Interview by Charlotte Rains Dixon
I was fortunate to not only get to read Beth Fehlbaum's book, Courage in Patience, but also interview her. The novel, published earlier this month by Kunati, is a searing, yet hopeful read--quite an accomplishment to combine both those elements, wouldn't you say? And even if the subject matter of sexual abuse usually turns you off, there's much more to the book than that, though it is the central theme of the novel. Fehlbaum excels at creating a believable heroine, Ashley Asher. One of the best aspects of the book is its focus on truth, honesty, and authenticity, which is delivered primarily through the efforts of Ashley's stepmother, a teacher, to inspire her summer school class. As Ashley takes part in the class and watches the other class members, a bunch of misfits, respond for the first time, she too begins to come out of her shell. The book touches on many issues that are of importance to young people and adults today.--racism, censorship, and having the courage to be who you are, which is sometimes the scariest thing of all.
Here's the interview:
--What was your inspiration for writing the book?
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In the course of treatment and through my recovery process, I have used writing as a way to work through feelings. After about a year of writing poems and short stories and sharing them with my therapist, he suggested that I write a novel. I played with it for about four months, stopping and starting. It was only when I pulled myself out of my own head and began to imagine another person's life that I was able to bring Ashley Nicole Asher, age 15, to life, and create a world for her, which became Courage in Patience.
--What kind of research did you do for it?
I drew on my experiences as a teacher to create the character of Beverly, Ashley's stepmother who is a high school English teacher. I drew on my experiences of being an abuse survivor to communicate what it is like inside the mind of a person who has been sexually abused.
--How long did it take to write?
From start of book to selling it, about one year. Then the editing and revising process took about four more months.
--You're a teacher--how much does your teacher impact your writing?
I have an understanding of secondary English curriculum, because I taught middle school for much of my career. I majored in English and minored in Secondary Education. I based the characters in the summer school class on composites of students I have had over the years.
--What led you to use Ironman, the YA novel, as such an important part of your book?
While writing Courage in Patience, I discovered Chris Crutcher's work when I was looking for a book to read while on the treadmill, and I went into one of my daughters' bedrooms and browsed her bookcase. First I read Crutcher's Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes-- which let me know that there was an audience for the stories I have inside of me. The other Crutcher book on my daughter's shelf was Ironman, which I devoured with equal ferocity. The honesty in the story struck me to my core, and I became very interested in Chris Crutcher's writing. I researched him and found out that his books are some of the most banned works of fiction for young adults-- and also the most highly regarded by organizations such as The American Library Association. I already knew that Patience was a town of many layers and that there were people there who would have issues with a book like Ironman being taught in the classroom. It -- using Ironman in the book-- went from there. After I finished writing draft one of Courage in Patience, I e-mailed Chris Crutcher and told him about my book, that I was seeking publication for it, and asked for his permission to integrate thematic elements of Ironman into it. Writing it just for myself was one thing, but going public with a story like Courage in Patience meant making sure that Chris would not have a problem with Ironman being used as it is. Luckily for me, Chris graciously agreed to allow me to go forth with publication with the story using Ironman as a cornerstone of the plot.
--Honesty, truth, and authenticity are cornerstones of the novel. How do these relate to writing?
Writing for me is as fundamental as breathing. In my life, I seek to be honest and authentic with myself and others. I have found that it is the only way to freedom. I believe that writers of realistic fiction must be willing to paint life as it is-- warts and all.
--Parts of the novel are quite searing. Were they difficult to write?
Yes. I know they are also difficult to read, which makes the healing that takes place all the more dramatic and fulfilling.
--The novel focuses on abuse, racism, and censorship, all huge issues. Did you ever get nervous about what you were writing?
Not nervous; if anything, I felt empowered and also angry that these things exist. I tried very hard to communicate those feelings through the characters.
--Since teaching is your day job, how do you find time to write?
I wrote most of Courage in Patience in the middle of the night and on the weekends and holidays. Strangely, I did not feel all that tired the next day at school, because my mind was working overtime at story-weaving.
--Are you working on another book?
Yes, I am working on the sequel to Courage in Patience. It's called Hope in Patience. The title comes from something a good friend once said to me: "Hope is the opposite of fear."
I am already receiving letters from people who did not want Courage in Patience to end. They wanted to know more of Ashley's story. And I also need to find out how her story turns out in the end, so I'll be learning more about her life as I write it!
-- I really enjoyed the novel and think many others will be touched by it.
Thank you, Charlotte, for allowing me to guest on your site!
Visit Beth's website here.
