• November 10, 2023 Topicsauthor interview Book Clubs Book Fairs books November

Interview with Frieda Wishinsky, Author of ‘We Belong Here’

What inspired you to write your book? Where did the idea for your book come from?

We Belong Here was inspired by a conversation with my friend Ruth Ohi. We were talking about our families and World War Two in a cafe. Ruth’s comments about how her grandfather was hired by a Jewish man after the war at a time when there was discrimination against Jewish and Japanese people got me thinking that this could be a story. All I needed was to figure out what that story would be. But the core of the theme was there—how people who have faced tough times support each other.

What did you enjoy most about writing? What were some challenges that you faced while writing?

I love finding a new idea. And I love the revision process when you refine your story so that all the elements work together smoothly. I am grateful for editors who help you make a story become the best it can be with wise and thoughtful suggestions.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers will see how these two kids, Eve and Mark, who felt like outsiders, came together as friends and how that friendship helped them face discrimination and bullying. I hope that helps readers realize that friends can make life better. And I hope they see how wonderful it is to know people from different cultures.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

It’s kind of magical. Sometimes it’s someone I know or someone I’ve heard about, or a name just pops into my head, and it fits.

What books have had the biggest impact on your life? What books were your favourite to read growing up?

As a kid I loved books about travelling to magical places. I liked biographies of people who made a difference. I write those kinds of books and more realistic stories, too.

What does your writing process look like?

I am always looking for a new idea. I keep paper and a pencil close by in case something sparks an idea. It can be a conversation, an event, a documentary, or an article. I’m pretty good about deadlines. I like shaping a story and revising although none of this is easy. It’s a process with bumps along the road. But I love writing. So I write! I also believe that writing is empowering and helps us get through tough times.

What is next for you?

I have a middle grade book about greenspace coming out in a year or two and one about space. I’m always working on picture books, which is probably my favourite genre. And who knows, I may have a new idea tomorrow!

What piece of advice would you share with young readers?

Reading can be great fun. You learn about people. You take adventures. Reading can help you get through tough moments. It can make you laugh. Read what you love! And writing is a way you can do all of the same things. You can make things happen in a way that’s different from real life. You are in charge of your story!

Why do you think reading is so important?

See my previous answer!