Jessica Desouza

Jessica Desouza asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

When writing Wintergirls, what was your mindset? As I was reading it, it almost felt like I had anorexia, the words were just so captivating...

Laurie Halse Anderson I struggled emotionally when I was writing the book. It really forced me to confront my own messed-up body image and realize how often I was letting my feelings be dominated by if I loved or hated the size of my thighs. Writing the book turned out to be a very healthy thing because I stopped defining myself by media interpretations about the size I "should" be. I love my body and I love food and being alive now - SO MUCH NICER!!

More Answered Questions

Rebecca

Rebecca asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

Do you ever consult with teens/young adults before or while writing your books for their opinions or feedback? How do you ensure that your books are something that they can relate to?

Carson

Carson asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

I'm a huge fan of your work, especially Speak. I wanted to ask how or why you decided to format Speak in verse unlike your usual writing style. Did you consciously make this decision before starting to write the book? Thank you.

Callie

Callie asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

You're books always have a real life situation that the teenagers have to face, such as rape in "Speak," an eating disorder in "Wintergirls," and a parent who the kid has to take care of in "The Impossible Knife of Memory." So my question is, do you have any news you can share on the new book you are writing, if you are writing one right now?

All answers from Laurie Halse Anderson…

Laurie Halse Anderson

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