In Marthe Jocelyn’s new accessible novel for teens, sixteen-year-old Maya’s life is thrown off-balance when the rock-star father of her best friend kisses her in the back of a limo. Hear from the author on what inspired her to write this story.
What inspired you to write One Kiss?
This story is a mash-up of personal and friend-shared experiences. I know lots of young women, and was one myself a long time ago. Not much has changed. Who doesn’t have a tale or two about awkward, awful, sometimes tantalizing moments gone wrong? The difference for teens today is that they are more likely to speak up for themselves, to tell someone, and get support when needed.
This is your first hi-lo novel. How did the process of writing One Kiss differ from your other books?
I wrote this book while I had a back injury, writing by hand on a clipboard as I lay almost flat. I’d had the idea for a couple of years, and now had the chance to make it real. The narrative unfolds mostly in episodes, because I could only work in short sessions. The first draft was just telling the story. In revision, I paid more attention to who the readers might be. I trimmed sentence-length for pacing and tried to make the dialogue both real and lively. Friends speak in shorthand, which is a useful tool for hi-lo characters.
This book has some difficult (but important!) themes. Are there any specific messages you want to highlight?
I generally avoid messages in my books. I like to think that each reader takes in different moments of value. That said, I do believe that being a trusted friend, and having a trusted friend, are two key aspirations—all the more important when trouble comes knocking. The trouble, in this case, is ugly-disguised-as-cool-and-exciting, which is sometimes a tricky thing to identify or to challenge—and that’s where friends come in. Secrets make for great reading, but can be harmful in real life.
What do you hope readers take away from the book?
I hope One Kiss prompts conversation among friends and family members. Not everyone knows a pervy celebrity, but very nearly everyone—from grandmothers and teachers to classmates and cousins—has had an unwanted kiss. Why not dilute the shame or embarrassment by turning it into a story?
What’s next for you? Any new projects in the works?
I’m in the middle of a middle-grade novel that involves time travel, dystopia, and a TV show being filmed in an urban alleyway. Very complicated! And I have written another hi-lo novel, called Snoop, which is awaiting final revisions and will also be published by Orca.
Marthe Jocelyn is the award-winning author and illustrator of over fifty books for babies, kids and teens. Her illustrated books have been shortlisted for both the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. In 2009 she was the recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. She now lives in Stratford, Ontario with not enough bookshelves.