13 Apr Ellie’s Author Interview: A Q&A with 50/50 Press
Ellie sat down with Megan Cassidy of 50/50 Press for an expansive author interview.
Ellie covers the origin of Type One Diabetes A-Z and how the book was serendipitously submitted and accepted for publication. She discusses favorite books and influential writers, reveals her goal to comfort (and empower!) kids newly diagnosed with type one diabetes (T1D), tackles misconceptions about T1D, identifies challenges of living with a chronic condition during the pandemic, and shares her fearless approach to navigating new challenges.
Enjoy Ellie and Mrs. Cassidy’s candid, far-reaching conversation.
Q: Tell us a little bit about how this project came about.
A: I was in fourth grade at the time, and our teacher wanted us to write a bit more than in the past. So, she asked us to write an ABC book. This is also called a primer. For the assignment, we chose a topic, and then used the ABCs to talk about the topic. One of my friends said, “Ellie, you should talk about Type One Diabetes,” (T1D) and I didn’t know how I felt about that, but eventually, the more I thought about it, the more I felt like that would be a great idea! So, I typed it up, and then I entered it in a state contest for English Language Arts, and it won first place in one category and third place in another.
Then, one of my doctors suggested that I turn it into a book! We thought about self-publishing, and we showed it to a Congressman who works on issues in kids’ health. But my grandfather was an English teacher as well, and his former student, Ethan Bryan had a book with 50/50 Press. He suggested that we submit it there, and it was accepted for publication!
Q: Your book is nonfiction. What is your favorite nonfiction book and why?
A: There are so many! I loved the autobiography of Sonia Sotomayor. I loved her story so much! She’s a Supreme Court justice who also has Type One Diabetes. I felt empowered and inspired by her because she has what I have, and she’s done amazing things!
Q: Who is your target reader? Who could most benefit from reading your book?
A: Younger kids who have been newly diagnosed with Type One Diabetes (T1D). When I was diagnosed, I didn’t have a book like that or anything to really help me understand. I wanted to give something to younger readers who have just been diagnosed who want some help. It’s also helpful for their friends or families to understand what we go through.
Q: What is one thing about Type One Diabetes that you think is the most important thing people know or understand?
A: I think I would tell them that it’s hard at the beginning, but soon diabetes fades into the background. Hopefully, there will be a cure somewhere in the near future. But you can still be with your friends and do all the stuff you used to. You might be a little more conscious, but you’re still the same! You just have a different lens or view or awareness of the world.
Q: Is there anything you wish you had included in the book that didn’t make the final cut?
A: I don’t think so. Everything I wanted was in there. I’m happy with how it came out…. Except possibly the emotional component. I didn’t think about it at the time because I wrote the book before COVID happened. But, I have to take more precautions with COVID because of my diabetes. It can be isolating and difficult sometimes, and it’s important for people to understand that and to keep that in mind.
Q: What advice would you give to other kids who want to write a book?
A: Write about something you really love or want people to know about. I wanted to bring awareness to T1D, so I was really passionate about this book. If you love writing, and if you want to publish, stick with it! If it doesn’t make you as happy as this experience made me, then follow a different passion!
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A: I love sewing. The thing I’m really into now is cross-stitch. Sometimes, especially during COVID, I’ll watch a movie with my mom, and I’ll do cross-stitch, which is fun. I like to play cards with my Nana. Also, with my friends, online we play Roblox. You can do all sorts of stuff in that game. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation created a game to learn more about T1D, and I got to play that with my friends. There were mazes and activities and it was really cool.
Q: Your book features pictures of you. Did you enjoy doing the photoshoot?
A: I really enjoyed that because my favorite part was dressing up a little fancier than I would normally. And it was Willow (my dog’s) first photoshoot. I enjoyed spending time with her and having fun!
Q: A lot of kids are cooped up during COVID. What’s your recommended reading list?
A: I have a lot of things with female heroes! Some I’d recommend would be The Descendants series, any of the Star Wars books, and Reina Tigglemeir’s books, which I love. I just finished Blended by Sharon Draper, and it’s now one of my favorite books. It was just so sweet. And my book! Definitely add it to your list!
Q: If you could live in a book world, which one would it be?
A: I would definitely be in the Star Wars books. I love Star Wars. I like the travel, the drama, and just the idea of being in space. Earth is huge, but the galaxy is even bigger, and I love the idea of being able to travel to any world I want.
Q: Is there an author who inspires you?
A: Raina Telgemeier. I don’t know that I could have written about my dental problems, but in her book Smile, she wrote about hurting her mouth and teeth. I know I wrote about diabetes, but her book was so personal! In her books, she talks about growing up in a smaller apartment with a lot of siblings, and I was just really inspired by her journey and all she was able to do. In all of her books, high school clearly is rough, and I admire her for how she handled all that.
Q: Do you want to be a writer when you grow up?
A: I do like writing, but I am very passionate about sewing. I would love to be a seamstress for Disney in the summers because it’s my very favorite place to be. And in the falls and winters, I want to be an art teacher because I love art, and my art teacher is amazing.
Q: If you could ask a successful author for advice, what would you ask?
A: I might ask them, “What was it like when you published your second book? Was it similar to the first time you published? Or was it entirely different?” I had a great experience this first time, so I wonder what it would be like if I did it again!
Q: What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned about the writing, editing, or publishing process?
A: I wrote the first draft of this for my fourth-grade class, so I really liked the editing part. I thought it was cool that I had the opportunity to edit and make changes. I was really very interested when I was able to do my own edits. It helped that my editor led me through what to do and change, and I learned a lot.
Click for Ellie’s full interview courtesy of 50/50 Press and Melody Press.
