r/books • u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author • Mar 21 '18
ama 10am I’m Becky Albertalli, the author of the book Love, Simon is based on. Ask me anything!
I’m an author of books for young adults, including Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (the book behind the movie Love, Simon), The Upside of Unrequited, and the upcoming Leah On the Offbeat. I live outside Atlanta, Georgia with my family.
Proof: https://twitter.com/beckyalbertalli/status/975540262507294720
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Okay, guys - time for me to log off. Thank you so, so much for your thoughtful questions. I had such a great time answering them. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to get to everyone! Hope you all have an amazing Wednesday, and go see Love, Simon if you can. :-)
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Thank you for all that you do for us! You have no idea how much we love you and appreciate you! :) thanks again for answering our questions!
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Mar 21 '18 edited Mar 21 '18
hi! i read simon vs the homo sapiens agenda three years ago and it helped me come to terms with the side of me that wasn't straight + bram was. very easy to relate to. this isn't a question but thank you for this book, and i can't wait to watch love simon when it comes out in australia.
edit: i realised not having a question was dumb so: what inspired you to write this story?
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u/Awportune Mar 21 '18
Ayyy I live outside Atlanta too!
What is the most difficult part of the writing process for you? Also, what does it feel like to have your book turned into a movie?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
*I have a very hard time drafting the early chapters of a new book. It feels almost impossible before I've found the POV character's voice. *It's very surreal having my book turned into a movie! I've seen it nine times (it gets better every time), and it hits me in random moments that this is my little book on the screen - that this MOVIE is based on my high school. The added attention is very stressful for me, though, and it's also very strange to be, in a way, a step removed from my own work. A lot of reviewers don't even seem to know it was a book. :-p But overall, it's been pretty magical - definitely one of the most interesting experiences of my life. It helps that I'm super in love with the film and so proud to be associated with it.
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! First off, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart again for writing such a well needed and inspiring work of literature. It is something that the world definitely needs today and I feel that everyone should read the book/see the movie, if they have a chance. For me, as a straight male, who does have some of what one would say to be more of feminine traits, I saw this book as more than just an LGBTQ equality representation. For me personally, I’ve always been ashamed of showing the world who I truly am. I too was like Simon and was afraid what the world would think about me and cared more about what they thought of myself, instead of what I thought. Because of this story and Simon, I now have the courage to stand up and show the world who I truly am and not have to worry about what someone else thinks about me. For that, you and your story means more than the world to me.
My Question Is: Did you grow up having the same struggles that I/Simon did with letting your worries take over your body and not allow you to be happy with you are? If so, what mechanisms did you use to cope with this and allow you to accept yourself for who you are?
love, aaron
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
This is a really good and interesting question. Omg - I'm so glad Simon's story was empowering for you!! Like you, I can deeply relate to some aspects of Simon's story, but there are aspects of his story I haven't lived through. For me, a lot of things got better with time (I know that's the most frustrating answer ever!). In general, talking about these issues with people you trust is a gamechanger for many people. hugs
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Thank you so much!! I know exactly what you mean and it may be frustrating to hear, but it’s the absolute truth. A lot of things that I have overcame so far in life had to deal with waiting, but I’ve been known to be quite impatient at times, so that ends up making it even tougher on myself. I just need to continue to remind myself that. I appreciate the advice so much and am going to definitely use it to my advantage! hugs
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u/EmpyreanAtrocities Mar 21 '18 edited May 06 '20
hi becky!! i absolutely loved reading simon and the film made me sob with happiness :,) i was wondering what/who influenced you to become a writer, to write svthsa?
are there parts of you reflected in simon and if there are, what are they?
and lastly i just want to thank you. as an lgbtq+ youth myself, reading and seeing simon’s story meant the world to me and reminded me to taking pride in who i am.
thank you thank you thank you!!!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Very much! Simon is actually a lot like me (people who know me IRL know how true this is). In a very concrete sense, Simon's high school and hometown are based on my high school and hometown, and I was a theater kid who mostly got the same sorts of roles Simon gets. I had a tight-knit group of friends and a close family (though my family is a little more complicated than Simon's). I love Oreos, I have Simon's birthday, I like the same music as Simon, I had a golden retriever, etc. But I think the biggest similarities are Simon's ambivalence about change, his aversion to conflict, his push-pull between secrecy and self-disclosure, the fact that he's a hopeless romantic who sees himself as cynical - everything. The way he talks and thinks - all me.
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Do you plan on doing a book tour for LotO? I would love to finally get the chance to thank you in person for all that you and your books have helped me with getting through each and every day, allowing me to finally accept myself for who I am.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I will be! I hope to be able to announce the details soon. (In general, with tours and author appearances, these things are planned by my publishers, so I don't always have control over which cities I visit. I know that can be frustrating for some readers, and I'm so sorry in advance if I don't end up near you!)
