My Invented Life
“To thine own self be true.”—William Shakespeare
“Shakespeare would be proud to be included in this smart, funny, cheeky book.” –Ellen Wittlinger, Hard Love
“Funny with depth = my idea of pure reading delight.” –Lizzy Millar
“I knew I was going to like this book the second the main character asked a Ouija Board if her sister was a lesbian. My Invented Life does a great job capturing the confusing alternate reality of teenage sexuality and does it in a refreshingly authentic and honest teen voice.” –Brent Hartinger, Geography Club
Do not read this book if:
- (insert incomprehensible adult here) recommended it.
- you only read books with depressing endings
- theater geeks with confused identity annoy you
- you detest William Shakespeare’s comedies
My Invented Life - Free Chapter
I raise my mini golf club and try to focus on the clown’s chomping mouth. Other lips are on my mind, though — Bryan’s, to be honest. As my eyes wander in his direction, Eva leans in to kiss those lips. Bryan belongs to my sister, a circumstance I’d rather forget. My ball sails over the polka- dotted clown hat and disappears deep into Nowheresville, where the gum wrappers live. Mom bribed us into coming tonight by inviting our boyfriends. Except I don’t have one…
Why did you write My Invented Life?
It started with my high school reunion. There were 500 students in my class. None were openly gay. A classmate’s personal story about hiding his identity made my heart hurt and inspired me to write this book.
I worship my sister (who is 3.27 years older than me) and was devastated when she dumped me in high school. Author’s note: the characters depicted came from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to people living or dead is strictly coincidental.
I adore live theater, and sometimes went to drama rehearsals with friends in high school, though never dared to audition for a role.
I identify with the pain of hiding who you are. After my mom’s suicide, my dad asked my sister and I to keep the circumstances surrounding her death a secret. Doing so left me feeling strange, dark, and fringe.
Which scene was the most fun to write?
I’ve always loved everything about theater. The drama teacher at Taos High let me observe rehearsals of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Nothing had changed from when I was in high school. Writing theater scenes using memories and observations was bliss.
Which character were you most like in high school?
Roz is an outspoken, loud, and clueless, though well-meaning, voted most likely to say, “Some of my best friends are lesbians.” I’m sometimes clueless, but much quieter than Roz. In the novel, she gets to do things I only dreamed about.
If the book were made into a movie or TV show, who would play each part?
Brad Pitt’s Production Company, Plan B, considered making My Invented Life into a movie. I wrote a post about it here: My Book, The Movie.
Have any fans made a movie trailer?
Yes ! Fausto Umanzor made a trailer for My Invented Life. We have been friends ever since.
What happens after the book ends?
Roz and Nico are voted cutest couple after starring in Pride and Prejudice, despite Nico accidentally cutting himself with a sword during the show. They start a sticker business. The top seller is Pick Who you Are and Go with it. Roz and Sierra write a play based on their P. Tom experiences. Eva goes to UC Berkeley and Carmen to Harvard. After college, they get married with Roz, Eyeliner Andie, and Jonathan as the bridesmaids. The cute grandchild that follows softens Felicia’s heart. When Roz and Sierra’s play premieres on Broadway starring Jonathan, Carmen directs, and Eyeliner Andie designs the costumes. Roz and Eva never stop competing. They are sisters forever.
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Radio and television personality, Dr. Laura, quoted the Bible to spread hate of queer people. She got a hilarious letter in return. Here’s an excerpt:
“I need some advice from you regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord ( Lev 1:9 ). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?”
Ask My Sister - good questions and questionable answers …
Smooshy-Face pics from readers
~ COMING SOON ~
But my biggest problem of all: living with my grandma the famous ADVICE COLUMNIST Miss Swoon!