Paula K.
asked
Zoje Stage:
Having lived with IBD for well over a decade, & experiencing exactly what you wrote about- strictures, scar tissue, fistulas, biologics, etc- eventually winding up with a perm ileo- I found your description of ileostomies pretty offensive. Truthfully It's a lot nicer living with one than with a diseased colon. I'm not sure if your own personal fears colored your writing? Everything else re. IBD was spot on, but jeez..
Zoje Stage
Hi Paula,
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
More Answered Questions
Richard Jackson
asked
Zoje Stage:
Hi, I just finished "Baby Teeth" last night. I found it to be a riveting and well crafted story. You clearly did your research. I had a hard time putting it down. I'm looking forward to your next release. I enjoyed how you switched perspectives between Suzette and Hanna. I am glad you are not planning a sequel. No real question for you other than what are you working on now? Thanks for the great read.
Angela Marie
asked
Zoje Stage:
I'm a clinical psychologist myself and absolutely loved this book! I'm going to encourage my colleagues and friends to read this book. Thanks for portraying the importance of psychology and seeking mental health services! Could a sequel show the effects of mental health treatment?
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