It’s time for a happy shimmy because it’s Autism Acceptance Month!
And honestly a happy shimmy is the best reaction to this because we autistics do love to stim. And yes, a lot of people call it “Autism Awareness Month” but you know what? People are aware. They just don’t accept us…plus I’m 99% sure Autism Speaks invented this phrase and they are actual problematic garbage. So I’m here for saying Autistic Pride and Autism Awareness and I can’t be stopped. 🙌🏻
Last year I did a post about how to tell if a book has good autism rep + some book recs, but this year, since it’s just THREE DAYS until my novel, The Boy Who Steals Houses, is out, I wanted to do something a little special and talk about…
what it’s like to write a novel with #ownvoices representation!
I have a lot of Thoughts™ about the actual concept of writing #ownvoices novels, because the main reaction to them is usually, “Oh at least that author had an easy time! They’re just writing what they’ve lived.” Ohhhhh sweet crepe, that doesn’t make it easy. So I want to talk about that in a little more detail!
Before I go on though, I’m super excited to point you to The Boy Who Steals Houses’ blog tour!
I’m over at A Little But A Lot with a whole deleted scene (it’s super cute!! and about potatoes and LOVE) and at No Safer Place for a really heartfelt review. So please check them out if you get a chance! There’s also going to be a post coming up about why Autism rep is so important in YA and an interview with my cover designer! 👀
PREORDER DETAILS
Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Booktopia | Book Depository
Let’s talk about writing…
I wrote two #ownvoices storylines into The Boy Who Steals Houses. (1) being anxiety rep for my protagonist, Sam. (2) being autism rep for my secondary character, Avery. (Although I lowkey admit Sam could be diagnosed with autism too tbh. But he isn’t labelled on page, so discern what you will 🙌🏻)
Writing #ownvoices experiences left me with a lot of Thoughts™ which I’m about to share with you whilst I eat a chocolate chip biscuits and remember the good ol’ days when I got blog posts up on time. (It is…not…this day.)
1. Writing #Ownvoices includes a lot of pressure.
The thing people don’t realise is that ONE #ownvoices experience ≠ everyone in that marginalisation’s experience. I wrote Avery’s autism to be HIS autism. It isn’t 100% mine. I wrote the way we think and react to things rather similarly, but I didn’t want to author-self-insert, so his character still required a lot of rewriting and research and thought. But some people are going to read this book and think Avery isn’t good rep because he’s not relatable to them. So that’s nerve-wracking?! And I also turn into a moss-covered stump when I think about mistakes I might have made. Because that happens!! I’m not perfect and I’m still growing as a writer and human. (Although, um, not literally growing? I am very smol and that hasn’t changed since I was 14.) (dammit)
I think #ownvoices stories are asked to be perfect and relatable to everyone within that marginalisation. And that can be super intense to take on.
2. autism is also such a huge spectrum to try and capture
Basically: YOU CAN’T CAPTURE ALL OF AUTISM IN ONE CHARACTER! It’s impossible. There are higher-needs people who must have a 24/7 carer. There are also autistics out in the world with jobs and families. There are those of us in the middle (meeee and also my character, Avery) who cope with so many things but completely fall apart in other aspects.
Plus Avery isn’t the narrating character, so I built him through a lot of flash backs too.
(And yessss, I would love to write more about Avery…and also Sam and the De Laineys. But it’s largely outside of my control.)
3. you have to figure out how to tackle stereotypes
Because here’s the deal: stereotypes can have their nuggets of truth. They did spring into existence from somewhere lol sob. When I wrote Avery, I just wrote him. Then later I started to fret…ok he’s a white teenage boy, aka the most typical autism rep. It was what my story needed, but am I a total fail for this?! He’s also really obsessed with cars…another “typical” autism rendition in media. (But confession: I was obsessing over Baby Driver loooool so that’s where it sprung from.)
But here comes the difference: Avery is more than a stereotype. He has complex thoughts and feelings, he has dreams and wishes. He also is extremely physically affectionate, a boy who craves pressure hugs and was clinging to Sam long after it was “socially appropriate” for brothers to hug. Lots of people equate autism with = hating touch. I hate touch! But not all autistics do.
So here’s the difference when it comes to stereotypes.
…a marginalised character shouldn’t just fit stereotypes and nothing more.
