Interview with Becky Albertalli

In honour of Simon's first birthday, I am FINALLY posting the long awaited interview with Becky Albertalli. This was such a great experience, so I thank you, Becky, for taking the time to answer my questions. It means the world to me. <3

First thing's first: Where did the idea of Simon come from?

It’s funny – I don’t entirely know! To be honest, it feels like the character appeared in my head, and I followed his voice to find the story.

Which authors would you say inspired you?

So many, but in particular, Jaclyn Moriarty and Stephen Chbosky were huge inspirations for me while writing SIMON. And J.K. Rowling, of course!!

What is your writing process? Do you have an outline, or do you just go in blindly?

I’m such a new writer that I’m still figuring out my process. But so far, I typically create an outline, but give myself permission to deviate from it while drafting. I also reread my high school journals before drafting, and I create Pinterest boards and playlists to keep me connected to the story.

How long did Simon take to write?

I drafted SIMON in about four months, and spent another month or so revising before querying agents.

Do you write every day, or do you have a set amount of time you write during the week?

I write most days, and I write every day when I’m on deadline (this is NOT something that works for all authors – it just seems to be good for my momentum). I have two young children, so my writing time always depends on when we have childcare.

When you write, do you have a set word count/page count in mind, or do you just write until you feel you've got everything you need?

I write until I run out of steam.  I definitely don’t draft with word counts or page counts in mind.

What would you say are the easiest and hardest things about being a published author?

Easiest: The easiest part of being an author is probably the fact that I can (and do) work in my pajamas. However, the best part is hearing from readers who feel connected to my work.

Hardest: For me, it’s two things. The first is time management, especially when it comes to finding the balance between work and family time. I have a really hard time stepping away from my work. I’ve had to very consciously set some boundaries with my time. The second challenge for me is managing my own feelings about negative feedback to my book. I am very sensitive (I think a lot of writers are), and I honestly don’t want to be less sensitive – it makes me a stronger writer. But I do get really mopey when negative feedback lands on my doorstep.

Do you believe that Writer's Block is a thing that actually exists, or do you think no matter what, you can find a way to power through a place that you are stuck in?

I absolutely think it exists, though I’m sure everyone experiences it differently. I have strategies I use to power through, but they don’t always work for me.

Do you write in chronological order, or do you write out scenes, then bridge them together later?

I almost always write in chronological order, though I sometimes move things around in revisions.

What are your plans going into 2016? Do you see another book coming out any time in the near future?

I have a companion book to Simon (different characters, same universe) currently expected to release from HarperCollins in early 2017. It’s about the friends and family Abby left behind in Washington, DC.

Do you think you'll write anything outside of YA LGBTQ+?

This is actually a really complicated question for me! In short, yes – and my second book actually features a straight mc (though there are quite a few major LBQP side characters). I think I’ll always be aware of including LGBTQIAP+ characters and characters from other marginalized groups – I can’t imagine telling an honest story without diversity. However, I do think it’s important for me to be conscious of appropriation and talking over marginalized voices. I’m a straight author. I do hope to write more books in the LGBTQIAP+ space. But I also think it’s important for me to step back sometimes and focus on promoting #ownvoices stories.

What was the process of publishing like for you?

For SIMON, it was a bit of a fairy tale! I queried a handful of agents after attending a conference in my hometown – and one of the agents I met at the conference (Brooks Sherman) offered representation five days later. He sold SIMON to HarperCollins in a pre-empt four days after I signed with him.

That being said, I’ve rewritten my second book six times so far, and it’s still not where it needs to be. Every book has a different journey!

Do you proofread/edit your own work, or is that something you strictly like an editor do?

I edit nonstop, even as I’m drafting, and I do multiple revisions on my own after finishing a draft. I also work with amazing critique partners, who read my work before I submit it to my agent and editor. Revision is such an intensive process. I’m lucky to have an incredible editor, agent, and support system to help me through it.

Do negative reviews of Simon bother you, or do you just tend to stay away from them as much as possible?

They totally bother me, and I totally try to stay away from them. A few always slip through the cracks – either they’re sent to me directly, or I get into an anxious place and seek them out. Becoming comfortable with them is an ongoing process!

I know some authors aren't permitted to read fan-fiction of their own work. Is that something you are permitted to do? Do you do it?

I think I’m permitted? I totally read it, and it is my actual favorite thing. I have some very talented readers. <3

I know if you weren't an author, you'd probably still be a practising Clinical Psychologist. What made you take up writing instead?

I would almost say it happened by chance! I had always wanted to write a novel, but never thought I’d actually do it. But then I left my full-time psychology job when my older son was born. And right about when I would have been thinking about finding another job, we decided we were going to move from Washington, DC to Atlanta. Obviously, I couldn’t look for jobs in DC, so I was kind of spinning my wheels. That’s when I decided to take one shot at writing the book I’d always wanted to write.

Is there anything else you could see yourself doing?

Honestly, right now, it’s hard to imagine going back to my psychology career. So…no, not really!

What is your advice for teenagers/young adults looking into becoming authors themselves?

I know I’ll be echoing wiser authors here, but I’d say: read widely (especially in your genre, but also outside of it), and give yourself permission to draft without worrying about it ever being read. Also, for what it’s worth, the journals I kept as a teen were unbelievably helpful years later, as an adult writing YA. I always recommend journaling your high school experiences – it helps keep those moments so vividly alive.

Does your time as a Clinical Psychologist help your writing?

This is a complicated question! In some ways, it absolutely helps – I’ve gotten to spend time with teenagers, acclimate to their speech patterns, etc. But it’s also been a challenge. Psychologists have to be extremely careful about protecting information shared in therapy sessions – which means you’ll never read anything in one of my books that’s based on one of my clients. It requires an extra level of carefulness to make sure those stories don’t slip into my creative work.

Do you write the kind of books you yourself enjoy reading?

No question. I write exactly the kind of books I like to read.

Is there a particular inspirational quote that motivates you?

Oh gosh – not really!

Do you enjoy book to movie adaptations?

I do! One of my recent favorites was The Fault In Our Stars, which I found to be so faithful to the book. So, I’m incredibly excited to be working with the same team (Temple Hill Entertainment and Fox2000) on the Simon adaptation.

Can you tell us anything about the Simon movie adaptation?

Unfortunately, there’s not much information yet! Right now, the book has been optioned by Temple Hill and Fox, and there are amazing screenwriters working on a script (Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger). However, a film option doesn’t necessarily lead to an actual movie being made. There are still some hurdles to jump over, but my fingers are crossed!