Deborah Ellis does not shy away from bringing tough topics straight to young readers. The Parvana books have gone a long way in revealing the impact of war in Afghanistan to the younger generation. The Parvana trilogy has just been completed with the release of Parvana’s Promise.
We’re honoured to be welcoming the inspiring Deborah Ellis to My Book Corner…
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I am a human being who tries to not make the same mistake twice.
What makes you happy?
Wandering around aimlessly makes me happy. So does riding my bike, learning new things and keeping the promises I make.
Where have you always wanted to visit, but haven’t made it to … yet?
I’ve always wanted to go to North Korea. Haven’t gone yet because I haven’t figured out how to go so that I can talk with folks. I’m interested in what people believe and how they act on that in restricted circumstances, and also on learning how people are all pretty much the same, even when living in a situation that is quite different from ours.
Where is your favourite place to write?
I am on the road a lot so I can write anywhere. If possible, I like a table by the window with lots of light and a cup of coffee nearby.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would make it illegal for anyone to make money off of tools of war. If we take away the profit, we might bring an end to the madness.
What’s the best thing about being a published author?
Best thing about being a published author is being a PUBLISHED author and not, like I did for decades, just writing all these stories to myself.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
Strangest questions might be: if I were one of the 12 disciples, which one would I be? I think I said Peter, because he makes so many mistakes but still tries to learn from them.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people all over the world who have had horrible things happen to them but are still kind.
What is your worst habit?
Worst habit is holding on to little bits of information on little bits of paper, thinking they might be needed someday.
Your favourite word(s)?
Favourite word might be yes.
What is the one thing that you hope young readers take away from the Parvana series?
I hope kids take away from the Parvana books how damaging war can be in ways we don’t ordinarily hear about.
Just for fun
Tea or coffee? coffee, cheap instant
Paper books or e-books? paper books
Vegemite or Marmite? either vegemite or marmite, but I’m Canadian, so, really, maple syrup
Write or type? write instead of type
Poetry or prose? prose over poetry
Beach or bush? bush over beach
Hot or cold? hot over cold
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