Patricia Hermes is the author of almost fifty books for readers from early middle grades through young adult, as well as two nonfiction books for adults. Her books have won many awards and recognitions: American Library Association Best Book, Smithsonian Notable Book, C.S. Lewis Honor Book, Ira Children’s Choice, as well as many state awards, four of them for the novel, You Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye.
- Patricia, did you always know that you wanted to serve others and help today’s youth?
What I wanted to do was write –write the best book I could. I’m glad if some of my books have helped young people. But that was more of a by-product of wanting to write good books.
- How did you handle the bumps in the road? Were there any moments when you wondered if all your hard work was worth it?
Sure, there were many set-backs along the way, rejection letters, an occasionally snitty review. But one puts that aside and plunges ahead. I don’t mean that it doesn’t hurt. But I can’t crawl into a cave and lick my wounds. I go back to my desk and write. Every morning, Monday thru Friday.
- What do teens need today more than anything else?
Well, I’m not a psychologist nor a sociologist. But from my experience visiting classrooms and as the mother of five, I think the answer is this: one 
person who cares about them. You, as a teacher, perhaps. A parent, even a less-than-perfect parent, a sibling, friend –anyone who cares and listens and directs them IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Falling in love with books is the perfect place to start.
Thanks for your time Patricia and keep up the good work! Our youth needs more people like you!
Daniel Blanchard
Author and Speaker of the Granddaddy’s Secrets teen leadership book series.
* PURCHASE “THE STORM” http://tinyurl.com/glxzjaf
