Elissa Brent Weissman is the author of the new middle grade novel So Over Sharing. Her other books include The Renegade Reporters. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Q: What inspired you to write So Over Sharing, and how did you create your characters Hadley and Willow?
A: My editor at Dial, Michelle Lee, gave me the idea for So Over Sharing. A few years ago, she emailed me saying she was looking for a book about the child of a mommy blogger, and would I consider writing it? I was flattered to be asked, and I found the concept intriguing. To do it well, though, I needed to come up with a strong, fully developed protagonist to drive the story.
I started by researching popular momfluencers, to get a sense of what type of content they’re creating and how they portray their kids. At first, I was fascinated by influencers who “keep it real” about parenting, often by complaining about their kids and sharing their messiest moments. I wondered how a kid would feel having her mother post that sort of content.
This grew into 12-year-old Hadley, who’s been in the public eye for 10 years, ever since a potty training video of her went viral. She’s quiet, anxious, careful about what she says, and, now starting at a new school, wants nothing more than to be invisible.
I loved Hadley and could have written the whole book from her perspective, but that would only explore the effects of one type of online sharing, and an extreme one at that.
What about kids whose parents post more positive, well-intentioned content? This was the basis for Willow, whose mother shares aspirational, soft-filtered photos that bask in the glow of family life. I wanted Willow to be very different from Hadley, so I made her bold and defiant.
I worked hard to give each girl a distinct voice. Willow narrates in short, direct sentences, while Hadley’s narration is full of qualifiers, explanations, and second-guesses. To flesh out their characters, I gave them each a hobby I personally know and love: reading for Hadley, boxing for Willow.
I introduced the two girls to each other at a “Women in Content” conference, where their mothers are on a panel of top momfluencers. From there, their individual stories—and their shared one—took off.
Q: What do you think the novel says about media influencers, and the impact their posts have on their children?
A: Social media is such a strange thing, because it rewards “authenticity” while portraying a distorted view of reality. (There’s a reason we say “in real life” to mean life offline rather than what happens on a screen!)
I think on some level we all know this, but when it comes to influencers, we buy into the stories they tell because unless we know them personally, we have no way of knowing how truthful or incomplete those stories are.
I hope that the opportunity to see Hadley’s and Willow’s families offline—and compare that with how their moms portray them online—will get readers thinking more deeply about everything they see on social media, and maybe even about what they themselves are posting.
In terms of influencers’ kids, I think So Over Sharing shows that parents aren’t always thinking about what impact their posts could have. Or perhaps they are thinking about it, but they might not be taking it seriously. This isn’t just true of professional momfluencers, but also of ordinary people “sharenting.”
How would you feel if someone were posting photos, sharing cute/funny/embarrassing stories, or revealing details about you online, where people you know—and people you don’t—can see and comment on it?
As adults, we are constantly (and rightly!) telling kids to be careful about what they post on social media, because online content can live forever. But we don’t always follow that advice ourselves.
Q: The Booklist review of the novel says, “Deeply rooted in modern middle-school culture, resonant with the online experiences of so many tweens, and paced perfectly, this is a must-read for every kid who has dreamed of being an influencer and a great discussion starter about privacy and sharing online.” What do you think of that description?
A: I love it! If you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, “influencer” is now one of the most popular responses.
I did a lot of research for this book in order to accurately portray Hadley’s and Willow’s moms’ jobs. And my main takeaway was just that: Being an influencer is a job. It’s work. People who make it look effortless are usually going to a lot of effort—and possibly employing a lot of people—to make it look effortless.
That’s definitely something to be aware of if you think you might want to be an influencer yourself.
I also love that Booklist said the book is a great discussion starter. There’s so much to consider when it comes to privacy, online and off.
In my previous novel, The Renegade Reporters, I delved into the ways big corporations are tracking, sharing, and profiting off our personal information. So Over Sharing makes these questions more personal, since it’s the characters’ mothers sharing and profiting off their personal information.
These are big, complex issues that are worth thinking and talking about. I hope seeing how Hadley and Willow feel about their situations will make readers consider and talk about how they feel themselves.
The part of the Booklist quote that makes me happiest of all, though, is “paced perfectly.” Such high praise for a work of fiction! If I could, I’d put a big heart icon under those words. : )
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Hadley and Willow?
A: Hadley and Willow have very different personalities, but sometimes that makes for the best friendships. Hadley is anxious, unsure of herself, socially awkward, and eager to please. Willow is confident and sure of her opinions, though some of that self-assurance is masking insecurity.
The two girls initially bond over the shared experience of their moms being influencers, but they also just enjoy each other’s company. As the book goes on, Willow helps push Hadley to speak up for herself, and Hadley helps Willow feel appreciated for being her true self.
I also think it’s important to note that Hadley and Willow don’t live near each other, so their friendship grows online, through text messages and a private Instagram page. Technology and social media can absolutely be a force for good!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have a middle grade graphic novel moving very slo-o-o-o-wly through the publishing pipeline. I can’t say much about it now except that it’s a lot of fun and I can’t wait until it will finally, finally be out in the world.
I also have another picture book due out in 2027, and it will once again be illustrated by Omer Hoffmann, who illustrated Hanukkah Upside Down. Yay!
I’m currently working on a picture book biography about a talented woman history has largely overlooked. I’m also thinking about trying my hand at a historical novel for adults inspired by that same woman. I’m not sure if I can write for adults, but I’m excited (and nervous!) to find out.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: We talked about So Over Sharing being a discussion starter. I’d love to be part of that discussion! I’m available to visit schools, libraries, and book clubs—in person or virtually. Let’s use modern technology for good!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Elissa Brent Weissman.
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