Michael Waters
asked
Becky Albertalli:
How did your time as a high school psychologist factor into the writing of SIMON? Were you inspired to write the book (and the main character) after meeting a particular student?
Becky Albertalli
This is such an important question, and I'm so glad to have the opportunity to answer it. Being both an author and a psychologist requires a tricky kind of balance. I loved having the chance to spend time in a high school, and I think working in that environment absolutely helped me get into the mindset for writing YA. However, I was (and always will be) super careful not to base any characters on students or clients I've worked with. As a psychologist, my clients have trusted me with their private thoughts and emotional experiences, and there is nothing more important to me than maintaining their confidentiality.
In a general sense, though, I am very inspired by the students I've gotten to know, and I try to let their courage, humor, and wisdom inform both my writing and my day-to-day choices!
(Also: hi, John! <3)
In a general sense, though, I am very inspired by the students I've gotten to know, and I try to let their courage, humor, and wisdom inform both my writing and my day-to-day choices!
(Also: hi, John! <3)
More Answered Questions
Mathilde Tamae-Bouhon
asked
Becky Albertalli:
One of the things that immediately made me fall hard for SIMON was the importance of music to the characters (and I really loved the fact that Simon himself seemed to worship Elliott Smith much the same way I worship David Bowie.) So I was wondering: do you listen to music (and if yes what kind) when you write? Do you make playlists in relation to your books?
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