Get ready to learn more about the book Becoming Her in this discussion with sapphic author Abigail Taylor.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Abigail Taylor about Becoming Her, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Mistaken Identity category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Becoming Her?
I think queer culture is missing in several genres, and I asked my newsletter recipients which genres they would most like to see more representation in. The majority was for science fiction. I didn’t have much knowledge in that area, but I enjoy a good challenge and after some brainstorming and extensive research, Becoming Her was born.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Jules is my favorite character because she is very opposite of me in many ways. I’m incredibly shy, and she is very forward. The things she thought, said, and did I would be much too embarrassed to do myself, but I’m glad she did them. HAHA
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
My biggest challenge for writing this book, besides the obvious of having to learn a plausible way to explain crossing dimensions, was finding various ways to say boobs.
What part of Becoming Her was the most fun to write?
I would say the most fun I had in this book was writing the sex scenes because, for the first time in any of my books, they didn’t have so many emotions with them. I enjoy good emotional connections when my characters become intimate, but this was different because of the mistaken identity, so things escalated quickly.
How much research did you need to do for Becoming Her?
So much research. I can’t count how many scientific YouTube videos I watched, how many Google searches I did, and how many articles I read. I had to choose which theory I wanted to use to explain how they crossed dimensions.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I am planning another book in the series, but the main characters will be different, but we will still see the original characters, too. This book will be focused on time travel and not parallel universes.
What is your favorite line from your book?
It was like I was titnotized, and I may or may not have licked her cleavage.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I don’t usually celebrate when I finish a book, but I definitely celebrate when I publish one. It’s nothing big, but I give myself the day off after publishing so I can just rest my brain for a minute.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Oh yes. So Thor is my Morkie (Maltese/yorkie mix) and he refuses to sleep anywhere except my lap while I’m working. If I don’t let him immediately on my lap he whines and scratches at my leg until I do. He has me whipped.
What animal or object best represents you as an author or your writing style?
I would say a phoenix represents me. I feel like I’ve been through a lot in life, and it has caused me to grow and change and come back stronger. I hope that I incorporate that into my characters as well.
What are three words that describe your personality?
I would say the three things that best describe me are thoughtful because I believe that everyone is special and they need to feel special. I try to always remember details about what people share with me and if I see something that reminds me of them, I like to tell them so they know that they were thought about. Open-minded because I never judge people for anything. I know everyone’s opinion is different and just because we don’t understand something doesn’t mean it is wrong. Finally, I would say hard-working. I do almost everything myself not just with writing but in life. I’m not saying I don’t have help because I absolutely do have those amazing people who support me, but I struggle with ever asking anyone for anything. I do most things on my own because I never want to be a burden.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Stress is the biggest hindrance to me in everything. If I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I tend to lose my creativity and drive.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I am super emotional all the time. Most of the difficult scenes I write, I have experienced in some way and it gets tough at times, but if I can help someone not feel alone about being vulnerable in my writing, that is what I will do.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I have not fallen in love with any of my characters, but that’s probably because most of them are based on various aspects of myself. HAHA
What books have you read more than once in your life?
The only fiction books I’ve read more than once in my life were some classics such as The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet, The Giver… I’ve also read several self-help books more than once.
What book do you wish you had written?
Oh, I’d love to do a sapphic retelling of Twelfth Night.
