I want my readers to know I am not anti-religion. However, every religion can be home to extremeists. Truly, I didn't start out to write Burned about any religion, but about a girl who winds up in a Columbine-type situation. She happen to resemble a Mormon girl who I knew. I once visited her apartment. She and her boyfriend had stockpiled weapons and explosives against the coming "End of Times" forewarned by her church. The character of Pattyn von Stratten was likely born on that visit.

Argument: Hopkins writes about very controversial topics because they are extremely realistic topics in todays society. Claim: Ellen Hopkins impacts the lives of her readers and tries in influence them positively. Her books are eye openers. Evidence: "I write about subjects that many authors prefer to shun--drugs, abuse, suicide, sexual orientation. Today's young adults deal with these issues on a daily basis. Only by shedding light on them can we come, not only to understand them, but to move beyond them toward a more positive future." http://bna.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/bna/short_bio/GALE%7C20439570/Hopkins,%20Ellen

Argument: Ellen Hopkins uses a free-verse form of poetry to portray a more passionate connection between the character and reader. Claim: Hopkins is able to describe every detail, clearly and precise without being as formal. Evidence: "masterfully used verse to re-create the yearnings and emotions of a teenage girl trapped in tragic circumstances" "The free-verse form seems to resonate with readers, and Hopkins continues to employ the devices in her young adult fiction." http://bna.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/bna/about_the_book/GALE%7CM1300157206#writings

Argument: Hopkins' personal experiences impact the diction used in the novel. Claim: Since Hopkins is a mother herself, her choice of diction through out the novel reflect her personal experiences, feelings and how she dealt with this event when her own daughter was abusing meth. Evidence: "raised her own family" "taking inspiration from her own daughter's addiction to meth-amphetamine." http://bna.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/bna/about_the_book/GALE%7CM1300131598