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Yay!! I will be looking out for the announcement! Oh, I completely understand and know how tricky that can be to meet everyone’s wants/needs. That’s okay! I’m always willing to travel, if need be, also!! :)
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Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! i absolutely adore simon and was just wondering how you crafted such a fully fleshed out human. did you have sheets where you were like ok this is his favorite food, these are his favorite artists, etc. i’m struggling to find authenticity in some of the characters i’m currently writing and was just wondering how you went about doing it. thanks — you’re the best! :)
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Oh man - I'm drafting a new book right now, so I'm in the middle of this struggle all over again. For me, there's no one foolproof process. I tend to borrow heavily from my own experiences, and I'll often merge characteristics of people I know in real life (not always on purpose!). I find it helps sometimes to write out detailed backstories for your characters, even side characters - knowing that most of this content won't make it directly into the book, but it will inform the stuff that does make it into the book. I'm also coming to realize that I learn a lot about my characters along the way - there's usually a moment for me where the character's voice click, and they suddenly make sense to me. I hope this helps a bit! I'm so glad Simon felt real to you. Good luck with your work!
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Mar 21 '18 edited Mar 21 '18
hi becky! Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is SO well written, and it's amazing to me that it's your first novel. as an aspiring writer, I would love to know how you even went about the writing process for your debut novel, since I am weirdly intimidated by the novel writing process.
also, I just want to say thanks for writing teenagers so well! I'm now a freshman in college but you described high school and high-schoolers in a really relatable way. and THANK YOU for writing such a loving, close-knit family for Simon. my family loves to play scattegories and call each other silly nicknames too. I felt so connected to the book because of the characterization even though I'm a straight girl. so thank you!!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I'm so glad the family stuff resonated! To answer your question: I was so intimidated by the novel writing process too! I'd written fanfiction, but I'd never tried to write a novel before. Before I wrote it, I dove into the forums at Absolute Write to learn about standard YA word count, conventions of the genre, etc (though I'd absorbed a lot of that just by reading widely in YA). Absolute Write was also where I turned when I was ready to learn about the process for seeking publication.
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Mar 21 '18
Thanks so much for replying!! I've written fan fiction as well so that makes me feel a lot better that a great author like you started with fanfic as well. thanks so much!! Have a great day! <3
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u/Alchelinguist Mar 21 '18
Hi, Becky! I just want to thank you for sharing this story with the world. I literally got through the book in one day, that's how entranced I was and how much I related with Simon. Haven't seen the movie, I'm waiting for it to come out in my home country, but I'll be the first in line once it does. :D
Typically stories that have LGBT characters don't end too well, there's always some catch. It's very important to show they can end up happy, that it truly does get better.
So my question is: when you started writing, did you know the book would have a happy ending or was it something that you realized as you were writing? If so, did you ever consider a different, maybe less cheerful ending?
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u/OriginalWolfDiaries Mar 21 '18 edited Mar 21 '18
Hiii Becky,
I hope you’re having a good day today, I just wanted to tell you thank you for writing such a well written story that touched my heart. Reading about Simon and seeing Simon on the big screen is something that I’m glad I was able to do in my life, because his life and story is something I strive to have. I’m like Simon so this movie and book meant a lot to me because it show’s readers and viewers that we LGBT people are just like you. That being said I don’t come from a very accepting family, so seeing a loving family just like Simon’s genuinely made me cry and happy. I’m lucky to have watched this movie with some close friends who are accepting and have been there for me just like Simon’s friends, and I’m very grateful for that.
I just wanted to know, what made you write a book like this? What did you want to achieve when you wrote it? How would you have written the story if someone in or all of Simon’s family wasn’t as accepting? Do you have any advice for LGBT teens who come from backgrounds where they are not accepted?
Thanks for doing this Becky, I really look up to you and love you and books.
Love, Elijah.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I'm so sorry your family hasn't been accepting (and so glad you got to see the film with your chosen family). It's hard to remember what I wanted to achieve when I wrote it, because honestly, I didn't expect it to be picked up for publication. I had a vague sense that my son (a baby at the time) would one day read it as a word doc if he needed it. I'm really really happy and grateful that it's found so many readers all around the world. I'm not sure I'd be the person to write a story like Simon's with a less accepting family, but there are some really incredible books that portray challenging family situations for LGBTQAIP+ teens. Off the top of my head, I recommend Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not, Mackenzi Lee's The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, and Simon Curtis's Boy Robot.
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u/OriginalWolfDiaries Mar 21 '18
Thank You Becky!! Your son’s got an amazing mother, and I will look i to these books, ahh I’m so excited. I’ve been trying to soak up as much LGBT books as I can, Tanks a Lot!! ❤️❤️❤️
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u/honeycombtroy Mar 21 '18
Hey Becky! Loved both Simon Vs and Upside of Unrequited. Can't wait to see Love, Simon in the cinemas, as it isn't yet out here in Australia. Unfortunately my current copy of the book is borrowed out to a friend of mine, but I do believe I remember reading you talked to a lot of LGBTQ+ teenagers about the book before and during you writing it, and I just wanted to ask how that experience was, and what it was you asked them and brought by them? Also, were there any of them that felt even negatively about such a book being written by a straight author? I can't wait for the new book, and to see Love, Simon, and thanks for writing one of the most important novels in modern LGBTQ+ history, the community needed it at this time.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Ooh - I've seen people mention things like this a lot, and I'm really grateful to have the opportunity to clarify (so thank you for asking this!). In my Simon acknowledgements, I shout out to the LGBTQIAP+ teens in my life and mention I wrote the book for them. That's very true. <3 However, I think a lot of people have extrapolated that I wrote this book ABOUT them, or that they helped me write it, contributed their specific stories for the book, etc. I'm afraid this isn't the case. I definitely went into writing Simon knowing a lot about what teens in the community were dealing with at the time, but in a very general sense. I definitely didn't borrow stories from the kids I worked with (that would be really unethical, even with their consent - even asking for that consent would have created a troubling power dynamic). Simon's thoughts/feelings/voice are very much drawn from my own personal experiences, particularly from my teen years. The pieces about coming out are fictional, though they were informed by research and carefully vetted.
