Yara Hossam

Yara Hossam asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

What inspired speak? I mean were you bullied before and decided to transform this terrible incident into something that would inspire so many people?

Laurie Halse Anderson I was raped the summer before 9th grade and I didn't tell anyone about it for 25 years. I was bullied a little (was the new kid in HS, the poor kid, the depressed and slightly weird kid), but I was bigger, stronger, and a bit threatening, so it didn't go very far. I did have a couple of wonderful friends and some kind teachers - they saved my life. As did the school library.

SPEAK is based a little on what happened to me. The heart of Melinda's story is me, but the book is 90% fiction. I wrote it to help myself make sense of what had happened to me. The fact that it has become an important book to my readers is an incredible blessing to me.

More Answered Questions

Dana

Dana asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

Are any of your book characters based on people in real life? I know that many authors write characters inspired by people they've met, but I'm curious to know-- do you ever meet someone and just want to write something about them? Thanks! <3

Rebecca

Rebecca asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

I've been wondering this ever since I read Speak and Wintergirls, do you have a background in Psychology? You've mentioned that your an avid researcher. Was it research that helped you capture the emotional states and self-talk of Lia (Wintergirls) and Melinda (Speak)?

Hendrick Amt

Hendrick Amt asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

I've read TWISTED a thousand times (23 to be more honest) and it's just so amazing. I couldn't fight the urge to make sure I show my appreciation towards the book and Author. The whole farther son relationship that was portrayed in book was beautiful, thank you so much for such an amazing book. Since I think a question is required i will go ahead and ask will there be a sequel to the book?

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Laurie Halse Anderson

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