What inspired you to write The Rebel’s Guide to Pride?
I’d read news articles on proposed bans on Pride events before bed. Somehow my mind twisted this harsh reality with the Roaring Twenties and what it must have felt like living in a time of prohibition and speakeasies. As someone who is a fan of The Great Gatsby and the author’s wife, Zelda Fitzgerald (the first American flapper and an Alabama socialite!), I began to make connections from the 1920s to the 2020s. I thought about those queer rebels at Stonewall who fought back, and asked myself what a group of teenage rebels would do if they had speakeasy-style events to fight a mayor’s ban.
What was the most difficult part about writing the book? What part was the easiest?
The most difficult part about writing The Rebel’s Guide to Pride was delving into the very meaning of Pride. Like Zeke, the main character, Pride once felt like a war between who I should be and who I am. His questioning of whether or not he’s “good enough” is something that I’ve done my whole life. At first, I was terrified to write that into his character. I realized as soon as Zeke climbs that billboard on page one, facing his fears, that I had to do the same. Which made the most fun part—creating the speakeasies!—well, easy. Getting to let my creativity run wild to dream up elaborate parties felt like a reward for these characters (and myself), and they were so much fun to write.
What element of the story do you identify with the most and why?
Zeke’s journey is the most personal I’ve ever written because it is also my own. His questioning of where he fits in and how he can make a difference is something I’ve done most of my life. I realized I wasn’t alone, but it wasn’t something many of us talk about. It felt important to show Zeke’s struggle and ways to combat it by never giving up—that’s what I tell myself when I don’t feel good enough. As long as I’m trying to better myself, trying to understand and learn and grow, that’s the most important takeaway in his journey.
What do you want kids today to take away from this story?
This story is about finding your voice, and it was important to me to showcase the empowerment of community. I think it’s crucial because when it’s just you, it feels like you’re alone. I hope kids take away the importance of their community and how it can unite their voices to form a battle cry. That’s crucial to finding your place to belong and fighting to keep it.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading (re-reading!) All’s Fair in Love and Field Hockey by Kit Rosewater. I love it so much!
What’s your favorite line from the book?
My favorite line is spoken by Zeke’s mother. She tells him, “You never know who’s listening, so be proud.” It became one of my favorites because, in a way, it sums up the whole book. Taking pride in yourself can inspire others.
