Sydney Waddle
asked
Becky Albertalli:
Read your book in less than three days. Never been more captivated by a fictional character in my entire life... It made me want to read even more by you!! What made you decide to write this book? As a psychologist, how did that help you develop Simon's character?
Becky Albertalli
Thank you so much!! For me, the book started with Simon's character, and I followed his voice to find the story.
It's hard for me to pinpoint how being a psychologist helped me. I didn't feel like I was directly applying my training and experience to Simon's character - it was much more organic than that! However, I imagine my psych training and experience helped me understand Simon more deeply, on some level. In particular, I think my experience with LGBTQ kids, teens, and adults helped me avoid stereotypes (hopefully!).
It's hard for me to pinpoint how being a psychologist helped me. I didn't feel like I was directly applying my training and experience to Simon's character - it was much more organic than that! However, I imagine my psych training and experience helped me understand Simon more deeply, on some level. In particular, I think my experience with LGBTQ kids, teens, and adults helped me avoid stereotypes (hopefully!).
More Answered Questions
Jessica
asked
Becky Albertalli:
As someone who is obsessed with both Rilo Kiley and Elliott Smith (and your book, obviously), I have to ask: do you listen to The Elected? Two of its members were also in Rilo Kiley, and Blake Sennett's voice reminds me a bit of Elliott Smith's. I don't think they're as good as Rilo Kiley, but some of their songs are really good.
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