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A Flicker in the Dark

Questions About A Flicker in the Dark

by Stacy Willingham (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (49)

Spoiler please: Does the "unreliable narrator" have a supposed mental illness? I'm getting really damned tired of "schizophrenic" characters that don't have a single symptom of the illness being used by ignorant authors.
Carol I didn't think she had a mental illness, certainly not schizophrenia. I think she had anxiety and trauma, but anyone who grew up the way she did would…moreI didn't think she had a mental illness, certainly not schizophrenia. I think she had anxiety and trauma, but anyone who grew up the way she did would have some kind of anxiety to overcome.(less)
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Dennis H
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What is the point of the section breaks in the book - May 2019, June 2019, July 2019? It seems unnecessary to the story to have these since the story isn't going back and forth in time.
Stacy Willingham Hey there, I can pop in to answer this one. Chloe mentions in the beginning of the novel that her anxiety worsens as summer stretches on, culminating …moreHey there, I can pop in to answer this one. Chloe mentions in the beginning of the novel that her anxiety worsens as summer stretches on, culminating in the month of July, which is when her father was arrested. The section breaks are simply a way of showing that, as her anxiety is becoming heightened, time is also marching forward to that month she always dreads.(less)
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During one flashback/memory scene during Chloe's time at LSU, she mentions wanting to get her PhD and eventually her Master's. I've only ever seen the progression go the other way - Master's then PhD (or just straight to PhD after undergrad). Do some schools or fields do it differently?
Stacy Willingham Hey there, this is actually a great question and one I can answer for you, since I've gotten it a lot!

Clinical psychologists who live in states that …moreHey there, this is actually a great question and one I can answer for you, since I've gotten it a lot!

Clinical psychologists who live in states that allow psychologists to prescribe medications (including, in this case, Louisiana) require a lot of additional training. First, they have to complete a doctoral degree in psychology; then, they have to complete a postdoctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology. It's a little bit backwards sounding, and sort of an odd rule that's unique to Louisiana and a handful of other states, because normally, you are correct: masters first, then PhD.

I hope this helps! I debated including all of this in the book itself, but it felt like extraneous detail that wasn't really necessary... I really appreciate the question, though, as well as the opportunity to explain!(less)
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Cherron
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Unanswered Questions (1)

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