jo Knowles on the blog today as part of the Traveling to Teens tour! Jo is the author of the recently released Jumping Off Swings.

S: Of all the issues that teenagers face, why did you feel it was important to write a novel about teen pregnancy?

J: I didn’t really set out to write an “issue” book, but I suppose if you’re going to write a book that involves pregnancy, that’s exactly what you’re doing. I would love to escape that label, though, because I wanted to write a book about how one event effects more than just one person, and that can be applied to anything. I also wanted to explore friendships and what drives certain actions and lack of action. I guess I just had lots of questions and whenever that happens I end up writing stories as a way to answer them.

S: When you begin writing a new novel, what is your first step?

J: Usually a character in a difficult situation comes to mind and I just start writing from his or her point of view and see what happens. With LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL, I wanted to explore an abusive relationship between two friends. The scene with Laine sitting on her bed, holding a secret, just came to me and I wrote from there. With JUMPING OFF SWINGS, Ellie in the van was the starting point. As soon as I wrote the first chapter, I knew I wanted to know Josh’s story, too. I didn’t want him to be seen as some stereotypical bad guy because I don’t actually believe those exist. Everyone has a story, a reason for behaving the way that they do. Our back stories shape us and influence who we become. I really wanted to know how Josh got in that van with Ellie just as much as I wanted to understand how Ellie got there.

S: What author has most inspired you?

J: Robert Cormier. I love his honest, raw and brave books.

S: What makes you smile?

J: My son. Also, the phrase, “Let’s go out for Thai food.

Fill in the Blanks

My high school classmates most remember me as the girl who was really, really quiet.

My favorite candy bar is anything that has chocolate—caramel is a plus.

Jumping Off Swings is a book for anyone who has ever wondered.

Thanks so much Jo for participating!

For more information about Jo and her books, visit her website and blog.