If a character is just a list of stereotypes to tick of a list…then it’s probably not good rep. Because humans are uncanny creatures who don’t fit in designated boxes.
4. You also know way way way too much!
You’d think this would be a good thing right?! BUT, UGH, I KNOW TOO MANY THINGS. I think this goes for anyone who is a master of a topic: how much do you say?!? You don’t want to lecture. You don’t want to overwhelm readers with information.
It’s a burden to Know Many Things™. Smh. Bring us cake and condolences. I mean.
5. it’s hard to be vulnerable and then put yourself out there
#Ownvoices authors are brave and wondrous things, because we’ve just put our heart on the page. Some people are going to hate it. Some will connect with it. It will be critiqued and analysed. It will be compared to other stories like yours…and maybe you’ll fall short. It’s just A LOT. And you can both want this and also be anxious about it.
I was so thrilled when I read someone’s review that said Avery reminded them so much of autistics they knew and that they felt the love for autism on every page.
So here’s the thing: I got to write Avery, a messy disaster, who is also unconditionally loved. It was special to me to write that and know it’s hitting other people’s hearts. It makes everything 1000 x worth it. I think there is so much power in #ownvoices stories.
(And none of this is to say “ooh how dare anyone critique my book!” Of course people should critique it. I won’t be reading that lol, but it’s a book like any other, to be loved or not.)
It’s important to know that #ownvoices books don’t necessarily equal easy books to write.
But they do equal absolutely special and heartfelt and IMPORTANT books. Because no one can capture an experience quite like someone who lives it. 💛
And they’re also so therapeutic to write. it’s like finally getting to talk about your perspective, your feelings, your truths — without being interrupted.
I’ve read a lot of books with autistic characters and a resounding theme (especially from non-autistic authors) seems to be “fixing” the autistic character. Getting them to stop their autistic tics and stims, break their routines, make eye-contact, and be more socially apt…and then letting them find love. Autism is always their personal villain. And sure autism really sucks to deal with at times. I live it! I know. I’ll be honest…today was completely shitty for me when my routine got messed up. And I feel a little fragile and drained as I write this blog post.
But being autistic is a huge part of who I am. How I think. How I see the world. And I love that about it. and getting to write an autistic character? It meant the world to me.
Avery’s autism isn’t the villain of the book. His decisions aren’t great (lol, sorry Avery) and he’s naive and vulnerable. But he also wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves Sam fiercely. He’s clever and witty and has an infectious laugh.
And he’s not broken.
I’m just so grateful I got a chance to write this book and fill it with love and ACCEPTANCE and pride.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
right, your turn!! tell me some #ownvoices books you’ve read? and some autistic characters in books you’ve enjoyed?!
This is such a great post, Cait! Congrats on the forthcoming publication of The Boy Who Steals Houses!
I have to be honest, other than The Kiss Quotient I don’t think I’ve read a single book with a protagonist who’s autistic, and that’s something I really want to change so I’ll be taking a look at your post recommending books that include autism this evening. I’m sure I’ve read books that include characters who are autistic, but I quite like authors to just come out and say it, you know? Rather than just implying it.
I loved what you said about still needing to do your research despite being autistic yourself, that’s such an important point and I think quite a few readers expect to see the same thing all the time, which is just unrealistic. It’s very different, but expecting every character on the autism spectrum to act the same is like expecting everyone in the LGBT+ community to act the same. That’s just not how people work!
Such a great post! The only book I’ve ever read with an autistic character is The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Nighttime, which I know has mixed reactions from people in the autistic community, so I’m excited to read your book and see how that differs, especially since the author of Curious Incident is neurotypical (I’m pretty sure?). So yeah, definitely need to read more books with autistic characters, I’ve got The Gilded Wolves which I’m really excited to read and I read your review of it to see what you thought (since we have very similar taste in books!) and I was glad that the autism rep isn’t offensive, even if it is stereotyped but I definitely want to find more #ownvoices autistic books-I’ll be checking out the recs you gave me! In terms of #ownvoices books I’ve read, I really loved the disability rep in Six of Crows, I loved the sexuality and race rep in the Timekeeper trilogy and the race rep in Children of Blood and Bone. Also Under Rose Tainted Skies is a really amazing #ownvoices book for OCD and agoraphobia, I’d definitely like to read more mental illness books written by people who’ve actually experienced them. The sexuality rep in the Shades of Magic books is amazing too and I’m so glad that VE Schwab stood up against the Russian publishers who tried to censor her books. Oh and Heidi Heilig’s books are really wonderful as well, The Girl From Everywhere for mixed race rep and For A Muse of Fire for the ownvoices bipolar rep.
