Interview with Whitney Gardner, author of You’re Welcome, Universe
I’ve been anticipating Whitney Gardner’s debut You’re Welcome, Universe since I saw the deal announcement almost two years ago. A book with a culturally Deaf character who’s also an artist, with illustrations in the book by the author? Sign me up.
I’m super happy to say the book lived up to my expectations. The voice is fresh, the illustrations are spot-on and absolutely gorgeous, and Julia is a character who will stick with you long after you’ve put the book down. The relationships between her and her family, as well as her classmates, ring so true to life you’ll feel like you know them. I was thrilled to interview Whitney about her book, art, and what’s next for her—a geeky read that I also can’t wait to get my hands on.
You’ve created such an amazing protagonist with Julia. What was it like writing her?
I loved writing Julia. I got to feel like I was this confident badass. But there were times when her anger would seep over into my world and I had to remind myself I wasn’t actually angry at anyone in real life.
There’s so much to love (and learn) about Deaf culture from this book, from Julia and Jordyn’s different experiences, to the ways hearing people treat her, to her relationship with her moms, who are also Deaf. What was your research process like?
I used a lot of lessons I learned while taking ASL in high school and college. When I finished the first draft I had sensitivity readers look it over to make sure I was being as accurate as possible. I really loved working with them. But my favorite part of researching was working with my Deaf tutor, Kalen Fenney. We would get together and practice ASL and chat every week. I learned a lot from her and I’m so glad we met.
You’re an artist, too—how does Julia’s style differ from yours?
Julia’s style is so much cooler than mine. I like to draw goofy comics and more childish illustrations. Julia is all about metaphor and grit. Her artwork is very serious to her, she would hate it if anyone called her artwork cute. People call my art cute all the time and I love it. It was fun getting to try out drawing in someone else’s style. And almost bizarre to think her style must be my style too because, well, I draw for her.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the friendship between Julia and YP, especially since close female friendships are sometimes difficult to come by in YA. What was it like writing their dynamic?
I loved writing the scenes where they’re just vibing off of each other and getting along. Those were the best. I had some pretty down days when they weren’t getting along. I really wanted to capture what it’s like making your first lifelong friend. That girl who just gets you.
Any new or old YA you want to recommend?
I loved Beast, by Brie Spangler. I can’t wait for Who’s That Girl, by Blair Thornburgh, and I just finished Tiffany Jackson’s Allegedly, which was absolutely incredible.
What’s next for you?
My next YA, Chaotic Good, is out in spring 2018. It’s about a cosplay wunderkind who decides dressing as a boy might be the best way to infiltrate the bro-fest in her local comics shop.
Whitney Gardner’s You’re Welcome, Universe is on sale now!