Talented author Evelyne Stone reveals discusses her inspiration for Destroying the Wrong together with some great advice!

Q: What inspired you to write ‘Destroying the Wrong’?
A: My kids inspired me to write Destroying the Wrong. They listen to my advice but I don’t think they really hear me. I wanted to write about topics that would open up more discussions with them. I know I didn’t want to listen to my mom and had the attitude “it will never happen to me,” so I’m hoping at least some of my story will stick with them.

Q: Tell us something about Evelyne Stone that is not common knowledge.
A: This is a hard one! I’ve always been super boy crazy but if a cute boy ever talks to me, my whole body will turn red. Not a cute, blush red, but a red that makes me look like I just broke out in a rash! It happens with girls I find intimidating, too!

Q: Are there any specific childhood experiences or memories that you feel have helped shape you into the person you’ve become? Would you share them with us?
A: I have this terrible habit of remembering embarrassing moments constantly. The biggest one that made me terrified of public speaking seems to pop up more than the others. I was in seventh grade and I wanted to try out for cheerleading. The only experience I had was a cheer summer camp at the high school that lasted maybe two days. We had to get up in front of the entire school and they would vote. I was not skinny or popular, so the fact that I even considered doing it was amazing. I was the last to go and once I stood in the center of the gymnasium, I covered my face with my hands and couldn’t remember a thing I had practiced. I think I did one little part of the cheer and then ran off the floor. Everyone laughed. I hid in the bathroom for a few minutes, sucked it up and went to my next class. Even now, I hate getting up in front of people.

Q: Bullying and teen relationships are two of the most prominent themes in ‘Destroying the wrong’. Are these issues close to your heart and do you have any advice for teens going through such challenges?
A: They are both close to my heart. I was bullied throughout my entire school career and I wish I could say that it stops when you’re all grown up, but it doesn’t. Adults just bully others in other ways. Not to sound all professional, but I really think teen relationships help define our adult relationships. It’s so easy to manipulate younger girls and I’ve seen too many guys take advantage of that.
My advice for teens is to keep an open communication with an adult. It doesn’t have to be a parent but someone you can trust and go to when you need advice. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable in a relationship, it’s probably not a good one to be in. Never, ever sell yourself short.
Wow, I sound just like my mother!

Q: Are there any authors you particularly admire or who you feel have influenced you greatly?
A: I read a lot of books by Dean Koontz growing up and he has a way to pull you right into the book. I also read every Babysitter’s Club books and I loved the way I could relate to the characters while I was growing up. I want to write books with characters that are likeable so that when they experience things my readers have also experienced, the character can show the reader it’ll all work out.

Q: When and why did you decide to become a writer?
A: I’ve always wanted to write a book and honestly, I still have a lot to learn. I’m sure you can pull out at least five grammar errors in this interview alone! One of my best friends pushed me to try writing a book and I did. It’s not going to be a best seller but I finished and that feels really good.

Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I am working on another YA book that focuses on relationships and letting go of things we don’t have control over. After that, I’ll be finishing up the third book in the Wrong series.