AGH CAIT I’m so excited for this novel! I don’t have a disability or autism (I don’t even have anxiety) so I get nervous writing about characters who do. I want to represent of course, but I’m afraid of misrep or stereotypes. Still I definitely want to incorporate more rep into my books, and I’m working on how to do that already! 🙂
I loved seeing that deleted scene 😂 That is literally what I want someone to say to me someday: “You’re my favourite potato.” I want to read your books so much! *flails*
Beautiful. Thank you for not only this post but this novel. I’m 100% going to read this. My brother was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. He not only has low functioning autism, but he also has Q22 syndrome. It’s hard because I feel like people TRY to be more aware about it, but the awareness is still not where it should be … ya know? And there are so many spectrum’s. There are cases where those diagnosed can live on their own and work full time jobs … and then there are cases like my brother who need 24 hour care and can’t even travel to certain places because he can’t handle the long distances.
So thank you. <3
Much love for this post <3
thank you!! 😍😭💛
Hey so I read the little blurb you shared here where Sam says “there’s nothing wrong with him” AND NOW I AM CRYINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.
This is a very personal subject for me and just . . . just . . .
*dissolves in puddle of feels*
Thank you so much for doing everything you do, Cait. <333
😭💛awwk, thank YOU too, Katie!! This comment makes my day and I just got so emotional writing this post so afjdklsadf
cait, this is honestly such an important post and i’m so glad you’ve talked about this. there’s sooo much pressure on the ownvoices side of things and it can just make you NOT want to write about your experiences? but i’m so glad that you wrote about autism in the boy who steals houses!!! avery is just SO precious.
also.
i just read that potato scene and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. i desparately wish it had made the book BECAUSE IT WAS THE CUTEST. hGVFGDSVF. NOODLEs. POTatoes. I,,, was not prepared for that scene honestlyy. CAIT. WHY DO YOUR CHARACTERS MAKE ME FEEL THESE THINGS.
aww thank you, Ilsa 😍😭💛you definitely get it!!! I mean, ownvoices is so valuable, it’s ridiculously important, but I think sometimes as readers it’s good to actually step back and know that authors put in a LOT when they have to be massively vulnerable. writing this made me so much more aware of all the other ownvoices books I’ve read and just like !! Appreciating these authors so much.
Also that potato scene?! I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I was so sad to have to cut it so like IT LIVES ON. My embarrassed noodles. 😍
This post just broke and healed my heart <3
I'm SO glad that you've gotten the chance to write this book, especially with it being so close to your heart. I haven't (obviously 😉 ) read TBWSH, but I know that I'll love it just by how much you do. That seems super cheesy, but I feel when an author has poured their heart and soul into their work, trying to make it the best that they can, make it reach people and help them open their eyes, that makes me fall in love.
Sending you virtual love and cakes leading up to your release!! 💕💕
😭💛 omg thank you, Alyssa. I’m so happy the post resonated with so many people because ahhhhh I was getting emotional writing it!! And I hope the actual book fills people’s hearts too!! I mean, also wrecks ’em. Just a little. But still. 😍
This is the first post that I got an email notification for in like forever! <3 so happy to see you in my in box again. Looking forward to reading your new book. YAY!
AHHH I’M SO GLAD YOU GOT A NOTIFICATION!! Honestly this is the best release day present lmao. My blog working again. 😂😂
Cait, I absolutely love this post. I got to the end, and no joke, there are tears in my eyes. “And he’s not broken.” That just really moved me. Because it’s clear you love Avery, but at the same time, this is an #OwnVoices story, you have autism – and you’re not broken. And I don’t have autism, but I do have anxiety, and while I’m not a writer, I do know it would be difficult to write about. Hell, it’s sometimes difficult to talk about. So to be that vulnerable, and to put that on the page, a little piece of you – something others can be so disgusting about – it’s amazing. Incredible. And if it’s not weird to say, I’m proud of you. Because it’s going to be so powerful, I think, for that rep to be there, but also to have Sam’s narration showing how much he love’s Avery and will defend him with all he has.
