How a Non-Binary Author Used the After Effects of Bullying & Small Town Social Norms to Create a Compelling Character

In This Episode

Join Maccabee, the charismatic podcast host of Beyond the Pen, as he introduces listeners to the captivating author Kelly Vincent and her thought-provoking book, "Ugly." In this episode, Kelly opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery as a non-binary individual, delving into the impact it had on her writing process. Explore the profound themes of bullying and sexual orientation portrayed in "Ugly" as Kelly shares her own experiences and inspirations behind the book. Discover the transformative power of supportive friendships, the importance of appreciating one another's differences, and the lasting effects of bullying. Gain insights into Kelly's love for art, her favorite picture book illustrators, and the literary influences that shape her writing. Don't miss this compelling conversation filled with emotion, empathy, and a reminder of the impact we can make by understanding and supporting one another. Visit the Beyond the Pen podcast website for more information, and be sure to connect with the community on social media for updates on upcoming episodes and exclusive content.

Timestamps

Transitioning into Non-Binary Identity [00:04:48] - Kelly discusses her personal journey of discovering her non-binary identity and how it influenced her writing.

Dealing with Societal Views [00:08:15] - Kelly talks about the relevance of society in the story, particularly in a small town in Oklahoma, and how it impacted the character's experiences.

Going Deep into Character's Mindset [00:10:49] -Kelly explains how she delved deep into the protagonist's mindset, making the story more personal and enabling her to explain the character's point of view fully.

The struggle to connect with people [00:12:18] - Nic's difficulty in social interaction and her friend Sam's attempts to help her connect with others.

Supporting and boosting confidence [00:13:02] - Sam's support and encouragement of Nic help her gain confidence and take risks.

Changing perceptions and casual friendships [00:13:59] - Nic's realization that not all "normal" people are bad, forming a casual friendship that opens her mind to new possibilities.

The Watercolor Style [00:22:55] - Discussion about the speaker's fondness for a loose watercolor style and their admiration for an artist named Edward Wilson.

Favorite Picture Book Illustrator [00:23:59] - The speaker mentions Jason Chin as their favorite picture book illustrator, specifically mentioning his work in the book "Watercress."

Literary Influences [00:25:15] - A conversation about the writing style and influences, including authors Rainbow Rowell, Sarah Dawson, and Kristen Higgins.

The impact of bullying [00:34:48] - Discuss the lasting effects of bullying and the importance of supporting one another.

Exploring the book "Ugly" [00:35:24] - Encouragement to read the book and discover its surprising content.

Promoting the podcast and YouTube channel [00:36:46] - Invitation to visit the podcast website, social media pages, and YouTube channel to engage with authors and share content.

For More Information

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