Deanie Yasner: 6 Questions Upon the Anniversary of Publication of Essie Rose’s Revelation Summer

Author Deanie Yasner answers 6 questions from her editor, Nancy Sayre. 

We’re coming up on the four-year anniversary of the publication of Essie Rose’s Revelation Summer. Maybe it’s just me, but doesn’t it feel like the world is a completely different place from what it was on August 22, 2019?

Deanie: I do feel the world feels different, partly due to the pandemic which persisted for so much longer than anyone anticipated. But on the other hand, I feel the world is not a different place, particularly in that we are still in a very chaotic, divisive and difficult time not only in this country but around the world.

The themes in Essie Rose are timeless, which is why it has become a classic. Can you tell us how some of them apply even more today than they did four years ago?

Deanie: I believe we are in a time where antisemitism is definitely on the rise, where civility is lost to anger, where listening to one another has been displaced by rage and more isolation.  I believe if we all took a step back and perhaps saw the world according to Essie Rose’s courage and bravery and Pearlie May Gibbs’ Half Dozen Words of Wisdom, the world just might become a bit more aware of what we all need to do to make this place called earth more kind and caring.

What has surprised you most about your story since its publication? 

Deanie: One of the things that surprised me was the fact that the book proved to be so appealing to all ages, especially adults, grandmothers, and grandfathers. I received incredibly positive and heartwarming fan mail about how Essie Rose’s story touched their hearts and brought back important childhood memories. A really exciting surprise was a lovely message I received from the President and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. The universal themes of  love and loss, friendship and above all else courage have no age limits.

I know that Essie Rose’s story is semi-autobiographical. But my first impression of you was that you were more introverted than your heroine. Over these years, you seem to have become more comfortable talking to people and groups about your book. You’ve even been on TV. So how has becoming an author changed you?

Deanie: Because I believe so passionately in the message of my story, I realized I needed to become as courageous and bold as my heroine. Her story needed to get out into the world and she needed me to help. So, of course I could not let her down. I also knew I had to honor a belief of mine: the power of word and story to change one’s life.

You’ve met some really interesting people on this journey, including a number of authors. Would you like to tell us about some of your “book angels,” as you call them?

Deanie: I have been blessed with so many book angels from the inception of my book to those who continue to help me get Essie Rose out into the world where she belongs. But one book angel stands out in that he inadvertently gave me the name for my male character. While in a local drugstore, a young friend of mine walked with one of his friends. “This is my buddy, Moses.”  A light went off in my head and heart…and Moses Brownridge became alive.

I know your readers ask you this often, but what are the chances of you writing a sequel? We’d all love to know what happens to Essie Rose (and Moses).

Deanie: This is an interesting question. I think about my characters each and every day and wonder myself what happens to them. I continue to write notes and ideas. Nancy, as you once so beautifully said, I am listening to the music.  Where it takes me is still uncertain. So to be perfectly honest, I don’t have a definitive answer to this question. I am so grateful for my readers who have asked for a sequel; that is truly a writer’s dreams. 

Thanks, Deanie. Sounds like we’ll all have to wait together until Essie Rose is ready to let us know what she’s been up to!

Teachers: Download classroom discussion guides and other helpful worksheets here: https://goldenalleypress.com/deanie-yasner/media-kit/

Buy Essie Rose’s Revelation Summer here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
or request it at your favorite indie bookstore.