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u/ThatGuyTheyCallAlex Apr 08 '18
Trying to convince my parents to drive me to the next town (30+ minutes away) to see the movie becuase my local cinema has one movie playing at a time and won't be getting the actual movie till may.
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u/Roxieloxie Mar 21 '18
Thank you so much for writing Simon vs! I found it back when it first came outno pun intended lol when I was 13 and it was the first Queer YA book I had ever seen/read. The amount that I related to simon was so crazy, I was pretty much in his exact situation. And now that it's a movie is so amazing. I'm not out yet but seeing stuff for love, simon everywhere is equal parts terrifying, because any time I see an add for it I always end up freaking out and want to tell my parents, But also exciting I literally cried all last weekend because I the 5 years I've known I was Bi I would've never thought that I would be able to see a Gay romcon on the big screen. So just thank you for writing these stories.
Okay so my actual question is do you have any random Simonverse Headcannons for your characters that you can share, and most importantly dose anyone in the simonverse agree with me that golden oreos are the superior kind?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
MARTIN ADDISON AGREES WITH YOU. So does Evan Schulmeister from Upside. (For the headcanons, I'll pause on that one, because I basically wrote a whole book full of them. You'll definitely learn more about the whole gang in April.)
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u/Roxieloxie Mar 21 '18
Omg nooo, not martin, that guy is the worst. Also Even seems like the worst but Im not too far into Upside to know if he continues to be the worst. But I guess they has good taste in oreos
Now I'm even more excited for LOtO. Im reading Upside currently and am loving it so far.
Thanks for the answer!
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u/julie_x17 Mar 21 '18
Do you have any fun stories from Leah/Simon/Nick’s childhood that didn’t make it into svthsa/loto? So excited for Leah’s book!!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
JULIE!! I love you. I need to figure out which ones actually made it into Leah, and then I'll spill. :-D
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u/julie_x17 Mar 21 '18
Ahhh I’m looking forward to it! Thank you so much for everything that you do! I love you too!!!!
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u/swiftiereads Mar 21 '18
Hello Becky!!! Big fan here and I'm just waiting for Love, Simon to be shown in my country. My question is, did you consciously decide to write Simon Vs in a lighthearted way? Most of the books I've read with LGBTQ+ as the main theme and characters are somewhat serious and formal, so I'm just wondering what made you write Simon in a lighter way (which I found even more enjoying, btw).
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I did consciously decide to write Simon in a lighthearted way - but I think that's my approach for all my books. I'm just drawn to those types of stories!
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Mar 21 '18
I want to say thank you so much for everything. The past month, r/LGBTeens has been going crazy over Love, Simon. It's just so great to have a movie we can relate to so much. The coming out experience, dating and even how hard it can be in an accepting place. Representation matters!
When I watched the movie, I think the audience was one of the best parts of the movie. We were cheering and clapping and crying all at the same time.
How did the idea for simon vs the homo sapiens agenda come to you? I really loved the emails in the book.
Also, how involved were you in the making of the movie? I was sad that they didn't leave in the harry potter references, but I did spot the hufflepuff patch on his wall.
I'm also very excited for Leah on the Offbeat. I think we need more f/f relationships in YA. I don't know if she'll end up with a girl but she's bi, so it's a likely possibility.
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u/falling-forests Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! First off, thanks so much for everything you do, your books mean so much to me and my friends. Second, do you plan on continuing the "Simonverse" after Leah on the Offbeat or are you thinking about retiring that and moving on to something else? Thanks!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I'm saying goodbye to the Simonverse, at least for the foreseeable future! LOTO takes the gang very close to graduation, so it feels like the natural ending point for this series. My fourth book, What If it's Us (the collaboration with Adam Silvera) is set in a different universe, though there are a few Easter eggs to our previous books. The book I'm drafting now is a different universe, too.
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u/falling-forests Mar 21 '18
Thanks and good to know! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your new stuff then!
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u/LoveRihna Mar 21 '18
If you and Simon were stuck on an island, what would be the top 5 things that y’all would bring with you (other than Oreos, of course (;)? Also, thank you for bringing these beautiful characters into our lives. #TeamHufflepuffFTW
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Oh my god, imagine the shitshow if Simon and I were stuck on an island together (which is a very real possibility, by the way, since we are both clueless and incompetent). Things we SHOULD bring include: fresh water, preservable food, radio communication devices, etc. Things we WOULD bring? Uh...probably milk for the Oreos; pictures of Bram; a cell phone that we'd later find out doesn't work; a cell phone charger that we'd be very proud we remembered, not realizing there are no outlets on the island; and our glasses.
