Q: What inspired you to write a 10th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Violet?

A: Ten years ago, The Sound of Violet began as a story very close to my heart, but over the past decade, both the story and I have grown tremendously. When I had the opportunity to see these characters come to life on screen during the film adaptation, it gave me new insights into who Shawn and Violet really were. I realized I had more to say about their journey and more depth to explore in their relationship. I felt compelled to completely reimagine the novel, to honor the growth that both the story and I have experienced. The 10th Anniversary Edition is essentially a new book that dives deeper into the emotional authenticity of these characters I love so much.

Q: How is this anniversary edition different from the original novel?

A: I’ve expanded the storytelling, deepened the character development, and enhanced the emotional authenticity throughout. Having worked on the film adaptation gave me a unique perspective on these characters. I could see them more clearly, understand their motivations more deeply. I’ve added new scenes, enriched existing ones, and created a more immersive reading experience. While the core story remains the same, readers will discover new layers, new moments of connection, and a richer emotional landscape.

Q: Why did you choose to keep the novel set in New York City when the movie was filmed in Seattle?

A: Both settings serve the story beautifully, but in different ways. Seattle’s stunning backdrop worked wonderfully for the visual medium of film, but New York City is where this story first lived in my imagination. The energy, diversity, and complexity of New York reflect the inner worlds of both Shawn and Violet. For Shawn, the city’s overwhelming sensory experience mirrors his challenges with autism, while for Violet, it represents both the dangers she’s trying to escape and the possibilities of a new life. Keeping the novel rooted in New York allows readers to experience a distinct version of their story, one that’s complementary to but separate from the film.

Q: What research did you do to authentically portray Shawn’s autism?

A: Representing autism authentically was incredibly important to me. I spent extensive time researching and talking to people on the autism spectrum. I wanted to move beyond stereotypes and show the full humanity of someone like Shawn with his challenges, but also his strengths, his humor, his capacity for deep love. The feedback I’ve received from people on the autism spectrum has been overwhelmingly positive. That was very meaningful to me.

Q: The story deals with some heavy themes alongside the romance. How do you balance hope with realism?

A: Life itself is a mixture of joy and pain, hope and struggle. I believe powerful stories acknowledge the darkness while ultimately pointing toward light. Violet’s story touches on exploitation and trauma, which are unfortunately realities for many people. But at its core, this is a story about the possibility of healing, about how real, unconditional love can transform lives. Shawn and Violet both carry wounds, but they also carry the ability to grow, to heal, and to choose hope. I don’t shy away from the difficult moments because they make the joy and connection more meaningful and authentic.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this story?

A: More than anything, I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding that every person deserves to be seen and cherished. This story challenges people to look beyond appearances or first impressions. I want readers to look past their own preconceptions, to practice the kind of radical love that Shawn and Violet show to each other. If this book helps even one person feel less alone or inspires someone to look more kindly at the people around them, then I’m happy.

Q: How has your perspective on the characters changed over the past ten years?

A: They’ve become even more real to me, if that’s possible. Working on the film adaptation was like spending extended time with old friends. I got to know them in new ways while I watched the actors bring them to life. I deeply appreciate how Shawn’s autism and spiritual journey make him uniquely beautiful and capable of the kind of pure love that transforms Violet’s life. And Violet’s strength, her resilience despite everything she’s endured, has inspired me, especially after hearing from women who have shared similar stories. These aren’t just characters anymore. They feel like people I know, people whose stories I’m honored to tell.

Q: What was it like seeing your characters brought to life on screen?

A: Magical and surreal. There’s something profound about watching actors bring to life characters who first lived in your imagination. It reminded me that these characters had lives of their own, that their story resonated beyond just my own experience as a writer. The actors brought dimensions to Shawn and Violet that I hadn’t fully explored in the original novel, which is part of what inspired me to dive deeper in this anniversary edition. Seeing the story reach audiences through the film also showed me how universal these themes of acceptance and unconditional love really are.

Q: What’s next for you as a writer?

A: I’m always drawn to stories that explore the depths of human connection, the way love can heal and transform us. While I can’t share specific details yet, I’m working on projects that continue to examine how we find each other across our differences, how we build bridges of understanding and compassion. The Sound of Violet will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’m excited to keep exploring these themes that matter so much to me.