I talked to e.E. Charlton-Trujillo at the Ohioana Book Festival.

Fat Angie Rebel Girl Revolution is the sequel to the American Library Association winner Fat Angie.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was 4 years old, I wanted to be 3 things. I wanted to be a writer, a film maker, and the drummer for KISS.

Sidebar: KISS is (a rock group that may be before your time).

How long did it take for you to write the book?

About 8 months.

What is your writing schedule when you are writing?

I should be writing about 6 to 8 hours a day. Sometimes I work the 6 to 8 hours per day for 4 to 6 weeks, especially when I am on a deadline. It’s a long day, but I get to write for a living so, that is a good thing.

What is your interesting/unique writing quirk if you have one?

Sometimes I write in a non-linear format. I will know the beginning and the end. Then, I will jump to the middle because I have an idea then I will jump back to the front. I move around a lot sometimes, depending on what kind of novel it is.

What is the most surprising thing you learned when writing this book?

It is ok to be who you are whether you are 16 or 64. Many times, we don’t see that in our society. We get stuck on how we look, whether it is skin, size, age, etc. It is about stepping into your power as a woman.

Why did you write this book? What makes it special?

I wasn’t done with Angie’s story. Fat Angie was a book that touched a lot of young people. As it relates to death, after the time when people stop bringing you the casseroles, and coming to your door saying, “I’m Sorry,” seven months later if you don’t have someone to talk to, how do you cope with some of that. What does it mean to be a young woman trying to be herself in a body that always makes sense to everyone?

Where can a person buy your book?

Wherever it is sold, but I love to recommend independent book stores because they are the real revolution.