When I set out to write my third middle school novel, Landry in Like, I wanted readers to feel less alone in what they were going through while in middle school or while preparing for it. I remember being in middle school and thinking everyone else had it figured out except me. For one, no one else seemed as terrified about the idea of starting high school like I was. Plus, I was convinced no one else spent hours overthinking at night while staring at the ceiling and wondering about the passive-aggressive comments (and the outright mean ones) said at the lunch table.
I’ve often said I would return to high school in a second, but there is no way I’d want to experience even a second of middle school again. Well, maybe I’d drop in just long enough to swipe a Kissing Koolers lip gloss and grab that awesome Espirit sweater I had with the different colored pastel arms. Other than that, it was a time of confusion and insecurity as I never felt truly at ease in the classroom or on the playground. In fact, I put a lot of my own insecurity from that time in my Landry Albright character. Did anyone else feel that things changed overnight and going to the beach went from being fun to feeling weird about being in a swimsuit?
However, during those years, I did find comfort reading books about characters going through the same things as me. I can remember leaning back against my pillow after finishing a novel and thinking how wonderful it would be to write a book that made someone feel as understood as the book I just read. All I wanted was to write books that gave humor, escapism, and advice to a reader who felt the same middle school chaos that I once did.
I gave Landry her own friend and frenemy issues to deal with, situations with friends who are being bullied, and dealing with anxiety and how to get help. I had her stay true to herself and her values as we see her grow up and become more confident in herself. Plus, she got a library “date” with the basketball player she has a crush on and it’s adorable!
I hope you enjoy Landry in Like as part of the award-winning Landry’s True Colors Series. The books are free in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WDLKHLW
Amazon Can: https://www.amazon.ca/Landry-Like-Landrys-Colors-Three-ebook/dp/B09WDLKHLW
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landry-Like-Landrys-Colors-Three-ebook/dp/B09WDLKHLW
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Landry-Like-Landrys-Colors-Three-ebook/dp/B09WDLKHLW
About the Author
Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of young adult, middle grade, and contemporary romance. Krysten writes because she loves bringing people swoony moments & hope-filled happily ever afters. Her books are known for making you feel all the feels.
Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
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