Local writer publishes teen novel
“Life is about setting goals and making smart choices.”
Jon Ripslinger’s newest young adult novel, “Derailed,” focuses on choices teens must make — choices about how to live their lives now and in the future.
Set in the fictional city of Thompsonville, easily recognizable by local residents as Davenport, the story draws on Riplinger’s 33 years of teaching English at Davenport West High School.
Readers will recognize references to the city of Buffalo, Wildcat Den State Park, Buffalo Shores recreation area, the Linwood limestone quarry and the Standard Hotel (now the German American Heritage Center).
“When teaching at West, I saw a lot of kids who squandered their talent,” he says. “It always seemed like such a waste. I wanted to show that kids can make a turnaround.”
Wendell Stoneking, “Stoney,” is a high school senior who is coasting through life with little motivation and no goals for the future. He comes to a crossroads when he has to pass American Literature or lose his position on the football team. He agrees to work with a student tutor, a single mom who has made her own choice to study hard and make something of her life.
The story involves contemporary issues such as parties, drinking, sex and drugs. The language is realistic.
The 73-year-old writer is the father of six children and has 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He gets up every morning at 6:30 a.m. and writes from 7 a.m. to noon. His ideas come from reading newspaper and magazine articles, which he clips and files.
How does he know what young people are thinking and doing today?
“I keep in touch by reading young adult novels and teen magazines,” he says.
This is Ripslinger’s third novel. His previous books, “Triangle,” and “How I Fell in Love and Learned to Shoot Free Throws,” also are set in Davenport and feature teens dealing with contemporary issues. He is in the process of finishing a fourth novel titled “A Kiss Good-bye,” scheduled for publication in November of 2007.
The softcover book, published by Llewellyn Publications, sells for $8.95. It is available locally at Barnes and Noble and Borders Books. It also can be purchased online at Amazon.com.
Judy Betts can be contacted at (563) 383-2284 or jbetts@qctimes.com.