Anne LeBold Douglas's new book titled Breaking the Ice (Ellechor Publishing) explores the power of friendships and what happens when two high school girls must dig deep within themselves to deal with betrayal and rejection.
YOUR
LATEST BOOK IS ABOUT THE
POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AND HOW IT CAN DRASTICALLY CHANGE THE COURSE OF A YOUTH’S
LIFE. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE ABOUT THIS TOPIC?
I think teens are on to something important—the
intense, passionate friendships they make reflect our deep human desire to
connect in meaningful and intimate ways with other people and God. Sometimes
adults get too busy to nurture those kinds of friendships, but teens make them
a priority. I also think that powerful transformation takes place in the midst
of friendship, especially friendships that stretch us.
IT'S
BEEN SAID THAT TEENAGERS ARE INFLUENCED THE MOST BY THEIR PEERS DURING HIGH
SCHOOL. DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT
I do agree that the teenage years are a time
of seeking acceptance and approval with peers, because teens are developing
identity and we often look for others to help us understand who we are. They’re
also preparing to leave home, so it’s natural to develop some meaningful
relationship apart from family. I believe that family relationships are also deeply
significant to teens and they still want—and need—their parents to be very
involved in their lives.
WHY
DO YOU ENJOY WRITING NOVELS FOR YOUNG ADULTS?
It’s such a raw time of life, with so much
change going on and emotions so close to the surface. I also think the process
of developing identity is fascinating. Also, teens are super fun so writing for
them allows me to have fun too.
WHAT
DO YOU HOPE TEENS GET OUT OF THIS BOOK?
I hope that teens recognize themselves in one
of the characters and feel encouraged that they’re not the only one going
through those issues. I also hope they feel inspired to pursue connection with
friends, family and God. Too many teens feel isolated and unloved. I also want
to challenge young adults to be their authentic selves. Finally, even if they
are in a time of brokenness and loneliness, I want them to feel like there’s
hope, that God has something better for them.