Paula K.
asked
Zoje Stage:
Having lived with IBD for well over a decade, & experiencing exactly what you wrote about- strictures, scar tissue, fistulas, biologics, etc- eventually winding up with a perm ileo- I found your description of ileostomies pretty offensive. Truthfully It's a lot nicer living with one than with a diseased colon. I'm not sure if your own personal fears colored your writing? Everything else re. IBD was spot on, but jeez..
Zoje Stage
Hi Paula,
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
Thank you for your question! Even though Baby Teeth was published two years ago, I've practically been waiting for this question and the chance to address it. Suzette has very deep fears of needing an ileostomy, and I knew that as I described them it could be very offensive to people already living with a perm ileo. But I considered her fears to be legitimate, and it's probably something that many IBD sufferers worry about - before they understand or experience the alternative. Please rest assured, I am not "Suzette" and she and I do not experience the world the same way - but I had to take the risk and let her fears go to that dark place. Thanks again - I hope you're doing well! - Z
More Answered Questions
Camilla Zahn
asked
Zoje Stage:
I really loved Baby Teeth! The way you switched perspectives and the description of Suzette chronic illness (I don’t have Crohn’s but other chronic conditions) was so amazing. Have you ever thought about adapting the book into a movie? I’m a filmmaker myself and normally when I read I try to imagine the scenes as if the book was a movie and Baby Teeth had so many amazing scenes!
Li'l Owl
asked
Zoje Stage:
Hi, Zoji! I'm very pleased to hear that you are writing another book! Do you have an updated month for it's release date in 2019? I wanted to reach out simply to tell you how much I loved your debut, Baby Teeth! I was on pins and needles from page one and I loved your 'open to readers imagination' conclusion! I absolutely can not wait to read your next book!
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