Nyssa Stroschein

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

Thank you to @AlanGratz for responding to questions from the 8th grade English class from Max, North Dakota. Reading your books are a highlight of our year.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz That's very true. As we were reading, I explained things that were popular in 2001 versus 2021.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz GZ 12) Why did you pick those character names?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz After they asked their question, they thought about how family members of persons on the plane would have felt if their relative had been used in the story. It probably would have been difficult to write or read about.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 10) In GZ, did you think about having a 3rd story option from a person on the planes? Like how Refugee had 3 stories?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz I think jaded is a perfect way to describe Taz. Thank you for expounding on his character, that helps explain Taz more in-depth for them.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 6) Student impressions of Reshmina and Taz are that they are biased. What research did you do for their characters? Do you feel Taz's voice is negative?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz The students enjoy your books; Refugee remains their favorite.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 5) Are you happy with how GZ turned out? Would you change anything about it looking back? What would it be?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz Thank you for quick responses. We read your story aloud for the months of Sept and Oct during their class hour. If their comments were interpreted as rude, that was not their intention. They were very excited for your time.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz Just finished GZ with 8 grade. Students have questions. 1) Story feels rushed. Did you feel pressured to get the book published b4 20th anniversary?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz What was your favorite story to write?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz What is your next story going to be about?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 13) Why does Richard end up adopting Brandon? Why not B's family?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz GZ 11) Why no flashbacks to Brandon's mom to describe her better?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz GZ Comment 2) The passage of time from floors 87 to 15 was rushed.

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz Students also had comments: 1) "I really liked your book, with the interesting words you used."

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 9) Why did Brandon's dad have to die in the story?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 8) Why did you write Pasoon as the antagonist?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 7) In the author's note, why didn't you explain Taz's POV in relation to his opinions on the war?

[Nyssa Stroschein @mrsstroschein]

@AlanGratz 4) Do you feel GZ was more rushed than previous books because it was harder to write about?