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A challenging thing about writing a cult book is also _why_ I did--knowing, after all the research, building a framework & modeling behaviors based on it, the believability of the actions & choices of its characters would be at the mercy of readers in a unique way.
But this is true of most of my books. It's what makes writing & release really interesting to me. In this case, everything in THE PROJECT in some way, shape or form happened! Terrifying! How people choose to meet it will be fascinating
The challenge (for me): a response that'll reflect the way we fail victims of abuse is inevitable--we punish people (women esp!) for not being model victims. I made choices that aligned with research/reality that I know will push these buttons if they're there to push.
(tbc I'm not talking about people who won't like the book! Sometimes you just don't like a book! nbd! I'm talking about a very specific type of response--akin to some telling me Romy's trauma did not justify her PTSD-inspired actions in ALL THE RAGE & she should be 'nicer' etc)
Though when I see responses like that, even though it's challenging, it just reaffirms my need to keep writing stories that stand in opposition of the idea that trauma victims & survivors have to cope in a palatable way to receive empathy & care & kindness.
Anyway!! All this is to say THE PROJECT very much intentionally becomes & turns the question of belief on the reader. What they believe is up to them. I'm really intrigued to see & I'm grateful to anyone who goes on its journey & I'm excited to share it with you in February!!
