Ross Workman and Walter Dean Myers Photo by Bob Carey
Three-and-half years ago, a 13-year-old fan named Ross Workman sent an email to his favorite author, Walter Dean Myers. Four hours later, Myers did something he'd never done before—he invited the teen to co-write a book.
We spoke to Myers and Workman about their labor of love, Kick (HarperCollins, 2011), a novel about a star soccer striker who's about to end up in juvie unless a cop assigned as his mentor can help him turn things around.
Did you expect this dream come true when you wrote to Walter back in 2007?
Workman: I had written to Walter Dean Myers to tell him that he was my favorite author, and I explained what I loved about his books. I never even expected him to write back, let alone invite me to write a book with him. At first I wasn't sure if he was serious. But when I got his email, I was so excited that I had to run three miles to get rid of my nervous energy.
I'm sure you get lots of fan mail, so why did you pick Ross?
Myers: Ross seemed enthusiastic, bright, and interesting. He expressed an interest in writing and also mentioned that he played soccer. His soccer background gave us an important part of the canvas to work with. The idea that he seemed multidimensional made the project attractive. What I imagined myself doing was showing a young person how a book could be put together. At this point I wasn't thinking that this would end up as a published book.
Tell us how you decided to write a story about soccer and the idea behind using alternating chapters.
Myers: Ross mentioned—although it's not in the galleys—that he played soccer. I thought it would be fun to try a longer writing project, but didn't want to leave Ross out there by himself, hence the collaboration.
How do you think being a soccer player added to the story?
Workman: I hope I added some exciting soccer scenes and a feeling for what it's like to be 13. I made the hero, Kevin, half Colombian, with a mother and grandmother from Colombia. This is the opposite of me, as it's my dad who is from Colombia. I thought it would be interesting to write about a character who is half Hispanic. That's not something you see a lot in books for kids, and I hope that added something interesting to the book.
How collaborative was the whole process?
Myers: I was quick to criticize Ross's efforts, but I was not going to write his chapters. I've had at least 50 people who have approached me wanting to "collaborate" on a book. What they most often mean is that they will supply the brilliant idea, and I will merely do the drudge work of writing the book. I am not about to let this happen. Ross was less willing to criticize my work, but did point out plot inaccuracies and would give me subtle hints when he felt I needed it.
So what was it like to write with a teen for the first time?
Myers: One of the most valuable concepts I learned from working with Ross was that his interest in the writing process was what would carry the book through to completion. On reexamining my own writing career and trying to compare my 13- to 15-year-old efforts to what Ross was accomplishing, I could see what we both have in common. We both love the process of creating stories.
Did you learn anything from Ross?
Myers: Ross is very bright. Whenever he made what seemed to be a misstep, I would examine his text to see why. Sometimes, I would note just a lack of experience in a certain area or a willingness to accept the first idea he had rather than look for a better solution. But, once he was shown the weakness in a passage or chapter, he would tackle the rewrite willingly and, mostly, successfully. I realized that I had to consider his age and experience as I judged his chapters. I've seen other young writers seemingly overcome their lack of experience, but only because they have learned a familiar patina of the craft.
Was it anything like you'd imagined?
Workman: The process was a lot harder than I'd imagined. I think a lot of people have this notion that writing just flows from the moment you sit down at the computer. But it takes a lot of thinking and hard work. I'm not a fast writer.
What stopped you from just being paralyzed with fear?
Workman: Walter was really encouraging. Even when I went through difficult times, I knew I could rely on him. He gave me his home phone number, and even though I didn't use it a lot, I called him a few times when I was stuck and needed his help. Talking to Walter helped give me my confidence back, and he taught me so much. I always felt energized after I heard from him.
What were some of the most important things you learned about writing?
Workman: I learned that writing takes a lot of patience and resilience. I had no idea how many drafts writers go through before they have a final manuscript. It's hard work, but it's fun work. I also learned a lot from my wonderful editor, Phoebe Yeh. I didn't realize how many times an editor went through a manuscript. She really tried to make the book the best it could be.
How stressful was it writing with your favorite author?
Workman: Sometimes it was hard for me to read Walter's chapters and see how good they were and to realize that my chapters just couldn't be as good as his, because I was just starting out as a writer. And he is Walter Dean Myers. But it was a really fun adventure, and though I did have some difficulties writing the revisions, Walter was very encouraging and always had some wise words to offer me.
You told Ross that he had to be willing to make mistakes and not to worry about losing confidence. What are some of your biggest challenges as a writer?
Myers: The biggest challenge is growth. Can I continue to grow as an individual and therefore as an artist?
What are some of the most important lessons you taught Ross and what other important lessons do kids his age need to hear about pursuing a career in writing?
Myers: I taught Ross to be open to criticism—we had to deal with an editor who wanted the best book possible and has no qualms about criticizing me. We've had many writers, old and young, who can't accept that sometimes they will have to work very hard to create a good piece of literature. In soccer terms, I would consider Ross "highly coachable."
You've just turned 17 and you already have a book under your belt. Any plans to become a writer?
Workman: I've developed some ideas for new books, and I've started working on one, but it's been very difficult to keep working on it while I'm a junior in high school, with so many academic and sports commitments. I don't really know what I'm going to do with my life. I have so many interests. But I know that writing will always be part of it.
Do you think you'll collaborate with a teen again?
Myers: This has been the best collaboration I've had to date. My first try, with a writer of my age, resulted in a lost friendship.
This article originally appeared in the newsletter Extra Helping. Go here to subscribe.
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