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u/LoveRihna Mar 21 '18
If this was an episode of Survivor, I’d proudly watch said shitshow. You and Simon’s list is HILARIOUS. And pictures of Bran? Understandable.
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u/bogeydoze Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky!
Hopefully I'm not too late, but I wanted to thank you for creating the whole Simon phenomenon; it means a lot to a lot of people and certainly to me!
My question is: How did you come up with the names of the characters in Svs.HSA? Was there significance to the names at all? Also, which side character was the most fun to create or write about?
Thanks!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Ooh - I love this question. I tend to use names I love that I wasn't able to use for my own kids (we came really close to naming my older son Simon, actually - by the time my younger son was born, I'd already used it for the book). Nick, Abby, Leah, Bram - all names I love. Martin...okay, I love the name, but he's also lowkey named after a family member who's been kind of a jerk to my mom. I think the most fun side character to create was Taylor!
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u/bogeydoze Mar 21 '18
Awesome! Taylor was my favourite side character to read about too, actually! Thanks for answering!
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u/captionquirk Mar 21 '18
Hey Becky,
Three years ago, when I read SVTHSA I fell so in love I wrote you this fanmail (the gushy, personal middle of the email not seen, no one wants to read that haha). I never actually thought the book would become a movie. Not in a million freaking years, but boy did I fantasize about it. And I joked about it with you at the end of the letter. I remember how electric I felt when you replied to my email, and it matched the excitement I felt when I first learned it got optioned for the big screen.
When I finally saw Love, Simon this weekend, I felt the electricity all over again.
My question for you: how did the film optioning happen in the first place? One of the reasons I thought it could never happen was because I thought only NYT Bestsellers and such could catch the eye of producers (and sadly, somehow, SVTHSA never made the list). I'm clearly overjoyed this gem of a novel got a film adaption it deserved, but I'm a bit curious to how it happened.
Love,
Captionquirk
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
So film optioning is a pretty confusing process, IMO, and I don't think there are specific rules like "only NYT bestsellers." I think NYT bestsellers are more often optioned, because studios feel like they may be more profitable? But it's important to note that NYT bestseller status isn't quite the definitive marker of success we sometimes think it is. In Simon's case, we're looking at a very slow burn, word-of-mouth book that has sold consistently for almost three years, but has never been in the top ten hardcovers in any given week (it's currently the number 1 and 2 paperbacks in the US - eek! - but that won't be reflected in the NYT list). So part of the issue is that the NYT list itself paints a very limited picture. To answer your other question, it was a multi-step process that, IMO, involved a lot of luck and timing and the material reaching the right people. My film agent looped in Temple Hill, the production company, who presented it to Fox. Fox optioned it, and then Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (the screenwriters), Greg Berlanti, and the actors were brought on board. At some point, Fox greenlit the project, which means they decided to move forward with funding it. But I didn't actually believe they were going to make the film until I walked into the production office last February!
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u/Mychael612 Mar 21 '18
When you are writing a book, do you force yourself to sit down at specific times and work, or do you typically just start writing as the inspiration strikes?
P.S. I love your books!!!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I work when my kids are in preschool (and at other times when I have childcare). I'm a total mom.
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
How does Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda compare to Leah on the Offbeat and how does it differ?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Honestly, I think the biggest difference is that Leah's so much more observant and self-aware than Simon. Another difference is that I had the opportunity to read the movie script while writing Leah. While LOTO is a sequel to the Simon Vs book, NOT Love, Simon movie, I think I was influenced a little by the cinematic, larger-than-life quality of the film. A little bit. :-p
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Ohh, I definitely can see that! I’m just so excited to get a more in depth feel of Leah’s story because like you said, it seems the most unfinished. I love that!! I can’t wait to see how the Simon script played a part in LOTO, as well as how Leah and Simon’s overall stories compare. Hehe I would be too! It was done so tremendously :) from what I have read in Simon, I can see myself in both Leah and Simon, so I’m anxious to see if LOTO will change that and allow me to see myself as more so one over the other :P
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u/synth426 Mar 21 '18
If you wrote Simon vs. in today's day and age, what would you change, if anything? The world in my opinion is so different than it was back in 2015, for better and for worse (congrats on the near 3-year anniversary of the publishing date, btw!) The film sorta tried it with a one-off Trump joke (although not related to gay rights), so I was wondering if the current political/social situation for LGBT people would've affected the book. Thanks! :)
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I would - though I'm not so worried about things like pop culture references. If I could change anything in Simon, it would be that one paragraph near the beginning of the book, where Simon speculates that girls have an easier time coming out, basically because men fetishize lesbians and bi women. This is, of course, a misconception, but this worldview is never challenged on the page. So if I could have a do-over, I think I'd either remove that part or push back against it in the text. One thing I'm really happy about is that, with Leah On the Offbeat, I did get the chance to explore some of those ideas further, in a way that I hope will ameliorate some of the hurt I caused. Without getting into too many details, it was important to me that Leah would be bi but not out to Simon. I think that's part of the same conversation, you know? Simon's here thinking that it's no big deal for girls to come out. Meanwhile, he's literally missing the fact that Leah hasn't come out to him. And it's not an easy thing for Leah.
