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Ask the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

“Ask me a question.” Laurie Halse Anderson

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Are there any ways to access your books early to Beta read? (such as Rebellion 1776)
Laurie Halse Anderson That question is way above my pay grade. You'd have to reach out to the publishers for information about that.
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Book Idea: Can you write a YA fiction about teenage years of Adolf Hitler? I've already read your book Speak and Winter girls, and I found that you're brilliant at transcribing teen's mind and emotions. Popular media often portrays him as a psychopath or the evil itself. However, such a view is problematic in that it places all responsibility for his evil deeds on his abnormal mental state.
Laurie Halse Anderson That's an interesting idea, but it doesn't resonate with me. Perhaps you should write it.
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First, I just want to say thank you for writing Fever 1793. I had been in a season where I wasn't reading enough, grabbed that book, and ended up finishing it that day! If you don't mind me asking, which of your books are most like Fever 1793? I love Historical Fiction and would love to discover more of your work.
Laurie Halse Anderson I'm so glad you liked Fever!! Since you did, I suspect you will LOVE my new book, Rebellion 1776, that will be published on April 1. You can read more about it here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
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I've seen that you wrote several historical novels. Can you write historical novel set in medieval times or Sengoku Period?
Laurie Halse Anderson I've been studying American history from 1760 - 1815 for more than thirty years. Even with that background, each new historical novel takes me about four years of research and writing. To write about a different country, culture, and time would take another lifetime of research, so sadly, I won't be writing about those periods.

Perhaps that's a book that you need to write!
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I'm asking again. I adopted "Speak" for the stage. Will you read the script and comment or grant me permission to mount a production or have a reading? Please respond
Laurie Halse Anderson I'm not in a position to read scripts. Permission for theater or film adaptations needs to go through Writers House: https://www.writershouse.com/media-ri...
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Hi. Aspiring writer here. What would do when you have writers block?
Laurie Halse Anderson It depends on the weather. If it's nice outside, I grab a notebook and go for a long walk. As I walk, my mind wanders. (A wandering mind is a writer's most important tool, IMHO.) After a while, story ideas begin to pop up. I'll pause to write them down, then walk some more. If the weather is rotten, I'll walk in a mall or go to the gym and do the same thing. Moving your body helps move your imagination past the blocks to a place where the ideas flow.
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Have you read The Fall of Innocence by Jenny Torres Sanchez? It made me think of you!
Laurie Halse Anderson I am looking forward to it!!!
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Do you think that a 13 year old could self publish?
Laurie Halse Anderson Of course - that's one of the great things about self-publishing!
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Can you tell us a two-sentence horror story?
Laurie Halse Anderson I opened my email.

The monsters laughed.
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Do you plan on releasing Speak and Shout in a box set? Because I want to buy it if you do!
Laurie Halse Anderson I don't think that will happen because they are published by two different companies. But it is a great idea!
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Hi, Laurie. My only question is would you give a shout out to my sophomore students at Stagg High School? We just finished exploring your book, and I have to say that my students loved reading it as much as I loved teaching it. I hope we did it justice. I compiled a found poem from their answers to the question: "Why is Speak a universal story?" I'll be mailing it to you. Thank you kindly, Room 146
Laurie Halse Anderson HELLO, AMAZING SOPHOMORES AT STAGG HIGH SCHOOL!!

I'm honored that you liked my book!
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Hi my Name is Dominique Guerra and I just started writing a book and I was wondering how would I get permission to use a reference from your book winter girls?
Laurie Halse Anderson What kind of reference?
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You're going to be at my university on April 4th and I am so excited! Your books were such a huge part of my high school experience. I really hope to personally meet and talk with you! (?)
Laurie Halse Anderson It was a pleasure to meet you!!
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My question pertains to Speak and your use of Picasso as inspiration. Picasso is documented as having been controlling, abusive, unfaithful, and manipulative toward women. I found it interesting that he would inspire Melinda. I am teaching Speak next month. So my question is this: Was the use of Picasso intentional because of his abusive tendencies? Or, was it simply an artist most young adults would know?
Laurie Halse Anderson I wanted Melinda to learn from his shifting views of perspective and visual imagery of fractured self. And yes, he is frequently taught in high school.
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Was it emotionally challenging for you to write books like Speak and Wintergirls?
Laurie Halse Anderson Absolutely. During the writing process I had to practice regular self-care, making sure I had plenty of time away the stories, and getting outside to clear my head.
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In 2012(?), I read your book Yellow Fever. My teacher said to send an email to you and ask questions. My friend and I said cruel things about you and your mother. You replied back to our email and stated that your mother had died. This has resonated with me, and I wanted to apologize for my rude behavior. I am now a 9th grader who has a deep love and appreciation for writing. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Laurie Halse Anderson Thank you very, very much for taking the time to write again. I happily accept your apology. I appreciate that you have matured since then and that you wanted to set things right. I have so much respect for you!

Also, I'm really happy that you love books!
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I just finished Twisted and now I'm left with my stomach Twisted. Could you please give me some closure?
Laurie Halse Anderson What kind of closure are you looking for?
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What inspired you to write a story like Wintergirls? It's one of my favorite books of all time!
Laurie Halse Anderson Hearing from readers who were struggling with eating disorders made me want to write about their battle. Eating disorders have the highest fatality rate of any mental illness. I wanted to tell a story that would show people how devastating they are.
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What is your opinion on the show me dont tell me exercises writing classes teach in schools? Personally I loved it and it helped me a lot with detail.
Laurie Halse Anderson I think they are great. I do that kind of writing all the time.
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I really look up to you not only as a writing but as a person. I was wondering if you have any tips for my situation? Well, the town I live in, and have lived in for over 10 years, there has been a series of deaths; we've had over 30 since December. I'm still only 15 but, I really want to make a difference in my town. Not only for me, but for my younger sibling and students that feel as if they don't have a voice.
Laurie Halse Anderson I am so sorry that you all are going through that nightmare. At the same time, I'm proud of you for recognizing the need for leadership, both as an older sibling and within your community.

In my experience, talking can help with the sadness that death brings. But sometimes you might not want to talk. That's when it's important to have something to DO - something physical and healthy. I think that is why 5K walks and runs are so popular. When a group of people come together for a common cause and move their bodies - be it walking, or rehabbing a building, cleaning a park, - positive and healing energy is created.

Also make sure that everyone has access to hotlines like To Write Love On Her Arms: https://twloha.com/, The Trevor Project: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/, RAINN: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s..., and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://rainn.org/get-help/national-s...

Thank you again for caring. You are an amazing person!
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