As we come to the end of March, we wanted to celebrate Women’s History Month one more time. Elizabeth Eulberg is well known in her own right as one of the best contemporary writers out there so we are so thrilled to have her close out our month-long celebration of women with a look back at her teen self with some great advice.
Confident. Outspoken. Fearless.
These are words that would not have defined Teen Elizabeth. In high school, I was insecure, scared of being different, and everything was such a big deal. I was a good student, excelled in the music programs, and had close friends. But I was also plagued with worrying about silly things: what if people found out that I loved New Kids on the Block? That was so not cool. What if nobody asked me to prom? CAN YOU IMAGINE?
Looking back at Teen Elizabeth, I want to tell her it’s okay. You can like what you like. Who cares if you don’t go to prom? (Disclosure: I did go to prom and had fun, but it was not a life-changing experience.) Stand up for yourself. Focus on your friendships. You are undeniably fabulous. Deal with it.
When I set out to write my books, I think about Teen Elizabeth. I write the kind of characters that I wish she had read about back then: characters who have their struggles, but find an inner strength to stand up for what they believe in. Be it Penny Lane Bloom who after a broken heart forms a club about friendship and staying true to yourself in The Lonely Hearts Club. Or Take a Bow’s Emme who finally finds her voice and confidence to go after her musical dreams. Or Macallan who will not stand around when anybody is bullied, including herself, in Better Off Friends.
My characters celebrate their differences. And while there’s usually a romance involved, my characters goals have never been just to get a boyfriend. They have other goals and journeys, any romance is only a bonus.
It’s easy for some to dismiss my books as fluff. I get it. My books feature girls. They’re funny. There’s some kissing. But I’ve also received letters from readers who have gotten out of abusive relationships after reading The Lonely Hearts Club. A girl found the strength to talk to her mother about their relationship just like Lexi does in Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality. After reading Prom & Prejudice, one girl decided to not waste her money on a prom dress and had her friends treat themselves to a nice dinner.
While my inner confidence came late, I’m proud that there are some teens out there who have benefited from my struggles of self-doubt. So unlike Teen Elizabeth, I’m not going to apologize for what I write. My characters have also given me the strength that I wish I had back in high school.
Hey, better late than never.
About the author:
Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college in Syracuse and making a career in the New York City book biz. She is the author of The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom and Prejudice, Take a Bow, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, Better Off Friends, and We Can Work It Out. You can find her online at www.elizabetheulberg.com.
