Delaney Kraemer

Dear Reader,

I was prompted to write Mountains of Our Own because I noticed there were no teenage books that appealed to me. Most of them were dystopian, dramatic, or depressing. So, I decided to write a book that would appeal to an audience like me.

Since I hadn’t found any books that educated readers about epilepsy or neurodivergence in a good light, I decided to write one. I wanted to show a character who has epilepsy that impacts her life, but she overcomes it. But more importantly, it doesn’t magically disappear when it would be convenient for the character.

People often say to me: “Would it help to turn off the lights?” “Do you want a glass of water or a snack?” “You’ll feel better once you get out into the sunshine.” “Maybe if you lie down.” or “Oh, you’ll forget about it.” I understand that they’re trying to help me, but it gets tiresome.

Showing that it’s more important what someone can do than what someone can’t do is very significant and powerful. In society, there should be an emphasis on individuals’ gifts instead of their challenges. 

I wanted to educate people about my type of epilepsy, and what’s actually happening. There’s a stereotype about epilepsy. Many people believe the only type is tonic-clonic—the convulsing kind. Of course, everyone’s epilepsy is different. I wanted to show the importance of an invisible challenge. I mean, I look neurotypical from the outside. Just because someone can’t see someone’s difficulty doesn’t mean it’s not there.

I didn’t just want to focus on my main character and epilepsy in this book. All of the main characters have some challenge—whether it’s neurological or a challenge in their lives. Yet, all of them overcome them, and support each other through it. But it doesn’t make it go away or any less hard.

I wanted to highlight the importance of inclusivity. That’s what humankind wants.

For me, talking fluently is very hard. Writing is easier. I can think about what I’m writing, and I can fix any mistakes. With talking, I can’t do that.

This book is very special to me because it touches on the topics I love most: inclusivity, pro-life matters, performing arts, kindness, honesty, neurodivergence, being yourself, loving Jesus, and leading with our strengths.

I hope to write more stories with similar themes in the future.

Delaney Kraemer