Elizabeth Raum

Why I Started Writing:

I've always enjoyed imagining lives other than my own, and writing naturally followed. After college, I became a high school English teacher. I discovered that several of my ninth grade students didn't like to read. I decided to write books that would ignite their love of reading at a  young age would encourage them delve into unfamiliar situations and ideas. Initially I wrote nonfiction books on high-interest topics like animals, weather, or American history. That led to interactive novels based on the Bible and American history. For the last five or six years I've been writing more traditional novels for middle-grade readers. My newest novel, Rescue Work, is yet another change. This book, designed for young adult readers, presents teen characters serving as first responders on their town's ambulance squad. I hope my books encourage readers to appreciate the ways in which the Christian faith influences the decisions we make every day in this fascinating, but complex, world of ours.

 

Authors Who Have Influenced Me:

When I speak with young readers, I often tell them that my favorite book is Charlotte's Web by E. B. White. What a beautiful story! I have always admired the fiction of Katherine Paterson, Lois Lowry, Richard Peck and many other fine writers of children's books. I've often found that books for young readers incorporate all the elements of great literature while creating stories filled with truth and hope.

 

Books I Have Written:

I had written dozens of nonfiction books for young readers before turning to fiction. Three of my most recent books are historical fiction for middle-grade readers: Storm Warning, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776, and Boy With A Fife: Ebenezer Fletcher's War of Independence. I'm excited to be releasing my first YA novel, Rescue Work, for readers ages 12 and up, with Elk Lake publishing.

 

What I'm Working On Now:

I am currently revising a fantasy novel for middle-grade readers. What's next? It's a matter of which idea strikes first. There's no shortage of intriguing possibilities.