Interview with Nora Raleigh Baskin

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Nora Raleigh Baskin. Lizzy reviewed her book Anything But Typical, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Nora!

What inspired you to write Anything But Typical?

I get asked that question quite a bit and I’ve handled it many different ways. Basically it grew out of a conversation with my editor and my initial rejection of that idea, thinking that I knew nothing about it and couldn’t possibly ever write an autistic character authentically.  However after doing a little research and then a lot of research I grew to understand how little difference there actually is between me and Jason. There were external difference but more internal similarities and that intrigued me. I knew I wanted to write in first person and I knew I wanted to write about acceptance. And that was all I started with. I learned so much along the way, about my self and about what it means to be “dis-abled” and labeled. I can relate to both.

How long did it take you to write Anything But Typical?

As always, it takes me four to six months to write my first draft and another half a year or so with my editor on revisions. We went back and forth quite a bit on this one. There were scenes taken out and then added back in. The entire series of “false endings” which are experienced by Jason were possible endings in my mind, which I simply transferred to Jason’s mind. Or maybe it was the other way around, who knows?

What was your inspiration for the characters Jason and Rebecca (PhoneixBird)?

My inspiration is myself. Both of those characters (and most all of my characters) come from deep, honest, thoughtful looks into my self, my emotions, my experiences, and my psyche. Whether I am writing a protagonist or antagonist, it doesn’t matter..it is always a matter of “What would I do if I were living this life.”

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

Well, there weren’t nearly as many writers for children as there are now of course. The first real literature I recognized and fell in love with was the works of E. B White. I will never forget reading Charlotte’s Web out loud to my family (we were hippies with no TV) and seeing first hand the power of story. Everyone was crying, of course. The Trumpet of the Swan was the best present I got in 1972. And yes, I used to ride to the library and seek out Nancy Drew. I couldn’t get enough of her, or any historical non-fiction about famous people when they were kids. I can’t say I cared much who the author was. I doubt I even paid attention. I just ate up the stories. I especially loved stories about kids overcoming hardship and growing up to do important things.

If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?

Yikes..maybe back in New Paltz, but it’s changed so much since I was a kid. I’d love to live on a ranch or a farm if someone else did all the work. But actually, I really love my house now in Weston, CT because it is wooded, and rural, and quiet but close enough to get into NYC in an hour or so. I am completely a homebody though. If there’s food in the house, I can stay home for days. 

If you could befriend a character from one of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

Oh, dear..I can’t answer that question and it’s really upsetting me. It stirs up some unwelcome thoughts.  I’ll have to get back to you on this one.

Jason has obstacles that he has to overcome. What advice do you have for kids or adults who feel that they can’t overcome the obstacles in front of them?

Well, Jason has obstacles but he doesn’t see them that way. I wanted to show Jason as someone who is comfortable with who he is. It is the rest of the world that has a problem with him and there is nothing he can do about that. So that would be my advice: Be comfortable with who you are. Accept yourself and understand that not everyone else will be able to but do your best to figure out who can and who can’t. Stay away from the ones who can’t. Did that make any sense?

 

You write books about a variety of different topics. How do you decide what you are going to write next?

I seem never to at a lose for things that interest me. Or stories that have been brewing in my mind and heart for many many years. Sometimes I hash ideas out with my editor but sometimes I have to just take a leap of faith and try something new, write it all and see if anyone is interested. That’s scary. I have to say, lately I’ve been very interested in structure and experimental story telling, more so than the autobiographical history that once drove all my writing.

The path to publication varies from author to author. Every author has a unique story and one that other authors can learn from. Can you tell us a little bit about your path to publication or do you have any advice for new authors?

Oy, that’s a long story (the one you guys heard at my CT book festival presentation) so instead I’ll give you my parting advice. Keep writing, keep getting better. Don’t send out the same thing for twenty years and hope your turn will come up. Read, meet people, read, go to conferences, take courses, and give your work to a trusted (and very kind) reader-friend. Listen when they tell you what works and what doesn’t. You will never please everyone. There are too many different tastes and opinions. So don’t jump through every hoop until someone is ready to buy or represent you. And write from your heart.

Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

I have a book coming out this June, 2015 Ruby on the Outside about a girl whose mother is incarcerated at Bedford Women’s Correctional Facility. And another MG novel called Nine/Ten scheduled for August 2016 about the twenty-four hours before 9/11 all across the United States. And right now I am working on a YA novel about depression, love, and suicide. How’s that for a variety of topics? hmmm....

Read the reviews!

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