Lillian Clark asked Phil Stamper:

As a fellow space fan (one of my characters is an aspiring astronaut), I am so excited to read your book! A book question: What draws you to writing YA contemporary? And a book-adjacent question: Given the opportunity (and all realistic constraints aside) would you volunteer for a manned mission to Mars?

Phil Stamper After reading SIMON, I really fell into the world of YA contemporary. It was the first time I really saw myself on the page, and the power of that led me to writing queer YA contemporary.

Honestly, Mars is ... far away. I don't know if I could give up years of my life for a journey like that. That said, I would 100% go into space if I was given the opportunity, regardless of any risk. I'd just like it to be a shorter trip. ;)

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