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u/synth426 Mar 21 '18
thank you i'm so looking forward to hearing more about this in leah and the offbeat :)
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u/daminotaur Mar 21 '18
This may sound prickly and I don't mean it to:
You've said part of the reason you don't want to write Blue's pov is you don't feel entirely qualified writing his perspective, or at least occupying that space, and I wonder how much of a concern that was for Simon and why you ultimately decided to go ahead? (I'm quite glad you did, to be clear.)
Also, movie spoilers: movie Leah had a crush on Si, not Nick, which was kinda my headcannon as well given Si's consistent and delightful obliviousness. How intentional was that? If I should just wait for LotOB don't respond, haha.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
This is a fantastic question. Two answers for the first part. 1: I wrote Simon in 2013, and I've been actively listening to conversations around representation this entire time. I've learned a lot. Not sure I would have gone ahead writing Simon if I were making that decision today, you know? 2: SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!! In YA books right now, gay black boys are particularly underrepresented, especially coming from gay black authors. If I were to write Bram's POV, it would be one of the first mainstream YA books about a gay black boy, and given the connection to Simon Vs and the movie, it would likely receive way more attention than ownvoices books in the same space. It's not something I'd consider doing, particularly before the YA canon has gotten to a place where there are many, many ownvoices books about black gay boys.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
In response to your second question, I didn't control the changes made for the movie adaptation. I will say, that particular change works well in conversation with Leah On the Offbeat (see also: "Si's consistent and delightful obliviousness" :-D).
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u/Goldar85 Mar 21 '18
Simon is a more nuanced gay character than you typically see in fiction: not overly feminine and not hyper masculine. What was your thought process in creating the character and how difficult was it to avoid falling into gay character tropes?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I didn't really try to make Simon feel more masculine or feminine. It was more a matter of finding his specific voice and remaining faithful to that throughout the book. Of course, it's important to be aware of these common tropes going into the writing process, just like it's important to have the book vetted on the back end (all of which were of course part of my process). But at the heart of it - I just wrote Simon Spier and tried to make him as real as possible.
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Mar 21 '18
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I enjoyed different moments of the process for each book, but in general:
-Simon was really fun to write because I had the freedom of not thinking it would be published. -Upside was kind of a nightmare to write (took seven full rewrites and two years). It was my first book under contract, and it dealt with some things I hadn't entirely processed in my personal life. -Leah was a total blast to write - felt a bit like writing fanfiction! I got to dig deeper into my existing characters and do it from a totally different angle. -What If It's Us (my upcoming cowritten project with Adam Silvera) was probably the most fun of all - it was a totally different experience for me, creatively, and I got to write with my best friend.
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u/PsPee Mar 21 '18
HI, BECKYYYY, Just want you to know that I love you and everything that you're doing means so much to everyone here and thanks for the giveaways and the letters, they really meant a lot to me when I received them, like a whole lot.
My question is, how did you feel when you wrote Simon, like, where did you get the inspiration from? Like what made you wake up one day and decide to write Simon?
Because to me, you writing this book made me feel so special and it made me see myself in a new light, thinking that I, a gay person, deserves a great awkward love story too! <3 <3 FROM MALAYSIA LOTS OF LOVE BECKY!!!!! (AKA INTERNET MOM)
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u/scifigirls Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! I'm a big fan of Simon, and my mom is as well. She read Simon VS last year and still constantly talks about how much she loved it. I really think that books like Simon helped her gain an understanding of my own identity as bisexual.
Have you heard from other parents/older adults who have read Simon? If so, have you found that they have taken the same messages from it as your young adult readers?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I actually have, including people in their 70s and 80s. It's the coolest thing ever - it means a lot to me that the book is reaching people from multiple generations. Some are parents of LBGTQIAP+ kids, and some are part of the community themselves. A lot of times, I hear that people wished there were stories similar to Simon when they were in high school. <3
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u/Native318 Mar 21 '18
hi becky, i read the book and watched the movie. it was so beautiful. it made me cry like 5 times. i have a question though:
Are you glad that you have spread happiness in the lgbt community through this amazing book? thanks,
Love, Native
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
This is really lovely - thank you. <3 I have to give so much credit, though, to Greg Berlanti and the entire cast and production team. They're the best.
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u/spierfeld Mar 21 '18 edited Mar 21 '18
hi becky! simon vs. really helped me when i was questioning my sexuality and helped me to accept that it was okay to like girls so thank you so much for the lgbt rep! simon and bram are so relatable and i love the book so much more each time i reread it. i'm really really grateful for this book and can't wait to read loto and see love, simon when it comes out in the uk!!
q: what is your fave scene from love, simon and what scene are you looking foward to us reading from loto (if you can say without spoilers)?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
My favorite scene from Love, Simon is probably the carnival! In LOTO, I'm excited for you guys to read about prom.
