CCBC-Net Archives

RE: Question for Tim Tingle

From: tim tingle <timtingle_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 04:07:19 +0000

Kathleen,





















At what point as you were writing the story did you realize Isaac would become a ghost? Did you start out with that in mind or did he surprise you? I'm curious about what went into your decision as a writer for your protagonist to die halfway through the story.

 

Isaac has been a ghost for almost twenty years. In the short story “Trail of Tears,” readers discover his death in a stunning conclusion. Since “How I Became A Ghost” is the first in a trilogy, Isaac needed to cross over sooner. Also, as a storyteller/author touring schools, with several ghost story books, I learned the importance of having the word G-H-O-S-T on the bookcover. I knew from the outset my hero would be a ghost, and I thought “how cool it would be for him to actually ‘talk’ to the reader, rather than merely relate the narrative?” Once I made this decision, the book was a joy to create. I arose every morning at 4:30am, and by five Duke (Jumper) was fed, my headset was playing The Chieftains, my favorite Irish band, and Isaac was going strong. I still don’t know where the Snowmonsters came from. Maybe Isaac has some Choctaw trickster in him. Another thought. Isaac doesn't really "die," as sweet little Nita tries to convince her mother. If any of the main characters died, I could never have written this book.







Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:05:38 -0600 From: horning_at_education.wisc.edu Subject: Re: [ccbc-net] Question for Tim Tingle To: timtingle_at_hotmail.com CC: ccbc-net_at_lists.wisc.edu

I'm with you, Tim! So here's another question for you. At what point as you were writing the story did you realize Isaac would become a ghost? Did you start out with that in mind or did he surprise you? I'm curious about what went into your decision as a writer for your protagonist to die halfway through the story.
--KT



On Feb 19, 2014, at 8:07 PM, tim tingle <timtingle_at_hotmail.com> wrote:




Rather than share stories of American Indian invisibility, which are nationwide, let us agree to roll our sleeves up and shine some light on the darkness.
(Count the Cliches in that one!) I would rather discuss "How I Became A Ghost." Kids in Texas love it.



                                               
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Received on Wed 19 Feb 2014 10:08:21 PM CST