Can playing dead bring you back to life? Maybe only on Dead Wednesday… On this day the worlds of a shy boy and a gone girl collide, and the connection they make will change them both forever.
Dead Wednesday is a brilliant new novel from Jerry Spinelli, the Newbery Medal winner and author of the New York Times bestseller Stargirl. We had the pleasure of chatting with Jerry about his latest release, writing, and more!
Hi, Jerry! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I have six kids, twenty-three grandkids, sixteen great-grands. I pick blackberries (empty tennis can in trunk of car). I enjoy the company of my wife and fellow writer, Eileen. I write stories.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I wrote a poem about a high school football game. It was published in the local newspaper.
Lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
Babar the Elephant (read to me by mother). Not a book but the everyday columns by Red McCarthy, sports editor of the Norristown Times Herald. “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” (short story).
Your latest novel, Dead Wednesday, is out now! If you had to describe it in only five words, what would they be?
It only comes around once.
What can readers expect?
The story of “Worm” and how a “spectral maiden” lures him out of the ground into the daylight of life.
Where did the inspiration for Dead Wednesday come from?
A teacher.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
All I had to start with was a title and the basic idea of the “Dead Wednesday” held every year at the teacher’s middle school. I had to build a story around that.
Were there any favorite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
All parts of Worm and Becca together; Worm/Robbie and Monica at the fireworks.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Best: write faster. Worst: wait for inspiration.
What’s next for you?
Phoebe (novel)
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
My wife Eileen’s masterpiece, When You Are Happy.