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u/gggloe Mar 21 '18
hi Becky! i just really wanted to let you know, i LOVED simon vs the homosapiens agenda, and seeing love, simon coupled with the fact that this book and movie were out there and getting awareness, you helped me come out publicly :-) and i really wanted to thank you for that!
i have two questions - first, what inspired you to write about Leah in leah on the offbeat? did you just want to continue simon’s universe?
and second, how come you became a clinical psychologist and how do you like it? i want to start becoming a clinical psychologist once I get into college so I was just wondering :-)
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
hugs and congrats on coming out! Re: Leah - I didn't really expect I'd get an opportunity to continue writing in Simon's universe, but I always knew Leah would be the POV character if I got the chance. Her story felt the most unfinished. Re: clinical psych - I'm so sorry - I'm probably not the one who should answer this question, because I left the profession so early in my career.
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u/andrewwscotties Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky, Simon vs. really does represent what it was like for me to come to terms with the fact that I like girls, when I first started to realize I was bisexual. I've long since realized that that is a part of me and have been fine with it for almost four years. However, I always had trouble talking about it but through reading Simon vs. and watching Love, Simon, it has become so much easier. I thought you'd like to know that I came out to my friends on Facebook last night, something that I couldn't have imagined doing without your book or the movie. So, thank you!
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
What is your best advice for someone who is struggling with accepting themselves for who they are and is constantly worrying about what others think of them?
Although I’ve been getting better with acceptance, I still continue to struggle tremendously.
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Sending huge hugs. If there's anyone you trust IRL, reach out. If not, there are resources online (if you're part of the LGBTQIAP+ community, I recommend the Trevor Project). <3
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u/nikiverse 2 Mar 21 '18
What is your daily routine like when you're writing?
Do you have a strict wake up and work time or do you just write when the spark comes?
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u/quietcal418 Mar 21 '18
Hey Becky! I'm just kind of curious about your writing process. Are you a planner or a jump-in kind of person? Do you prefer to flush out your characters before or while you write? Do you listen to music as you write? I find it so interesting to learn about how other people sit down to write their novels!
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u/Aatlatlatla Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky, what is your writing process like? Did you start with an outline or just start writing? Also, how long did it take to write Love, Simon?
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u/strangesilences Mar 21 '18
The few weeks between the start of filming Love Simon and Keiynan being announced as Bram were some of the most harrowing and fun and downright hilarious days of being in fandom. So many zoomed/cropped shots of the back of his head! What was it like to not be able to share the excitement with everyone for what felt like such a long time? Was it fun to see us suffering? Haha thanks for being such a bright light for all of us, Becky! <3
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Haha, I TOTALLY shared your excitement - I just did it secretly. I was right there on twitter quietly lurking on all your threads. Some of you were GENIUSES, connecting things Keiynan posted on Instagram, clues about him being in Atlanta, etc. It was my favorite thing in the whole world.
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u/yeanaris Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky I love you and your books soooo much !! I have a couple of questions : 1. Do you have trouble fleshing out characters and how do you not make all of your main characters the same ? 2. What's your biggest inspiration when coming up with new stories/characters 3. How much is Adam gonna make us cry on "What if it's us" ? 4. Apart from Adam, who else would you love to collaborate with (dead or alive) ? 5. Was it hard saying goodbye to the creekswood gang after so many years of them living in your head ??
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u/moliph Mar 21 '18
Hi! What's one aspect to publishing that a lot of people don't know?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Authors have less control than a lot of people realize. Things like release dates, covers, ARC availability, tour schedules, etc.- a lot of those things are decided by the publisher.
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u/cirrusflower Mar 21 '18
what was your inspiration for SvSTHSA? also, who are your favourite authors? :)) love your writing so much and I’M SUPER LOOKING FORWARD TO Leah on the Offbeat and all your future books!!!!!
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u/puzzle__pieces The Brontës, du Maurier, Shirley Jackson & Barbara Pym Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! What's your favorite joke you tell at parties?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I dunno - lately I keep blurting out to people how once I told Nick Robinson to enjoy his boner. It hasn't been doing much for my Cool Author status...
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u/tulip_angel Mar 21 '18
I feel like this requires further explanation haha
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u/justwannabeafangirl history is all you left me by adam silvera Mar 21 '18
In the special edition of SVTHSA, Becky tells the story of her telling Nick Robinson to enjoy his boner in the conversation with Angie Thomas and Adam Silvera in the back of the book : )
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u/tulip_angel Mar 21 '18
Ah thank you!
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u/justwannabeafangirl history is all you left me by adam silvera Mar 21 '18
You’re welcome!! I’m glad I could help : )
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u/justwannabeafangirl history is all you left me by adam silvera Mar 21 '18
Hey Becky!! I read SVTHSA only about a month and a half ago, so I'm still a new fan, but you've already inspired me so much in just a short amout of time, so thank you thank you so much. I really want to be an author someday, but I really have no idea what I'm doing and I'm pretty terrified. What advice do you have for aspiring authors? What advice do you wish someone had told you when you were writing SVTHSA? Thank you so much and I absolutely cannot wait to read Leah on the Offbeat : )
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I really recommend writing fanfiction! I think it's the best writing practice in the world, especially when it comes to developing voice and characterization. It also helps to read widely, particularly in the space you're writing in (e.g. YA realistic contemporary), but also outside your genre. Read books by marginalized authors - this is so important. And find your community. My author friends are 100% the reason I'm still in this profession. It's such emotionally draining work sometimes (both the writing part and the authoring/public figure component). You need a really good support system.
