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Ask the Author: Becky Albertalli
Answered Questions (29)
Becky Albertalli
Thank you!! This is probably the obvious answer, but I think my favorite character really is Simon. I just feel like I know him so well!
I probably relate to Simon the most, but I also relate closely to Leah, Alice, and (eek!) Simon's mom. <3
I probably relate to Simon the most, but I also relate closely to Leah, Alice, and (eek!) Simon's mom. <3
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much! Spanish-language rights have been purchased by Urano, but I don't have information yet about their publication schedule.
For more information about my international publishers, see this page! http://www.beckyalbertalli.com/foreign/
For more information about my international publishers, see this page! http://www.beckyalbertalli.com/foreign/
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much!! For me, the book started with Simon's character, and I followed his voice to find the story.
It's hard for me to pinpoint how being a psychologist helped me. I didn't feel like I was directly applying my training and experience to Simon's character - it was much more organic than that! However, I imagine my psych training and experience helped me understand Simon more deeply, on some level. In particular, I think my experience with LGBTQ kids, teens, and adults helped me avoid stereotypes (hopefully!).
It's hard for me to pinpoint how being a psychologist helped me. I didn't feel like I was directly applying my training and experience to Simon's character - it was much more organic than that! However, I imagine my psych training and experience helped me understand Simon more deeply, on some level. In particular, I think my experience with LGBTQ kids, teens, and adults helped me avoid stereotypes (hopefully!).
Becky Albertalli
I’m not the best person to give this advice, because I’ve never had to come out. But I highly recommend connecting with friends who have come out, or who are considering coming out.
Again, the Trevor Project has a great resource for this: https://www.trevorspace.org
For advice on navigating LGBTQIAP+ issues in school, I recommend GLSEN: http://www.glsen.org
If you’re a parent or an ally of an LGBTQIAP+ kid or teen, consider becoming involved in PFLAG. https://community.pflag.org
Again, the Trevor Project has a great resource for this: https://www.trevorspace.org
For advice on navigating LGBTQIAP+ issues in school, I recommend GLSEN: http://www.glsen.org
If you’re a parent or an ally of an LGBTQIAP+ kid or teen, consider becoming involved in PFLAG. https://community.pflag.org
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so, so much. <3 That makes me so happy!
Becky Albertalli
That's such a wonderful question, and I honestly think it's open to reader interpretation. It wasn't something I included on purpose, and it certainly wasn't something Simon is aware of, but maybe? I'd be curious to hear what others think!
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much!! Oh, I wish I had the answer to this. Sometimes it's helpful for me to step away from the document and try to connect with my story in a different way, like through music or a Pinterest board. Unfortunately, I haven't found something that works for me every time! I'm still learning. :-)
Becky Albertalli
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Becky Albertalli
It absolutely does! MC is a straight, chubby Jewish girl, but almost every major member of the supporting cast is LGBTQP (and mostly women).
Becky Albertalli
I type! And my favorite moments of the writing process are when I get in the zone (do you know what I mean? There are moments in writing where the story feels like it's writing itself).
Becky Albertalli
Book two (expected early 2017) is a loose companion book - different characters, same universe. It follows the friends and family Abby left behind in DC. I'm hesitant to give details, since things are still up in the air, but right now, there are cameos from a few familiar faces!
I've considered writing an additional Shady Creek book from another character's POV, but I won't write a direct sequel from Simon or Blue's perspective. I couldn't bear to break them up!!
I've considered writing an additional Shady Creek book from another character's POV, but I won't write a direct sequel from Simon or Blue's perspective. I couldn't bear to break them up!!
Becky Albertalli
This answer contains spoilers…
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Becky Albertalli
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Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much! Right now, Simon is under option with Fox 2000 and Temple Hill (the same collaborators that did TFIOS!!), but it's in the very early stages. Unfortunately, optioned books don't always make it to the big screen, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Right now, our amazing screenwriters are working on the script. I'm not involved as a producer, but two of my agents (with whom I've worked very closely and trust with all my heart) are formal producers for the project. And Temple Hill is amazing! They've made it clear that, if this film makes it to production, they'd like my input!
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much! To be honest, most of the time, I pick character names because they're names I love (even Martin). In this case, I was super careful with Blue's name, since there were so many clues involved, and the meaning of Simon's name did hold some significance!
Becky Albertalli
Hufflepuff, of course!
Becky Albertalli
I am so happy I was able to activate your feels! I am actually working on rewrites for a loose companion book to Simon, tentatively expected to publish in the fall of 2016!
Becky Albertalli
I think I'm most proud of the moments where this book has resonated with actual teens, especially LGBTQIA+ teens. When I wrote this book, the thing I wanted most was for the story to make a kid somewhere feel understood. Getting emails from those readers is always unbelievably special.
What would I change? I think I would have found a better nickname for the creeksecrets Tumblr! I get gentle nudges almost daily from readers who want me to know it's just called Tumblr, not "the Tumblr." And I do know that. I'm on Tumblr. :-) In the case of the book, it was important to have these conversations happening within a particular community, as opposed to the big, wide world of Tumblr. That's where I was going with it - but clearly it didn't work for many of you, and that's on me!
What would I change? I think I would have found a better nickname for the creeksecrets Tumblr! I get gentle nudges almost daily from readers who want me to know it's just called Tumblr, not "the Tumblr." And I do know that. I'm on Tumblr. :-) In the case of the book, it was important to have these conversations happening within a particular community, as opposed to the big, wide world of Tumblr. That's where I was going with it - but clearly it didn't work for many of you, and that's on me!
Becky Albertalli
Oh, I'm so glad this resonated - thank you so much! Your question makes perfect sense, and I think authors tend to approach this issue in a number of different ways. For me, I think it's a combination of research, checking in with community members from the group you're writing about, and being open to feedback.
That being said, Simon's actually very similar to me in a lot of ways!
That being said, Simon's actually very similar to me in a lot of ways!
Becky Albertalli
I do listen to the Elected, and I totally agree - he sounds a bit like Elliott! :-D
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