GET WELL SOON Saved!

Yesterday, GET WELL SOON was saved from banning at Theisen Middle School in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Huzzah!  I have to say, Ann Wentowrth did not think highly of my book at all.  I guess I shouldn't care, since I don't think very highly of Ann Wentworth, but it's still hard to read negative things about my work.  In the article where I learned of the verdict (yeah, no one called me or anything.  Is that the norm?) on fdlreporter.com, a second person was quoted saying things PRO-challenge:

Ruth Ann Elizalde of Fond du Lac, who is a grandmother and great-grandmother, said she is "old school" and disagreed with the disrespect for authority shown in the book.  She believed it would be appropriate reading if a counselor wanted it for a patient who contemplated suicide or was depressed but not "any kid who wants to read it for entertainment."

This is sort of a perfect time for me to read that quote.  You see, I am having a hell of a time starting the GET WELL SOON sequel.  Normally, I start a book, and it just flows.  It's fun to write.  I had no idea when I proposed GWSII (not the actual title) that it would be so painful.  I have started it several times.  I have changed the voice back and forth.  And I have begun to outline the story, which I never do.  I guess I was not thinking about the fact that writing a story about being depressed, including group therapy, the awkwardness of acclimating to real life, and the cruddy relationship between the parents in the book, would be hard.  Duh.  But that quote from Ruth Ann got to me.  Because that was the whole point of me writing GET WELL SOON.  Or at least one of the points.  The adults in Anna's life, my life, didn't deserve respect because they didn't offer any respect to me.  It's that simple.  And Anna, me, was finally able to gain her own strength to get out of her depression not by the help of the adults but by the help of her peers.  You have to give respect to get respect, Ruth Ann.  And the same goes to you, Ann Wentworth.  Respect these kids.  Respect your poor daughter.  Because after three unsuccessful attempts to ban books from your daughter's school, goodness knows your daughter needs someone to show her some respect.