Nadiya
asked
Laurie Halse Anderson:
Why haven't you written any books with LGBT characters? I love your books and feel they are realistic portrayals of teenagers, but LGBT people are also part of this reality.
Laurie Halse Anderson
Thank you for asking this!! You are one hundred percent correct about the reality of LGBT people. I have been learning about the lives of LGBT teens and trying to be a good ally to them forever. As soon as the right story about an LGBT character (or characters) pops up in my head, I'll write it!!
But it has to be the Right Story. Trying to force an issue, i.e. "Let's Write About Teh Gay," never works. If you ever read a truly disrespectful, cringe-worthy book, it probably started in that mind-set. The best stories come out of a deep, organic place. I don't know how it works for other writers, but I've learned to be patient with the process.
While you are waiting for me, I hope you are reading books like the ones you can find listed in this tumblr post by the wonderful Nita Tyndall: http://nitatyndall.tumblr.com/post/11...
Can I ask you a question? What do you think are the best books with LGBT characters?
But it has to be the Right Story. Trying to force an issue, i.e. "Let's Write About Teh Gay," never works. If you ever read a truly disrespectful, cringe-worthy book, it probably started in that mind-set. The best stories come out of a deep, organic place. I don't know how it works for other writers, but I've learned to be patient with the process.
While you are waiting for me, I hope you are reading books like the ones you can find listed in this tumblr post by the wonderful Nita Tyndall: http://nitatyndall.tumblr.com/post/11...
Can I ask you a question? What do you think are the best books with LGBT characters?
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