In The world House Sophie is Autistic, Her character is my favorite, how did you research autism or do you know someone with autism? Do you base all your characters on people you know? Which of your characters is most like you? Thanks Lisa
Hi Lisa. I like Sophie too, she was the most interesting to write.
I rarely base characters on people I know (though I steal people’s names!) but always play the characters in my head. This is where my background as an actor helps, I always write in character.
On the tricky subject of research though: Sophie came almost fully-formed as soon as I started and I just ran with it. I never specify Sophie’s condition for the simple reason that having ended up with such a strong sense of who she was I didn’t want to limit myself. Nor did it seem right to write a character stated as being autistic without committing a serious amount of research first to ensure I wasn’t misrepresenting the condition.
The character most like me is Miles I’m afraid!
No comments have been added yet.
