Event Coverage: Q&A with Becky Albertalli

Above: AUDIENCE’S WORLD: Author Becky Albertalli, iliad Managing Editor Catherine DeMaria and Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot (left to right) sit in the CCHS Media Center on Feb. 6. Albertalli has written six different young adult novels including “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda,” which is now a major motion picture, “Love, Simon.” “I really want my work to find the audience it’s meant for, because no book is going to be meant for every reader,” Albertalli said. “The more of my books are out there, the more likely they are to land where they need to be, and I really value that.” Photo by Margo McDaniel

Award-winning author Becky Albertalli spoke to CCHS students and staff in the CCHS Media Center on Feb. 6. 

Clarke Central High School’s Media Center hosted Becky Albertalli, author of “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda,” on Feb. 6, for a Q&A session about her journey as an author. 

iliad Literary-Art Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot and Managing Editor Catherine DeMaria, both juniors, began the event by introducing themselves and Albertalli. Hendershot and DeMaria then led Albertalli through a Q&A session. 

“It’s important (for) me to go into every single event or school visit (without) any kind of agenda or scripted response,” Albertalli said. “I really do want it to be a conversation, and so much of that comes from audience (members).”

Above: SEEING YOURSELF IN A STORY: Author Becky Albertalli engages in a Q&A seminar in the CCHS Media Center on Feb. 6. Albertalli has written various LGBTQ+ novels, in hopes that her younger audiences won’t feel as alone. “I do like the idea of putting (my work) out there, (because) of kids who don’t have that kind of community in (their) lives,” Albertalli said. “Seeing yourself in a book may be the thing that gets (kids) through a time when (they) don’t have a more solid support system.” Photo by Margo McDaniel 

For Paeshunce Moss, a sophomore, watching the students come together to hear Albertalli speak was special. 

“Having authors come and talk with us really gives the students a chance to connect,” Moss said. “Coming together in an environment where there are people like you makes you feel seen and heard.”

After the Q&A, the event floor opened for audience members to ask questions of their own. 

“I really loved the casual hangout part at the end,” Albertalli said. “(Hearing) what life is like day to day for the kids in the group was really nice (because) I got to see the perspectives (of the) younger community.”

Above: AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: CCHS student Kai Davis, a senior, stands in the CCHS Media Center on Feb. 6. Davis attended Becky Albertalli’s author visit and was inspired by her life stories. “Some people don’t have plans after high school and seeing people that come from Georgia help (us) see that (we) have a purpose in life,” Davis said. “I’m not just (going) to work a nine to five, I can do something that I truly love.” Photo by Margo McDaniel 

Albertalli shared many stories with the crowd, including, becoming an author, facing criticism online and discovering her sexuality. CCHS senior Kai Davis was moved by Albertalli’s experiences. 

“I didn’t (know) a lot about (Albertalli) before the (visit) and I have gained a lot of respect for her. Her stories (about) her younger days in high school, how she didn’t know she was bi, (and) the ups and downs of 2020, (were) inspiring,” Davis said. “She’s her own person and I respect that.”

As the event came to a close, Albertalli reflected on her experience with visiting high schools. 

“I hope all the students here at this presentation felt heard and taken seriously,” Albertalli said. “A school visit is the most meaningful kind of event, and (they’re) the ones that I know I’m (going) to remember many years down the line.”

Story by Niles Flath

Niles Flath is a sophomore at Clarke Central High School in Athens Georgia. She serves as Outreach Director for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. She hopes to make connections with creators both inside and outside the CCHS walls and showcase their work through the iliad program. In her free time, she likes playing tennis, swimming, and hanging out with friends.