An Inside Look with Barbara Dee
*Season #SIX (Summer 2019)
How did you come to know Wren?
My daughter has a friend who’s into special effects makeup. I always thought it would be fun to write about a kid with that particular obsession, because it’s both quirky and relatable. Every kid has seen sci fi and superhero movies, so they understand why there’s a need for this kind of makeup, but they probably don’t know much about the artistry that’s required. As Wren learned the amazing techniques, so did I—and I’m hoping the reader will too.
What do you think is her most admirable quality?
Wren is a passionate, disciplined artist. She’s also a deeply empathetic and loyal family member and friend.
Is there anything you wish Wren would have changed or done differently in her story?
Even though I understand Wren’s reticence, given her parents’ uneasy divorce and her mom’s unpredictable behavior, I wish she felt more confident about speaking up—not just with her mom, but also with her dad, Krystal, Annika and Kai. Part of Wren’s journey is learning how to connect and communicate, even when the circumstances are sensitive or tricky, and emotions are running high.
What do you think she can offer to other children that are experiencing similar situations to what she went through?
Wren is like the bird she’s chosen for her name—small but fierce when she needs to be. I hope she shows kids that it’s possible to be both a quiet, sensitive artist, and also a fighter and survivor.
How did you research Wren and the circumstances she found himself in?
For VIOLETS ARE BLUE I did several different kinds of research. To learn more about addiction, I read memoirs, both published and unpublished, by former addicts and their family members. I interviewed a social worker who runs an outpatient treatment facility which serves many health professionals. I also interviewed a nurse at a nearby hospital’s inpatient substance abuse program. To immerse myself in the world of special effects makeup, I read books and watched countless makeup tutorials on YouTube. Special effects makeup artists have their own subculture that’s absolutely fascinating!
Do you and she share any similarities?
We’re both introverts—not the kind of person who sings and dances in the spotlight. We’re both more comfortable pursuing creative passions in front of our computers. But as the makeup artist Cat FX tells Wren, eventually you do need to connect to others.
What was the hardest scene to write about Wren?
The most challenging scene was when Wren visits her mom at the end. I needed to show just the right amount of growth for both characters, and be hopeful about the future—but not end on a sugar-coated or unrealistic note. I never want my final scenes to be overly resolved, and here it felt especially important, given the topic.
Who do you think was her biggest supporter and why?
Wren has several supporters—her dad, Vanessa, Krystal, Poppy and Kai. But because Wren doesn’t share all the relevant information with them, there’s a limit to how much they can help. Ultimately, though, I think Dad comes through for Wren in a major way. It takes him a while—probably too long—to focus on her needs, but once he does, he’s selfless and nurturing.
How do you think young people are able to find the strength, courage, and resilience to face and overcome family issues and difficulties?
It helps tremendously for them to have a passion-- art, music, theater, sports, science, reading, writing, gaming, coding, cooking, et cetera. I honestly don’t think it matters what that passion is, as long as it feeds the soul and provides escape. Of course, it’s important to have someone to confide in. For many kids (like Wren), counseling and/or therapy can be hugely helpful.
What do you think Wren is doing as the present time?
Oh, that’s easy! She’s doing special effects makeup in Hollywood!
SEASON #SIX (Summer 2019)
Interview #122 with Tamara Bundy (Author of Pixie Pushes On)
Interview #123 with Lindsay Lackey (Author of All the Impossible Things)
Interview #124 with Tae Keller (Author of When You Trap a Tiger)
Interview #125 with Jamie Sumner (Author of Roll With It)
Interview #126 with Hena Khan (Author of More to the Story)
Interview #127 with Phil Bildner (Author of A High-Five for Glenn Burke)
Interview #128 with Leslie Connor (Author of A Home for Goddesses and Dogs)
Interview#129 with Gillian McDunn (Author of Queen Bee and Me)
Interview #130 with Jody J. Little (Author of Worse Than Weird)
Interview #131 with Jenn Bishop (Author of Things You Can't Say)
Interview #132 with Kaela Noel (Author of Coo)
Interview #133 with Rebecca Stead (Author of The List of Things That Will Not Change)
Interview #134 with Gae Polisner (Author of Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me)
Interview #135 with Emily Blejwas (Author of Like Nothing Amazing Ever Happened)
Interview #136 with Joy McCullough (Author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost)
Interview #137 with Kim Baker (Author of the Water Bears)
Interview #138 with Erin Entrada Kelly (Author of We Dream of Space)
Interview #139 with Jess Redman (Author of Quintessence)
Interview #140 with Melanie Conklin (Author of Every Missing Piece)
Interview #141 with Lindsey Stoddard (Author of Brave Like That)
Interview #158 with Rebecca Ansari (Author of The In-Between)
Interview #159 with John David Anderson (Author of One Last Shot)
Interview #160 with Tracy Holczer (Author of Brave in the Woods)
Interview #161 with James Bird (Author of The Brave)
Interview #162 with Marcella Pixley (Author of Trowbridge Road)
Interview #163 with Barbara O'Connor (Author of Halfway to Harmony)
Interview #164 with Alan Gratz (Author of Ground Zero)
Interview #165 with Lisa Fipps (Author of Starfish)
Interview #166 with Ann Braden (Author of Flight of the Puffin)
Interview #167 with Kimberly Willis Holt (Author of The Ambassador of NoWhere Texas)
Interview #168 with Elana K. Arnold (Author of The House That Wasn't There)
Interview #169 with Erin Soderberg (Author of The Great Peach Experiment)
Interview #170 with Donna Gephart (Author of Abby, Tried, and True)
Interview #171 with M. Evan Wolkenstein (Author of Turtle Boy)
Interview #172 with Lindsey Stoddard (Author of Bea is for Blended)
Interview #173 with Jess Redman (Author of The Adventure is Now)
Interview #174 with David Levithan (Author of The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden)
Interview #175 with Chris Grabenstein (Author of The Smartest Kid in the Universe)
Interview #176 with Ali Standish (Author of The Mending Summer)
Interview #177 with Holly Goldberg Sloan (Author of The Elephant in the Room)
Interview #178 with Jeff Zentner (Author of In the Wild Light)
SEASON #ELEVEN (Fall 2021)
Interview #179 with Katherine Applegate (Author of Willow)
Interview #180 with Padma Venkatraman (Author of Born Behind Bars)
Interview #181 with R.J. Palacio (Author of Pony)
Interview #182 with Kyle Lukoff (Author of Too Bright to See)
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