I don’t know how many books there are out there by parents of autistic children, giving advice, how they forced their kids to experience sensory overload to make them “better” and more “normal”. It’s disgusting, horrific, and appalling. There are too many of these books, and too many novels with bad rep. And with TSWSH you’re helping to address that balance, put good rep out there, and show a boy who has no desire to change his autistic brother, and just love him completely as he is. And that’s just amazing, Cait. Really. I swear your vulnerability and nerves will be worth it. You’re incredible.
TWO DAYS, CAIT!!! I am so excited for you! And so, so eager to read this beautiful book! SOON!
omg Jo, I’m crying too.😭💛 I got so emotional writing this…plus it was on the end of a really hard day and I was just like: NO I am going to write this post even though it’s taking a while (cue me posting at 11pm instead of my normal 7pm). But I’m so glad you liked reading it. And I’m really glad it can resonate with my blog followers. And there are SO many crossover feels and symptoms with autism/anxiety, because you don’t really have autism without it (though of course you can have anxiety without autism haha). But it is definitely a vulnerable thing. And I have full respect for other authors who write their truths so often and so fiercely. 💛
And originally I felt worried that, you know, it’s not NARRATED by Avery. But I’m not sad I wrote the book like this. And there are several times Sam had to pull himself up with thinking Avery’s being draining…and I wanted to talk about that too? It’s so easy to say “yeah it’s tough living with an autistic person” (because it can be) instead of thinking about how the autistic is feeling through it all.
anyway thank you for this incredible and thoughtful and loving comment, Jo. 😭💛
This is one of the reasons I’m excited for TBWSH! I haven’t read much autism rep and ones I’ve seen seem to always be about curing it. I also have a sister on the lower end of the spectrum so this means a lot to me, especially since off the top of my head I don’t know any books I’ve read with a character who’s confirmed autistic on page, I’ll have to check out that recommendation post you made again.
Also I feel you with writing own voices stories, most of my books have own voices aro and ace rep and it’s hard to know how much of your experience to put in before it becomes self insertion and trying to avoid stereotypes.
Awk thanks, Frank!! 💛 And honestly there are so many autistics in the world, and so many people know someone or have a relative, etc…and it just baffles me that it’s still so misunderstood and so rare to see it repped well in books.
And yes! Like some people like to do self-insertion but I don’t. 😂It makes it WAY too awkward when your family reads it lmao. But so finding that balance between writing your experiences vs a whole new character, is a pretty wild time. (I’m glad you’re writing ownvoices too, because oh wow do we need more ace/aro books out there.)
I love reading #OwnVoices work, because I know the rep will be accurate and carefully written, even if it’s not representative of EVERYONE within that group. I can’t wait to get my hands on TBWSH!! I’m really hoping my pre-order actually shows up on the day of publication, because I’ve waited long enough already. xD
The novel I’m in the middle of rewrites for is #OwnVoices, too, and I’m hoping to find an agent to represent it. But it’s also scary! It’s so personal, but you feel the pressure of representing everyone in that group, even though that’s not at all what you should try to do when writing characters of certain groups. Everyone is so unique, you can’t possibly represent All The Things at once. So I totally get what you’re saying!
omg thank you, Kate 😭💛 can I just say you are the kindest and most supportive and I’m just !!! it means a lot to me always.
And I am wishing you ALL the luck with looking for an agent!! The pressure is a lot, right?! Because so many people assume minority = monolith experience. And it’s like, noooo. There are so many ways to be autistic (or insert whatever minority group here) and we’re just living our single truth by writing. 💛
That last section about ‘autistic’ not equaling ‘broken’ really hit my heart. ❤ So, so important.
gotten myself all EMOTIONAL, Jane 😭💛
HOW HAVE I NOT FOLLOWED THIS BLOG ALREADY WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! Well I did and I love your blog so much, you are so amazing! That’s so cool that you’re writing a #ownvoices novel! I have Type One Diabetes and I would love to see more of that in MG and YA books!
omg thank you, Emmie!! 😭💛 It’s so nice to meet you too! And I honestly only have read one book with diabetes?! I think it was Type One? But that’s really not acceptable for it to be such a small amount there, and I read a LOT too, so we definitely need more rep there!
