Katie
asked
Elizabeth Wein:
I would like to thank you for creating such beautiful queer characters in CNV/TPT. It is so refreshing to be able to see myself in books without the queer aspect being the main thing (and I have friends who feel the same way). When you wrote the books, did you think that putting in LGBTQ+ characters so simply would fill LGBTQ+ readers with such joy?
Elizabeth Wein
Well, when I wrote CNV I decided that I didn't want to define the central relationship as sexual or romantic because I wanted it to be about friendship. And I wanted to leave the interpretation of that relationship up to the reader. That way, people can relate to it regardless of their own sexuality.
In The Pearl Thief, I definitely had LGBTQ readers of CNV in mind, and yes, I certainly HOPED that they would be filled with joy! But I also wanted to celebrate exploration and possibilities. I loved just giving Julie a chance to enjoy herself and test limits and discover what she liked - without it being a big deal.
Personally I feel that sex or sexuality is rarely the "main thing" in a person's life - I mean, you're going to school, or working, or dealing with family, or buying food, or bicycling, or going to a movie, or commuting, or cleaning your house, or making things, or hanging out with your friends, or WHATEVER, most of the time - even if you're in a loving relationship or looking for one - so it makes sense to me that my characters' sexuality, whatever it is, is not the focus of their stories.
I am so, so happy that you see yourself in my books and can relate to them! So you are very welcome. <3
warmly, e wein
In The Pearl Thief, I definitely had LGBTQ readers of CNV in mind, and yes, I certainly HOPED that they would be filled with joy! But I also wanted to celebrate exploration and possibilities. I loved just giving Julie a chance to enjoy herself and test limits and discover what she liked - without it being a big deal.
Personally I feel that sex or sexuality is rarely the "main thing" in a person's life - I mean, you're going to school, or working, or dealing with family, or buying food, or bicycling, or going to a movie, or commuting, or cleaning your house, or making things, or hanging out with your friends, or WHATEVER, most of the time - even if you're in a loving relationship or looking for one - so it makes sense to me that my characters' sexuality, whatever it is, is not the focus of their stories.
I am so, so happy that you see yourself in my books and can relate to them! So you are very welcome. <3
warmly, e wein
More Answered Questions
Gads300
asked
Elizabeth Wein:
I am in disbelief that the film or tv industry has not adopted Code Name. It is the most dramatic novel I have in years, strong female role models, with a moral message about what is true courage. The two main female leads would be dream come true roles! I'm bias, I know, but the book, with all its many nuances, would translate into incredible film. Any chance of a movie?
Sarah
asked
Elizabeth Wein:
You are an amazing author. Code Name Verity is the best book I have ever read, and believe me, I've read a lot. You had me laughing at Queenie's wit and sharpness, and had me crying my eyes out. Once I finished it I immediately turned back to page one and read it all over again. How did you think to write the book as the confessional journal? It is such a unique way of writing. Did you have the overall plot planned?
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