Ariel Silverstein asked Amy Fellner Dominy:

I am a student currently writing my EPQ on realistic fiction and young adult novels. I was wondering what is your opinion on whether realistic fiction and young adult novels sometimes romanticise topics such as mental health, terminal illness and addiction? As you are a highly skilled author, I would love to hear your ideas on the topic. Thank you for your time!

Amy Fellner Dominy Thanks for your question, Ariel. There is a sense of romanticism in our culture about these issues. I'm not sure where it comes from, but I actually think realistic young adult novels today are changing that. I can't speak to every book, of course, but I've read many novels that show a grittier, more realistic vision of addiction, and mental illness. I can tell you that for me, personally, one of my goals while writing DIE FOR YOU was to address the type of romanticization you're asking about. I wanted to strip the romanticism from the idea of "dying for love." I wanted to show it for what it is: manipulation and emotional abuse. I hope that answers your question. Best, Amy

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