Interview with Julie Anne Peters - The Author of 'Luna' and 'She Loves You, She Loves You Not'
Most of her books are LGBT-related. But, in the world where LGBT are still considered as an adult matters, Julie Anne Peters raises up her hand to write beautiful stories for the young teens that inspire and socialize what's LGBT and what could come in their surroundings and from inside them.
MRJ: So, many YA books are coloured with love, school, family and self-discovery issue. You have them all in your books, somehow, what make books become so special and different is that you bring up the LGBTIQ issue to some of your books. How did the idea come up to you?
JAP: My editor was the one who suggested I write a young adult lesbian love story. This was after ten years of writing children’s books for her. I thought she was CRAZY. I had all these fears about my books being banned; getting labeled as a “gay” writer; coming out on a global scale; being limited in what I could do artistically from then on; and, of course, receiving hate mail.
My fears weren’t totally unfounded, but I do think my decision to write that YA love story, KEEPING YOU A SECRET, determined my destiny as a writer.
MRJ: There aren't many LGBTIQ Young Adult Books out there in the market (at least in my country). Do you think it's an advantage or disadvantage for you as a writer (hehehe)? And why?
JAP: I was afraid there wouldn’t be a large enough market to buy my LGBTQI books, and that I’d have trouble making a living as a writer. But that hasn’t been the case. My books have now been translated into ten (or more) languages and distributed throughout the world. I’m sorry your country is behind in serving the queer audience. Hopefully that’ll change soon.
MRJ: I have read Luna and I feel that you as the writer tried to bring us, the readers, with your quite mature style. What do you want to communicate to your readers through your language style?
JAP: If you’re asking about the topics I tackle, which might be considered controversial to some, it doesn’t occur to me to censor what I write about for teens. They’re exposed to everything these days, and I think contemporary, realistic fiction should address those issues that are close to teens’ lives. Even if they haven’t dealt with transitioning from male to female, the way Luna did, I do believe reading about others’ experiences provoke thought and discussion. Ultimately, I’d like to think understanding breeds compassion.
MRJ: From Social Networking sites, I see you're well-connected to your readers. How do their feedback form and change your judgement to your own novels?
JAP: If readers respond positively to what I’m writing, I know I’m on the right track J.
JAP: If readers respond positively to what I’m writing, I know I’m on the right track J.
MRJ: People are now more accepting to LGBTIQ, like I do. But tell us your opinion on how do you see this changing point-of-view affect the LGBTIQ books or novels in the market?
JAP: Like you, I feel the world is become more accepting and supportive of diversity, including LGBTQI people. Human rights issues continue to be at the forefront of politics and social change, and I credit the open-heartedness and open-mindedness of the next generation for the shift in cultural values.
Thank you Julie.... We'll be waiting for your upcoming books!
Visit Julie Anne Peters' website to check her previous and new works or news from her. Click here!
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