I first want to thank everyone for the positive responses and love of the book. I never expected the type of response The Academy has gotten. The Academy was my very first book that I wrote from no source material. I originally wrote the book as a typical drama between the popular girl who is in the closet and the open lesbian, but my interest changed as I wrote more of it. I didn't just want a stereotypical story where one person is in denial of their sexuality and has to go on her personal journey to figure it out. I wanted both leads to know and accept their sexuality. Granted, Alicia wasn't out, but she had personal reason to hide it from her family. Even though she hid it, she always new and accepted that she was bisexual.

After I decided that they accepted their sexualities, I wanted to make a book that wasn't just defined as a queer love story. The trials and tribulations they overcome can be found in any relationship, whether it's gay, straight, or whatever. Alicia and Nicola have an economic divide. For Alicia, a thousand dollars is pocket change while Nicola sees the money as something that can help her parent's bills. Similarly, these issues exist between people in an upper middle class versus middle class economic structure. It can even exist between the poor and middle class. The issues aren't unique to super rich people since determining if someone is rich is entirely subjective (although we can totally agree that billionaire Alicia is loaded lol).

And then there is social pressures. I have gotten many comments about Yaz's character and that's the reaction I intended to happen. The thing is that Yaz's words appeared harsh, but she made some valuable points (not entirely defending her character lol) . When people from different economic statuses mix, there is always a culture shock. Yaz was trying to warn Alicia about it. Alicia and Nicola eventually butted heads over the financial issues; for example, Nicola felt uncomfortable when she found out how much the jewelry costs. Alicia was confused since ~$150,000 was cheap to her.

Also, I thought it was cool to include "invisible illnesses." Invisible illnesses are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. They are typically chronic illnesses (like asthma, diabetes, etc.) and conditions that significantly impair normal activities of daily living. The problem is that, because most people cannot visibly see them, they are not taken as seriously as other apparent illnesses. So... why the hell not for invisible illness awareness!!

Finally, we have public perception and the pressures to project a perfect image. The McAllister family must project the perfect family with no deviations from what is considered "normal." A gay or bisexual child is not "normal." A daughter dating a laid back, surfer dude from California who has long, fiery red hair is not acceptable since it's not the standard short, dark hair most men have. The pressures the family places are not unique to Alicia. Alicia and Zara are just the two who decided to rebel against the status quo.

I really liked the debates that have happened from reading this story. I'll also periodically reveal my personal thoughts on some of the characters, from when I first created them to now. I would once again like to thank everyone for their support!!!!

Also, I guess this wasn't exactly a quick note lol

Hope you enjoy the book!!!