Laurie is profiled alongside several other wonderful YA authors in this thoughtful New York Times piece by Julia Jacobs, “Using Young Adult Novels to Make Sense of #MeToo.”
Ms. Anderson, the novel’s author, said books can offer teenagers the language to understand an unfamiliar issue. In her conversations with thousands of teenage readers, she said, it was clear that many had previously lacked the language to understand what happened to Melinda, her main character — or even what happened in their own lives.
“So many kids have come to me and said, ‘I didn’t realize what he did to me,’” she said.
Read the full piece here!
Hello mrs. Anderson my name is Allana you met me today and I was very interesting in how your writing your graphic novel of your serise chains,forge,and Ashes.if you could let me know that would be so awesome. Today is 10/16/18 okay thank you.
Hi Allana, Laurie’s assistant Jenn here! Laurie is in the middle of a bunch of travel, but she’ll likely be talking more about her work on graphic novels in the coming months, so stay tuned.
Hello. I’m an aspiring writer and it’s been three years since I’ve read “Speak”. The book still captivates me in a way that is beyond words. I get inspired by watching T.V. serials and reading other books and start writing plots- but it feels like I’m not using original ideas. I noticed that you got the idea behind this book after having a nightmare. Do you have any suggestions on how to create an original storyline and any tips or advice for debut authors like me (publishing houses, literary agents, etc.)? Thank you!
Hi Adnaan! Laurie can’t give one-on-one writing or publishing advice, but she’s got a lot of tips and notes about her own process right here: https://madwomanintheforest.com/about-the-author/writing-advice/. Hope that helps! –Jenn