Question

Is there any discovery or experience you particularly hope readers will take away from Out of the Dust?

Answer

¹I have determined from the letters I receive from young readers that many of them believe they could never endure the hardships that so many of my fictional characters endure. ²I portray Billie Jo as an ordinary girl, a girl readers can relate to, who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances from which her first instincts are to turn tail and run. ³Readers watch Billie Jo struggle with her problems and reach an honest, empowering resolution. ⁴If readers come away believing in the ability of Billie Jo to confront, survive, and rise above her life challenges, perhaps they will also glimpse within themselves the strength of character to confront, survive, and rise above the life challenges facing them.