Hoang, meanwhile, has emerged among romances most exciting new voices over the last few years.
But were seeing more characters being identified (and identifying) as autistic.
And, broadly, more is better: we want to see the variety of people on the spectrum.
Credit: Text Publishing; Berkley
And its great to see more autistic women in fiction (nice work, Helen!
HELEN HOANG: Im happy to see more autistic protagonists in fiction, especially women.
(Thank you for the compliment, Graeme!)
Rebecca Rocks
Now, Id like to see even more.
The common idea with autism is when youve seen one autistic person, youve seen one autistic person.
That means we need many, many more books.
Eric Kieu; Penguin
I find the contrasting portrayals of autistic people to be very interesting, especially with regards to gender.
She also has more sensory issues.
(Im a boomer, and people of our generation were far less likely to be formally diagnosed.)
Thats where writing from personal experience as you have makes such a difference.
There are books that literally changed my life, sometimes through landing at the right time.
Joe QueenansThe Unkindest Cutprompted me to give up my business/technology job and become a writer.
So, I guess its inevitable that if you sell a few books, some will have that impact.
I know some readers have sought an autism assessment after relating more closely than theyd expected to Don.
SIMSION: Weve been talking aboutThe Kiss Quotient, but I actually readThe Bride Testfirst.
HOANG: I am truly honored that you read my books, Graeme!
ReadingThe Rosie Projectwas an experience for me.
It was the first time Id been exposed to a character like Don, and I treasured him.
I identified with him in a rare way.
SIMSION: Absolutely agree.
And ifThe Rosie Projectplayed even a small role in inspiring you to write…well Im very happy.
Though in terms of love scenes, those were definitely all you the Rosie books are pretty mild.
HOANG: I think thats absolutely fair.
Everyone has their own preferences.
Its a regular life, aside from the fact that I happen to be on the spectrum.
This shouldnt be offensive to anyone.
And its great that youre busting a myth about autism.
There are so many of them…. HOANG: I completely agree with you.
This is one of the main messages in my second book, The Bride Test.
More people including prominent people whove hidden their autism coming out and telling their stories.
And just more stories in which autistic people have a role that isnt primarily about their autism.
As a normal passing autistic person, I experience a great amount of insecurity relating to my label.
His autism is valid.
