Ask Jay Asher & R.J. Palacio - October 23, 2012 discussion

I’m sure you get questions like this all the time but I just had to ask. Who is it your story is about? How did you get into such detail about this persons life without actually going through it yourself? I feel like I’m talking to you from a world away and I just can't grasp your motives behind the book. It was an amazing read; I just want to know what the drive for writing it was. I’m sixteen inspired to write, by people like you, so your advice or comments are hoped for.

Casie wrote: "I’m sure you get questions like this all the time but I just had to ask. Who is it your story is about? How did you get into such detail about this persons life without actually going through it yo..."

Which book?

Sorry, I type it in the "this topic is about..." part before, but it must not have gone through. I fixed it though.

Casie wrote: "Who is it your story is about? How did you get into such detail about this persons life without actually going through it yourself?"
The story is about what happens to Hannah, but I consider Clay the main character because Hannah's story is filtered through his understanding. And while I haven't experienced her specific situations, I can understand her emotional reactions to those things. Part of that is because I have friends and relatives who've experienced some situations similar to hers, and we've talked about those things. But I also think, if people really try, we can all understand each other even if we don't agree with what the other person's doing. There are plenty of things Hannah goes through that makes me sympathize with her. There are other things she does that I don't agree with, but I can still understand it from her perspective.

Jay how did you get the idea for thirteen reasons why and besided future of us do u think you will write any more books