10 Questions with Author C.H. Williams
1. You have a new book, Girl Crush, releasing soon. Tell us about it.
I do! Girl Crush is a young adult contemporary written in verse! My book follows sixteen-year-old Tate as she navigates the challenges of transitioning to civilian life after her dad's military retirement. Moving to a new town and starting at a civilian school, Tate struggles to find her place in a community where friendships are already set, and everyone else seems to know exactly who they are, and where they fit in. When Tate falls for Zoey, a brooding and mysterious musician, she discovers her feelings go deeper than a simple crush. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to follow your heart.
2. Like Girl Crush, you've written another book in verse. How did you come up with the idea?
Girl Crush was actually the first verse novel I ever wrote, but at the time, we ended up going for my second pitch, and my first published verse novel: Sign Me Up. Girl Crush has always been a story held very close to my heart. Inspired by my life growing up as an army brat, moving schools frequently, before finally settling down as a teenager. As soon as I started typing, the story just kinda flew out of me!ย
3. You're an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. Can you tell us about it and how it relates to your writing?
Absolutely! I am totally for getting books with all types of queer representation into the hands of readers, and feel it is so important for children and young adults to have access to these stories. I am vehemently against book banning, and am grateful to work with a publisher who does not shy away from the task of getting diverse books into schools and libraries all around the world.
4. How has your identity informed your writing?
As a bisexual woman, I struggled for a long time with my identity, largely due to the lack of bisexual representation in the media when I was growing up. In my formative years, my understanding of queer identities was limited to people being either gay or straight, which led me to dismiss my crushes on girls, convincing myself they weren't valid. Now, I feel incredibly fortunate to write the stories I wished I had access to while growing up queer and questioning. My goal is to provide representation and validation for those navigating similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding in a world that can sometimes feel isolating.
5. If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
I would tell Tate, it's okay to be different, and even though her childhood may have been atypical compared to that of her peers at this new school, her journey is still just as valid as anyone else's. I would give Zoey a big hug, and tell her she's gonna be okay, and even though she's been through so much, at such a young age, she is worthy, and she is important. Finally, I would tell Tate's friends, sticks and stones can break your bones, and words can hurt just as much. If you're going to be anything, be kind.
6. What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?
Writing in verse has given me such a wonderful opportunity to tell my stories with fewer words while (hopefully!) keeping just as much meaning. Also, writing authentically about topics like sexuality, belonging, and self-discovery can be daunting, especially when considering how readers might react. However, this vulnerability has allowed me to connect deeply with my audience.
7. What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Balancing a regular day job and parenting a busy kiddo means I have to carve out writing time whenever possible. One of the biggest challenges is trying to write when I'm feeling unmotivated or distracted, which can lead to guilt if my word count hasn't increased, even after making time for writing. What has helped me the most is allowing myself to accept that I don't always need to be at my most productive. I've learned to recognise that reading and creating in other ways are equally important. Sometimes, going for a walk and listening to a podcast or an audiobook can be just as beneficial, if not more so, on those tricky writing days.
8. Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?
As much as I value feedback from my family and friendsโ including my wonderful writer mum friendsโ you know who you are! I feel the only readers I can truly trust to be objective are those who don't know me at all. I have to accept that once my book is out in the world, it's no longer just mine and mine alone, and I cannot dictate how any reader will interpret my words from that point forward, but that's the wonderful, and slightly terrifying, world of being a published author!
9. How would you describe your books' ideal reader?
Girl Crush is written for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong. It is for teen readers who seek out queer media, hungry for that representation, and validation which, unfortunately can sometimes be hard to find in the real world. It's for reluctant readers, who want the same high interest stories their peers may be reading, but at a lower reading level. And for those who love funky prose, and a story told in an unexpected narrative style.
10. Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
I think that would have to be a three-way tie between my parents, my husband, and my wonderful daughter!
My parents have always encouraged me to chase my dreams, and becoming an author is my biggest one. They've always believed I can do anything I put my mind toโ a sentiment I have passed down to my daughter who currently wants to be a singing vet, and also an axolotl ...
My poor husband has spent years now listening to me talking through my various plot bunnies, reading multiple drafts of multiple novels (in verse and non-verse format!) He is always the first to tell people I'm a published author, and has always been my biggest cheerleader when it comes to my writing.
Finally, my darling daughter โ though she's too young to read my books, she tells everyone her mama is an author, and when my first book was published she stood up in front of the entire school in that week's assembly, and showed everyone my book. Stage fright? She's never heard of it!
Author bio:ย
C.H. Williams is the author of the YA verse novelsย Sign Me Upย andย Girl Crushย both from West 44 books. When she's not writing, she can be found hiking in the Welsh mountains with her golden retriever of a husband, and their wonderfully wild, nature-loving daughter.
C.H. is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and is a strong advocate for queer youth, and promoting inclusion in her stories. She loves both reading and writing stories she wishes she could have had access to when she was a queer and questioning teen.
Link tree:
Please go to her link tree for her author website and links to her social media profiles, and ways to get your hands on her stories!!!
