Who is Robert Hensley?
Robert Hensley is a Los Angeles-based writer/director, whose work includes published plays, fiction, produced screenplays, and award-winning short films.
LEO"S LOVE STORY was his first published fiction.
For more information about Robert's work, please visit his website: bit.ly/roberthensley
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR...
It is said that authors write what they know...and I would have to agree with that statement. Without really thinking about it, Leo's story began to closely resembles my own -- I was a gay teen who felt overwhelmed by the pressures of family and culture, and I ran away. Of course, there is that departure when Leo has his fateful meeting with the alien being -- but then again, I have met some strange people in my time!
My wish for Leo's Love Story is that readers will relate with Leo, Adam and Anabel. It might sound cliche, but these three friends represent different aspects of my own personality. I hope that readers will connect with these characters and feel as if they know them -- or know people very much like them. The most amazing compliment would to have readers feel like some of the story correlates to their own story.
Whether you are gay or straight, girl or guy, Leo's Love Story touches on some universal themes that play out the same regardless of the sex or orientation of the characters. I never sat down and thought that I was writing a gay young adult book, but rather than I was writing a young adult book that had gay characters.
As a member of the LBGT community, I think that it's important not o hide gay characters, or put them in stereotypical "best friend" or "fashion-obsessed class gossip" roles -- but allow them to exist as fully realized people, like they are in the real world. Thinking about it now, I hope that Leo's Love Story reaches those that feel like they're alone and different, that they need to run away, and helps them feel less of that.
Trust me -- being different can be a great thing!
- Robert Hensley
November 22, 2011