Personally speaking, I think it’s really cathartic to base a character’s anxieties/OCDs/autistic experiences on your own. It’s a way of describing to readers what it’s actually like in your mind, how debilitating it can be to live with such problems and pressures day-in, day-out, and it gives them some idea of how we would like to be treated. Like you say, everyone’s experiences and POV’s are unique, and that’s what makes writing so exciting and limitless. We’re all strange/different in our own ways! In my book, Addicted to Love, the main female character feels anxious eating in public (which, I think, a lot of people do, they just don’t admit it, lol). I felt very vulnerable putting this down on paper, knowing that people would guess where I got the inspiration from, e.g. me. But then I also wanted to explain that some people do get these anxieties; we’re still just human beings at the end of it though.
Absolutely this too! I should’ve covered this more in the post, but I wrote it at like 11pm and I’m like “this must go up on Autism day” and I was struggling lol. But agreed…just being able to write the *little* things that most people don’t know/realise because we try to hide them? (Also I feel so anxious eating in public too. It’s good to know when you’re not alone for these things.)
I adored this post. I think it’s important to note that writing something that’s so much a part of you is really difficult to do. I think that’s part of the reason why I can’t see myself writing. I would want to write something #ownvoices, but every time I try, the task feels insurmountable, and I know there will be people who won’t be happy with something that is so personal to me and I can’t stomach that. I think you’re really brave for putting yourself into your work so thoroughly!
I think Stella from The Kiss Quotient and Khai from The Bride Test are great examples of autistic characters. They’re nuanced, multi-dimensional, and they’re understood and loved for who they are by their families and romantic interests.
It’s definitely a good AND hard thing, because it’s hard to take criticism on it, but also sometimes the criticism is valid too and we gotta learn and grow. but omg HARD. So hard.
And I loved Stella! The rep in TKQ was just so good 💛💛
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts (and personal story!) on this, Cait! I can’t wait to pick up your latest book and I am so grateful for your words of wisdom on every topic, including this.
eeep thank you for reading, Jamie.😭💛It means so much to me!!
I really love reading how much passion you have on the subject of autism, and I really can’t wait to get my hands on your book. It sounds really amazing!
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You get all the kudos in the world because #ownvoices, especially about anxiety, is so hard! I’ve been trying to write #ownvoices anxiety for YEARS. I mean, I’ve written it a little (you can’t be as screwed up as me and not have you characters come out a little neurotic) but writing someone with diagnosable anxiety? SO HARD. Write an anxiety attack….send self into anxiety attack, lol. Character wouldn’t take medication? But I hate the lack of positive medication rep!
Luckily, there have been some great books written lately that address anxiety. John Green’s Turtles (title too long, not typing it on this tiny screen) resonated with me. And as a long time fanfiction reader, I’ve come across some portrayals of popular characters that were so real I actually cried. (I hate crying, I avoid books that make me FEEL like the plague. Ergo I only just read your book, lol. Kept putting it off b/c I knew I would have Feelings.)
Super interesting to read your thoughts on writing an OwnVoices novel! It’s true that it’s probably pretty hard to write about an autistic character but not insert yourself as a writer. I never thought about that! I’m excited for TBWSH. Favourite novels with autistic characters, Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde, The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas, On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis, Zondagskind by Judith Visser.
I made a BookTube video mentioning ATPN and TBWSH, it’s about autistic author fiction books recommendations. You don’t have to watch it if you don’t want to, I just wanted to let you know I put the word out there to my viewers about your new book 🙂 (I would post a link but I’m not sure if that is allowed, I did fill in my channel link for the ‘website’ bit). I’ll be reviewing TBWSH after I’ve read it, but it may be a little while before that video goes up, because I’m a few weeks of review videos behind on posting them. I hope to read TBWSH this month :).
Best of luck with making it through the 4th!! I can imagine you may be anxious *hug*. I’ll be thinking of you and following you on social media :).
CAIT I love this! I just wrote my review, and the #ownvoices autism rep was one of my key points- and I know you aren’t a teenage white dude but you nailed it. You just did. I have worked with kids with autism for idk, ever (or 5 years, take your pick) and so I have this story that I was going to put in my review but I didn’t want to bog it down so I am going to tell you instead.
