Reflecting on formative reading experiences, the author describes early lessons from Mills & Boon romances, highlighting their clash with her queer and autistic identity. Influenced by works like Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood, the author's writing journey evolved through childhood storytelling in unconventional spaces. Conrad the Factory-Made Boy resonated deeply, revealing storytelling as a means to comprehend life's absurdities. George Saunders's bravery in short stories and brilliance in Lincoln in the Bardo continues to inspire, illustrating the author's growth from a hidden writer to an aspiring novelist through academia and personal exploration.
Reading Mills & Boon romance novels taught me about love stories, where strong heroines often became weak for their male interests, an experience resonating deeply with my childhood. However, it left me with a nostalgic and bewildered feeling.
Conrad the Factory-Made Boy made me appreciate storytelling as a tool to navigate the oddities of life, showcasing how unconventional characters can defy societal expectations and highlight the beauty of connection.
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