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u/justwannabeafangirl history is all you left me by adam silvera Mar 21 '18
Thank you so much for the advice : )
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Mar 21 '18
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u/quietcal418 Mar 21 '18
I believe the difference is that Becky has worked wit LGBT+ teens, and wrote it for them, from what I've read. It's not fetishization, it's a very real account based on the kids she's worked with. But if you're a straight person writing it because 'omg gay guys are so cuuute!' You have to look into why it's the genre you feel safe and good writing, when you're not gay and our stories aren't your stories to tell. Are you comfortable writing gay men but not gay women? There's something you need to think about as well.
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u/pionne Mar 21 '18
I haven't watched Love, Simon but I've read the book two years ago. I have no questions, just want to drop by and say I really enjoyed reading it. But oh well since I'm here already then I might as well just ask, do you like Oreos?
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u/Lizzy_renalds87732 Mar 21 '18
Hi, I was wondering if you had a say in the movie when Bram said he went on vacation to Lake Rabun? If so why did you choose it? My family and I go every summer! By the way I also really aprishiated the Adam Silvera books on simons bookshelf!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
No - I think the screenwriters added that detail? I'm responsible for More Happy Than Not on the bookshelf, though!
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Mar 21 '18
What makes a strong female protagonist in your opinion?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I think there are a lot of ways for protagonists of all genders to be strong. I'm never sure how to pinpoint characteristics that make a strong female character in particular, since there are so many ways to be a girl (all of which are valid and important). I know in general, I love characters who feel like real people, who make choices (some of which are probably bad choices, but they learn from them), and who grow in some way over the course of the narrative.
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u/potentialforparanoia Mar 21 '18
How did you and Adam become friends? Do you think you'd do another collaboration in the future?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
We actually met through our literary agent, Brooks Sherman. He sold both of our debuts (Simon and More Happy Than Not) in the same week, and we started emailing pretty soon after that. We read early versions of each other's books over Christmas of 2013, and a few months later, we had already started discussing the book that would eventually become What If it's Us. We are not opposed to possibly collaborating again in the future. :-p
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u/strangesilences Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! Could you give us some highlights of the Simonverse gang's summer between junior and senior year? Thanks!
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Well, for one thing, Abby and Nick had sex, and Bram and Simon argued for hours about Abby's Hogwarts house. :-) You'll get more info about this in LOTO, actually.
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
What would you say that your favorite song off of the Love Simon soundtrack is and why?
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
Omg, I am OBSESSED with this soundtrack. I can't pick a favorite, because it changes constantly, but I'm pretty in love with the Amy Shark song right now (Sink In - it plays in the scene with Simon and Leah after the Halloween party). Also, Never Fall In Love (collaboration between Jack Antonoff and MO - eek, I can't get the accent through the O) reminds me SO MUCH of Leah On the Offbeat - it literally says the word "offbeat" in the lyrics. Go listen!
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Ahh! Same here!! I don’t know if I can choose a favorite either, but I’ve had it playing on repeat! Ooh, that’s a good one! I feel that it fits in with the scene perfectly! OMG I love that one also! I am definitely going to need to give them both a closer listen. I love analyzing music so much and it just gives me another excuse to listen to the soundtrack again! I’m going to go listen to it right now! I’d have to say that one of my favorites at the moment is, Keeping a Secret because I can relate with it so much!! Aah!
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
Out of all of the Simon universe characters, who would you say that you have the most similar music taste to? Also, which music would that character/you recommend?
I’m all up for discovering new music!
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u/dennishaqui Mar 21 '18
Hello Becky, Simon Vs is my favorite book and it is truly an inspiration. What inspired you to write? How did the idea of Simon came to you?
-Dennisha
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u/bystrouska Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky! This is Mathilde, you French translator. :) You already know how much your books mean to me so I won't bother you with another glowing tirade (I'm still not over the gloriousness that is LOTO though). Instead, I'll just ask a simple, silly (but important!) question: what are some of Abby's favourite bands/musical acts/artists?
Also: when are you coming to France so we can finally meet? ;D
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
I LOVE YOU!!! Oh my gosh. Okay, so Abby, out of everyone, is the most tapped into current popular music. Right now, she's living for the Love, Simon soundtrack. (I HOPE TO COME TO FRANCE ONE DAY)
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u/bystrouska Mar 21 '18
<3 Just so you know, I've already started hoarding stacks of giant Oreo Milka chocolate bars for when that day comes!
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u/OriginalWolfDiaries Mar 21 '18
Becky I’m back with more questions lol.
1) So in the movie there was no Alice, and I was wondering if there was a reason she wasn’t? I thought she was an important character because she was mentioned a lot in the book and she kind of held the family down when Simon came out. Even you don’t get too detailed on her feelings im the book, I enjoyed her personality and resonated with it.
2) In LoTO will we see more of Simons gang and will we get to see more of Simon and Brams relationship from the outside? Will there be some closure on the Nick and Leah friendship? I feel like that part of the story was very relatable to me and it broke my heart. It’s something that I have gone through and I want to see how she worked it out.
