Blog Tour: Scars Author Interview

Today we have the author of Scars here to do a very moving interview. Cheryl Rainfield's novel is a must read for me! You can read my review HERE.  

Why did you choose to write about this particular YA genre? 

I love reading both realistic and fantasy YA novels. They helped me survive my childhood abuse. And healing and truth are important to me; I had too many years of my abusers trying to silence me. I think that truth and talking about hard issues is important to many teens, too, and so many teens are going through rough times, so my writing  fits for many. It’s also where my voice seems to be; while I have hope, I also know a lot of trauma and pain, and that edginess comes out in my writing.

What is one thing you hope teens get from reading your book?

I hope teens get from Scars that healing is possible, and that things can get better—especially if you reach out to others. Silence only hurts us. I also hope that readers get that they’re not alone—no matter what they’ve been through, there are other people who understand. And that compassion, kindness, and healing are so important, and are what help to make positive change in this world.

Your next book Hunted comes out in October, can you tell us a little about that?

Thank you for asking!

In HUNTED, Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where that is illegal. She is on the run from the government troopers, trying to stay hidden and alive--and trying to help make the world a better place for others with paranormal talents.

I drew on many of my trauma experiences in writing HUNTED, just as I did with Scars. Like my main character, Caitlyn, I know what it's like to have my life threatened, to face oppression, to experience torture, and to break free from cult or from a group of oppressors.

I care about this book a lot, just as I do about Scars. I needed both realistic and fantasy books to survive my child- and teenhood. Realistic fiction helped me know I wasn't alone, and fantasy helped me dream and hope.

HUNTED comes out this October.

If you’d like to read more about it, and I hope you do, you can read more about it (and pre-order it) here: http://t.co/C6HOmua (It’s also available at many other stores to pre-order.)

Do you have any writers that inspire you?

I have so many writers who inspire me! Every book that I love, that really touches me, feels like a gift. There are some authors whose books I turn to over and over, and/or who I admire, and they especially inspire me. Among them are:

Lois Duncan; Ellen Hopkins; Laurie Halse Anderson; Nancy Werlin; Tamora Pierce; A M Jenkins; Alex Flinn; Norma Fox Mazer; Jean Little; Catherine Fisher; Adele Griffin; Cynthia Voigt; Wendy Orr; Gloria D Miklowitz; Cora Taylor; Cornelia Funke; . . . and SO many more!

And now onto the harder question. What advice would you give someone who has been abused, or is experiencing abuse?

Find someone safe that you trust and talk about it; don’t keep it inside. If you can’t find someone you trust right away, don’t give up. Keep trying. Remember that there are also people who are supportive online, and that there are helplines both online and through phone. As much as you can, get yourself safe. If you can, get into therapy—therapy with a good therapist can help so much. It can give you great support and insight and help speed the healing process; you may also be able to find real safety, compassion, and love from a caring therapist.

Find a safe way to get out your emotion—through writing, art, dance, song, punching your pillow, screaming into a pillow—whatever works. If you’re an incest or ritual abuse survivor, you might want to check out The Courage To Heal by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis; I think it is one of the best, most supportive, insightful, and compassionate books on the subject. 

Know that the abuse is not your fault; no matter what anyone says, you  didn’t cause the abuse to happen. And know that you do not deserve to be hurt—not by anyone, and not by yourself. I hope you can get and keep yourself safe, and learn to treat yourself in the kind, compassionate way that you would a friend.

Again thank you so much for doing an interview!

Thank you so much for having me! You asked some thoughtful questions; I appreciate it.

Giveaway time!

NOW we have a giveaway! One lucky reader will win a copy of Scars. Just enter HERE! :D

Rules:

-Must be in US

-Must be a blog follower

-Ends 8/25/11