1. What inspired you to write this story, and why did you choose to tell it through a YA lens?

The story initially started as a fanfic, actually! Star Wars girlies represent. But I think even then, what inspired me to write it in the first place was a desire to connect with brightness, a longing to explore tenderness and a genuine, gentle love I had yet to experience in real life. Later on, it was my social upheavals at the time that informed the trajectory of the work. I talk a bit about this in my socials (@yuehverse) as well, but long story short, I kind of ended up in a cult without realizing it. Oops!

And as cults do, when I tried to leave, they turned on me. Not having realized I was in one, I took everything they said and did to me to heart. When they called me a monster, I believed them. For many many years, I grappled with the fear and the dread that they were right.

I think the 'YA' rating just naturally happened since, well, I was also a young adult at the time! But I do feel that emotions are more raw when you're younger, and it was much easier, almost more 'fun,' to explore this story through fresher eyes.

2. Your characters feel authentic and complex—did any of them come from real-life experiences or people you’ve known?

The villain certainly did, haha! Some of the things Esp, our main antagonist, says in the book are word for word things that were said to me. And our main male character, Naqi, is also heavily inspired by the people who saved me during that time. Without the light and love and unconditional support of people like him, I would not be here today.

3. YA fiction often explores themes of identity, growth, and belonging. What themes were most important to you in this book, and why?

Forgiveness and redemptive love, because those were the things that saved me in my darkest hours. I'd be in a pretty grim place without them. I think, also, that these are the things that keep the world turning round, that keep people going and smiling. If it was eye for an eye everywhere we went, everyone would be blind. And at the end of the day, we all need a little bit of grace, regardless of who we are.

4. What do you hope readers—especially teens—take away from your book?

Two things. One, that you are loved, and you are worthy, even if you don't feel it, even if some people tell you you're not. Two, that there are many people out there who also feel unlovable and unworthy, and that even a little bit of kindness and patience can go a long way in mending wounds, in making this planet we call home a better place for everyone.