Interviews
A Conversation with Jonathan Friesen
What theme or message would you most like readers to take away from Jerk, California?
For the young person who is willing to be honest with the world about the pain they feel, there is always hope. Fear is the one emotion that can rob us of hope's joy.
Are there misconceptions about Tourette's syndrome that you wish people better understood?
Many people's concept of Tourette's syndrome is tied to people blurting curse words. Stressing that dramatic aspect makes good TV ratings and humorous movie clips. For a tiny fraction of those with TS, this does occur. But the majority do not swear involuntarily. The other thing I'd mention is that I've never met a person with Tourette's who is not profoundly creative or gifted in some area. We're good people to have around!
What were your own high school experiences like. How (if at all) do they figure into your writing and affect the way you write about your characters' lives?
t diagnosed with TS until after high school. During my school years I still clung to the hope that I could stop my tics, and I blamed myself each time my shoulder jumped. A speaker came and talked to us the first day of my freshman year and said, "These are the best days of your life." I thought, cripes, I sure hope not. Fortunately, things did change. But absolutely -- my pain seeps in to my portrayal of high school for many of my characters. This also explains why hope is such a major theme in every book I write.
You worked as a teacher for fourteen years. Any advice for students struggling to fit in?
Find someone safe, and be real about you. I was a liar and a hider. I spent so much time denying my condition, I was no longer sure of the truth. All that time and energy used to present a fake me to the world could have been used seeking out relationships with those who would accept me. It's amazing -- no matter how defective we think ourselves, there are great people who will love us as we are.
Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
My parents -- specifically Dad -- and usually for the good. They spoke constantly into my life. But the greatest influence may well have been my grandma. My grandma had the rare ability to build me up and kick me in the rear at the very same time. If you've never had this type of person in your life, it's quite an experience. One minute she would tell me what she saw in me, how proud she was of me. Then bam. She'd let me have it, and point out all the areas in which I had more growing to do. But I listened to her, because I knew she loved me and I was certain she believed in me.
Words of wisdom for aspiring writers?
Honor your story. The story you're writing can be violated, just as a person can be violated. It wants to go a certain direction, wants to be told a certain way. It will always be shaped, to some extent, by your own worldview, but let it unfold without forcing elements or themes into it. What is in you, will be in it. Watch the story only you can tell unfold, and enjoy the ride.
Any plans for upcoming novels?
The books will keep coming! I'm excited about my next novel. Rush tells the story of Jake King, a young adrenaline junkie who joins a team of crazed firefighters. They rappel out of helicopters to take on California's most dangerous wildfires. But joining The Rush Club, this team's secret society, proves more deadly than any fire, both for Jake and the girl he loves. I'm thrilled with how this story is coming together!