About a month ago, I was killing time at our office, and a boy came in for his reevaluation. The policy is that a staffperson stays with the client while their parent/guardian talks to the doctor privately, and then the client goes in. Well, since I was there, I got to hang out with him! My boss told me his name and said “so he looks like an NBA player or an NFL lineman but he’s the sweetest kid you’ll ever meet”. Turns out, he’s close to aging out of our services (we only go up to 21, since it’s a children’s place) and is six-foot-seven, I kid you not. Anyway, I guess it’s pretty hard for him and his mom because he looks like he’s a big strong dude. But we read a book about squirrels and colored, and he was SO chill. But it is that whole perception thing, and like you talk about in the book too, how it’s one thing when there is a little kid with autism and everyone is like “aw he’s cute” or whatever, but then when it’s a grown man, society can be REAL asshats. (Those were not the words you used obviously and this is why you write the books and I don’t 😂) But I met this kid around the same time I was reading about Avery and WOW did it hit home. But the one thing I was SO thankful for is that he had this awesome mother who was doing everything in her power for him, and I think that is what broke me SO much about Avery. But he had Sam and wow I love Sam and now I am getting off track hah.
And I LOVE your part about Avery not being broken- and YOU not being broken. One of the best things I have noticed that changed in the decade I wasn’t working is that my client who has autism now… none of his treatment goals involve trying to CHANGE him. And 10 years ago, some of them did with my old client. Like you said, it was reducing stimming, forced eye contact, etc. NOW, there is none of that- it’s just helping him cope and feel better about some the stuff that’s upsetting to him. And that is just so uplifting, I don’t even know. And he’s one of my favorite people in the world, and also, so are you, and neither one of you needs to change a THING ♥♥♥
The pressure to have the perfect Own Voices novel scares me as well. Although I write rep for Filipinos and Indians, and mental health, my book will never truly capture their experiences. The cluster of identities I have impact each other in a way that cannot be fully represented by other authors as well.
There are still so many books I need to explore and take a chance on! Thank you for writing a book that is filled with so much love and self-acceptance. Congratulations on your publication, Cait!
Great post! And I’m very much looking forward to reading your book!
Congrats on the release of The Boy Who Steals Houses, I’m so excited and will be reading it extremely soon ahh!! I really enjoyed reading this post and I totally agree, with #ownvoices there is added pressure really but so many benefits. And it’s definitely true that one voice cannot cover a whole spectrum especially with something as vast as autism, and characters are not the writers so there will be differences and need for research.
Cait, not be dramatic or anything, but this is one of the best posts you’ve ever written. I can only imagine how scary it can be to open up your vulnerabilities, not only to a blog audience, but to the whole world through your book!
Earlier this year, I read two books by Asian-American authors and it made me think a lot about #ownvoices narratives. Both of the books had SUPER different main characters, going through various things, with family dynamics that didn’t look alike in the slightest. And they’re still both own voices, and their experiences are all still valid.
I think it just shows that it doesn’t matter if we’re reading two books by two own voices authors – their experiences are always going to be different, which will reflect on their books as well. I recently read The Kiss Quotient, by Helen Hoang, with an autisitc main character, and I appreciated enough to know that it was a single person’s experience and it didn’t reflect an entire community.
Thank you so much for sharing! 💛
I’m not writing an ownvoices book just yet but I very much think my next one will and you know you can’t help but think about the details of your next novel even though I try not to too much and stay focussed on my current wip but oh my goodness there is so much to think about. Even though it’s ownvoices it’s still a mind field of potential problematic issues even though I know all about it. Too much potentially as you said. But I guess people need to realise like you say it’s not every ones voice and everyone’s story. So much to think about! I solute you!
Congratulations on your publication!
I’m so, SO excited to read your book! I’ve actually just left a comment on your autism rep post about how difficult it is to find books with characters on the spectrum, and I’m so excited to add this to my TBR immediately.
Thank you for sharing your experience in writing a book in your own voice! I’m so super pumped about this.
Hi Cait! Congratulations on The Boy Who Steals Houses! This is a bit unrelated, but I just wanted to say thank you for writing posts like this. I feel like I’ve learned so much about books and the publishing industry and what #ownvoices even means, but also, more importantly, about topics like repping anxiety and autism in books. These were topics I wasn’t educated much about until I started blogging & found blogs like yours — so thank you! 💕 I wish you the best on your new book!
This was an amazing post! This will be helpful for when I go in and write my #ownvoices works. Thanks for sharing this!