Word Out 2011

I.D. stuff that happens to define us, provides 12 first-person stories about critical moments in life. We had the chance to talk to Kate Scowen, and here is what she had to say: 

 1. In the book, there are 12 first-person accounts which are very powerful. I am sure you had a lot of submissions to choose from. What were some of things you considered in narrowing down your choices? Is there a second edition in the plans?

 Yes, I had quite a few submissions and it was hard to decide which ones to include in the book. I ended up choosing stories that captured universal experiences (loss, violence, heartbreak, family breakup) in the hopes that readers would be able to find a glimpse of themselves in them. Not every person has gone through all of those trials (at least, I hope not!) but I think the range of stories touches on something everyone can relate to.

 There are no plans for a second edition yet, but now that you mention it…

2. What was the inspiration for compiling the stories in this book?

I have three daughters, all of who are very different and special in their own way (as all children are). Watching them grow up and struggle, trying to figure out who they are, was, in part, my inspiration. Stories of what their friends were going through and my own friends’ experiences also inspired me. As a youth worker, I met many incredible young people who were dealing with huge disappointment, betrayal and abuse. Some of them coped well; many of them did not. They too are partly responsible for this book.

 I have always been interested in resilience and why some people fare better than others. What allows one person to emotionally survive a tragedy while others carry that burden with them into adulthood, not being able to move forward in healthy ways? What I have seen as a youth worker, mother and friend leads me to believe that telling your story and accepting how that story impacts you and your behavior leads to an understanding that enables you to move forward. I have great admiration for people who can relate their struggles to their experiences and build on them – being aware of how those experiences create obstacles for them and using them to understand themselves better.

3. All the stories in the book are quite touching. Is there one story that stands out for you?

They all stand out for me because they are all true and real events. Some of the stories I have a personal connection to, in that they are from people I know and love. So, I can’t really give a fair answer here, as I have a personal bias towards some of the storytellers. Honestly, I can’t choose just one.

4. The title for the book is very powerful. How was the title chosen?

The process of writing the book was very collaborative, including input from the illustrator, the editorial team at Annick Press and myself. We came up with the title for the book at a meeting where we all threw around ideas and agreed on this one. When I approached Annick about the book the premise was that it would tackle the idea of identity and how that is shaped in our teen years, affecting us for life, shaping who were are as adults – so I knew I wanted the word identity (or i.d.) in the title. I like the way the subtitle (stuff that happens to define us) plays on the double meaning of “happens” – events that actually occur and define us, and things that just so happen to define us.

5.  What's your favourite teen book?

Hmmm, that a tough one. I live in a girl-centric house so most of the books that are floating around my house are kind of girl-focused, which is not necessarily my style. I did read the Twilight series and it was fun to discuss the books with my daughters and their friends. Especially when we would talk about how I felt the books perpetuated the damaging stereotype that girls need and want to submit to and be rescued by a more powerful man. I was never very popular in those discussions.

I am a big JD Salinger fan and recently re-read Franny and Zooey, which I adore; and also Catcher in the Rye. Another book that I often think about and re-read is Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson. In the realm of graphic novels, Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki is a beautiful portrayal of self-discovery.

6.  What's your favorite place to visit in Toronto during the summer?

I love the island – taking the ferry is my favorite part. Being on the beach and looking out at Lake Ontario, with the city behind you, is a great way to forget you are in the hot, humid city.

7. What book are you currently reading?

Annabel by Kathleen Winter.

8. Has a book ever made you cry? If so which one, and why?

I don’t cry a lot over books – it’s tv that gets me. I can’t watch Extreme Home Makeover without crying (sad but true). The last time I came close to crying while reading a book was when I read The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews. She’s a brilliant writer and Thebes really got to me. I kind of just wanted to pop her in my pocket and have her with me at all times.

9. Some people say that teens today deal with a lot more issues and pressures than their paren'ts or grandparen'ts ever did. Having heard from various teens, do you agree with this and if so, why do you think this is the case?

I think teens struggle with many of the same issues they always have, but the context of the struggles has changed. Teens today play out their lives in the context of a media saturated world that can be a double-edged sword. All this information and sharing can create chaos. Personal lives are much more public (thank you Facebook, Twitter and tmz.com), kids hear about a lot of adult issues that they may not be emotionally ready to deal with, and sometimes the information available is inaccurate, or in the worst case scenario, actually harmful.

On the flip side, twenty years ago there were few resources or communities of support for teens that were, for example, gay or dealing with abuse. Increased exposure through media builds understanding and fosters communities and individuals that are more supportive, engaged and aware. This opens up the door to talk about and share experiences that would have been hidden when our paren'ts or grandparen'ts were kids. In this way, life is better for teens today – as long as they can safely and critically interpret the information that surrounds them.

Basically, it’s always hard to grow up, no matter what era you do it in. The playing field is always changing – I can’t imagine how it will be different for my grandkids. But one thing will remain certain – understanding the stuff that defines you is a crucial part of becoming a happy, healthy person.

10. If you had one piece of advise for youth, what would it be?

Learn how to look back on your life and learn from what has happened to you; how that stuff defines you. That understanding can help you to grow in amazing ways.

So here is your chance, to have you say. What are some of challenges that you face growing up as a teen? Do feel you are better able to handle these pressures or issues? or What resources do you think need to be developed to help teens define who they are?