Novelist urges students toward greatness

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille High School student Rachel Chapman is a big Terry Trueman fan.

She strongly relates to the author’s young adult novels — particularly his 2001 debut “Stuck in Neutral.” Both the novel’s main character and Chapman suffer from cerebral palsy, a disorder that impairs communication and mobility. When Trueman arrived at the school to talk about his career Tuesday morning, she used the opportunity to express just how much his books meant to her by introducing him to the entire student body.

The connection is easy to understand. By writing from the perspective of an individual with cerebral palsy, Trueman provides a common voice for those in a similar situation and a means of understanding for those who aren’t.

“To be honest, my writing is about manipulation to a certain extent,” Trueman said. “It’s trying to manipulate (the reader) toward a bigger heart for these individuals.”

Trueman’s writing comes from a very personal place. “Stuck in Neutral” was inspired by his relationship with his son, who also has cerebral palsy. Trueman said that emotional honesty was the essential component in successful artistic expression, no matter the medium.

“Giving a voice to human life is what all art should be about,” he said.

In two classroom workshops following the assembly, Trueman outlined the path toward that voice. It didn’t come easily.

Trueman said it took many years before he refined his craft sufficiently to complete “Stuck in Neutral.” The failed projects that preceded it, however,  weren’t a waste of time. He learned something new from each experience.

 The practice was good enough to earn Trueman the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award in 2001 and a meeting with First Lady Laura Bush at the White House in 2006.

“I said to my wife after winning (the Printz Award) — and it still holds true today — that I would rather have won that than the lottery,” Trueman said.

He encouraged students toward a similar perseverance despite failure or hardship.

Chapman ultimately provided a great case study herself. Where once she was bound to a wheelchair and unable to use her primary hand, she can now walk unaided and use her secondary hand for writing and other tasks. She plans to attend college in Boise and continue her journey of self-improvement.

According to Trueman, her dedication has already given her everything she’ll need to succeed.

“The most important thing is to try to develop a curiosity with a willingness to listen and learn,” he told workshop attendees. “That’s what will make you a great student.”