Cheizong
asked
Laurie Halse Anderson:
Hi Laurie, so I am an ordinary high school student and right now in Language Arts. Right now we are reading speak and my teacher wants us to look for answers on how you found the stuff you did. So my question is what did you have to research in order to write this book? Did you have to look through plenty of stuff? Or was some of it from personal experience? I would really love to know, thank you.
Laurie Halse Anderson
I was sexually assaulted when I was 13, so I didn't have to research much.
I did talk to emergency room docs and psychiatrists to understand how teens deal with trauma, and the clinical implications of not getting help after a traumatic experience.
I did talk to emergency room docs and psychiatrists to understand how teens deal with trauma, and the clinical implications of not getting help after a traumatic experience.
More Answered Questions
Shawna Johnson
asked
Laurie Halse Anderson:
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?
Sharon
asked
Laurie Halse Anderson:
It sounds like there are some autobiographical elements to your stories. Do you find this cathartic?
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