“You Have to Love It.” Brittany Cavallaro on Writing for Young Adults
Like Sylvie, the protagonist of my new novel, Wayfarers, I grew up in downstate cornfield Illinois, where I was an odd duck in a small pond. I was always reading, always writing.
The author, Brittany Cavallaro, shares personal details about her upbringing to explain her connection to her new novel, Wayfarers. She describes growing up in downstate cornfield Illinois, a rural area known for its agricultural landscape. Cavallaro identifies herself as an odd duck in a small pond, meaning she felt different from her peers in a limited social environment. From an early age, she was deeply engaged in reading and writing, producing poetry, stories, and even 200-page novels. This background highlights how her childhood experiences shaped her identity as a writer and influenced the themes of her work.
The protagonist of Wayfarers, named Sylvie, shares similarities with Cavallaro’s own life. Both grew up in the same rural setting of downstate Illinois, where Cavallaro felt out of place. The author uses Sylvie’s character to explore themes of belonging and individuality, drawing from her personal history. This connection between author and protagonist suggests that Cavallaro’s writing is deeply autobiographical, blending real-life experiences with fictional storytelling. The novel’s setting and themes reflect the author’s own journey of self-discovery.
Cavallaro emphasizes the importance of passion in her writing process, stating that *you have to love it* when creating stories for young adults. This reflects her belief that genuine enthusiasm is essential for crafting compelling narratives. Her approach suggests that writing is not just a profession but a deeply personal and emotional endeavor. For Cavallaro, the act of writing is driven by love for the craft rather than external rewards, which aligns with the themes of authenticity and emotional depth in her work.