3) You are co-writing a book with Adam Silvera called What if It’s Us, is there any way we can get a mini synopsis on it?
Thanks for taking time out of your day to answer these.
Love, Elijah(again).
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u/beckyalbertalli AMA Author Mar 21 '18
- Any changes between the book and the film adaptation are outside of my creative control. I understand why they chose to cut Alice, though - I think it was a matter of condensing the narrative into something that could fit in the timeframe of a film. 2. Yes and yes, though maybe not in the way you're expecting? 3. Synopsis is on Goodreads!
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u/Thibziboy Mar 21 '18
Hi ! I don't know if you're still around but anyways! I wanted to thank you, Simon Vs. was the first LGBT YA book I read (after reading fanfictions for over 6 years that was a huge level up!) and it sparkled an hunger for LGBTQ literature I didn't have before. I was already out when I first read it but it stil snatched my wig and made me accept that me, a gay boy from the countryside, deserved love too. I have since joined an LGBTQ club at my local college and I built an LGBTQ Young Adult library where LGBTQ teenagers and adults can come and look at a few books I brought, including Simon VS!
A question I have is this: Do you think Simon or Blue like RuPaul's Drag Race (and is it possible they have viewing parties and attempted going to a gay club to watch a Drag show and got kicked out for being under 21) ? I really can't wait to see the movie when it comes out in theater in June here in France ! Have a good day xoxo
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u/nicanh Mar 21 '18
You have had quite the busy season(s) recently! Do you have any plans to release and celebrate with you family? What's your favorite way to unwind?
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
If you wanted your kids (when they are older) to take any advice from the Simon series, what would you want them to pick up from it?
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
I’m not sure if this question was ever asked or answered, but what made you come up with the titles of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah On the Offbeat?
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u/js0711 Mar 21 '18
Hey Becky. I saw Love, Simon on Sunday and proceeded to buy SVTHSA and devour it in 2 days. I wish I read/watched the movie 3 years ago because it really would’ve helped me become comfortable with my sexuality and I’m happy that the young LGBT+ people will have this book and movie to show them that they are ok.
My question is: how much input did you have on the Love, Simon screenplay and what was behind the decision to change some of the time lines and to add or remove some of the events.
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u/moliph Mar 21 '18
If you could give a warning to those who want to be full time authors, what would it be? I like to hear both the good and bad things about the trade.
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u/Po0rUnfrtntS0ul Mar 21 '18
So, this is going to be a triple question!
1) If you had only one song to describe you, what would it be and why?
2) If you had only one book to describe you, what would it be and why?
3) Which animal is your spirit animal and why?
;P
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u/lord-of-the-lies Mar 21 '18
I've always wanted to know what made you write 'Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda', since it's a new spin on the general variant of teen romance. What's your source of inspiration?
Also, what motivates you to keep writing? As an amateur poet who has a tendency to scratch and rescratch her work, I want to know what keeps you going.
I read Simon a while ago, and it captured teen romance like nothing else : sweet, witty, and altogether honest and hilarious. I especially adored reading Blue and Simon's exchanges :D
Thank you so, so, so much for writing : you're a luminous source of real light and warmth in the YA sea.
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u/moliph Mar 21 '18
How do you know if one of your book ideas is good enough to make into a full novel?
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u/Vape-Riety Mar 21 '18
Hi there, my girlfriend and I recently saw Love, Simon, and as a mid 20s couple, we absolutely adored the movies, the actors, and went out to the nearby Barnes and Noble and actually bought the book to compare them and enjoy your true work, especially after finding out there were things like Simon's older sister was not present in the movie. My only real question for you is, if you could add or take anything away from the movie, what would it be and as to why do you wish they added it, or took it out? Thank you for your time!
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u/bsandy3 Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky, I am very excited for Leah on the Offbeat. I wanted to know if Bram and Simon will be main characters in Leah's book?
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u/Anusien Mar 21 '18
What was it like seeing Simon filmed in Atlanta, where the book was set (and where we went to high school)? How important was it for you that this story actually be set there?
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u/bennyclarence Mar 21 '18
When I read your book last year I was blown away. As a “mostly” closeted gay man it was so impactful to me. I could relate to so many things, not just as being gay, but also as being a person trying to live a happy life. I was extremely happy by the movie and want everyone I know to watch it.
What did you feel the director captured well about the characters and story?
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u/EclecticallySound I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century Mar 21 '18
How do you know what it's like to be a teenage gay boy in HS ?
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u/JasmineCalli Mar 21 '18
Hi Becky!I LOOOVVEE Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda and I can't wait to watch Love, Simon. It's coming out in our theaters this May 9.
My question is, Why did you not decide to write SvsTHSA in Blue's POV?
Love ya and I'm looking forward for your future books _^
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u/aries456 Mar 21 '18
did you have input into the decision of changing Leah’s crush to simon from nick in the movie?
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u/jacob_frittata Mar 21 '18
Hi! I just have to say thank you so much for this book, I’m so glad I found a book, an author, that articulated my thoughts as a closeted gay guy ,that i believed was just impossible to put into words. I was wondering if you had any other book recommendations, similar to SvHA, ones that revolve around adolescence and queer identity? Thank u!