Ariel Silverstein
asked
Huntley Fitzpatrick:
I am a student currently writing my EPQ on realistic fiction and young adult novels. I was wondering what is your opinion on whether realistic fiction and young adult novels sometimes romanticise topics such as mental health, terminal illness and addiction? As you are a highly skilled author, I would love to hear your ideas on the topic. Thank you for your time!
Huntley Fitzpatrick
Hi Ariel!
How can I just have found this question when you wrote it a year ago?
Anyway, I'm sure you've found all the answers you need, but I'll weigh in anyway.
It's a difficult question for every author who deals with hard and realistic topics to know whether we are romanticizing or simply addressing them. IF we write about characters in a way that's sympathetic to their struggles...it can be seen as romanticizing. Following characters down the rabbit hole of their own subjective experiences can both validate those experiences and make them seem like the only reality possible when feelings are not eternal facts, they are feelings that may pass.
Not entirely sure that answers your question. But thank you for making me think hard about what we are doing as writers.
Warmly,
Huntley
How can I just have found this question when you wrote it a year ago?
Anyway, I'm sure you've found all the answers you need, but I'll weigh in anyway.
It's a difficult question for every author who deals with hard and realistic topics to know whether we are romanticizing or simply addressing them. IF we write about characters in a way that's sympathetic to their struggles...it can be seen as romanticizing. Following characters down the rabbit hole of their own subjective experiences can both validate those experiences and make them seem like the only reality possible when feelings are not eternal facts, they are feelings that may pass.
Not entirely sure that answers your question. But thank you for making me think hard about what we are doing as writers.
Warmly,
Huntley
More Answered Questions
Alyss Lingga
asked
Huntley Fitzpatrick:
Hi Huntley! It's me! Alyss again!! I've read The Boy Most Likely To and it was suuuuuuper amazing-- I fell in love with Tim btw. SO IN LOVE.I'm just asking? When will Nic, my Nic, from WITWT get his own story? I'm so excited for him. Oh please oh please? Will he come back for Viv? (I hope not.) He deserves a new phase in his life. (Someone like me. Ha. Ha.) I can't wait to know :))))) -A.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more