Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

Welcome back to part 2 of Anne-Marie Zanzal's conversation with celebrated author and illustrator, Brian Selznick. Brian is the author of the popular young adult novels, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, The Marvels, Run Away With Me, and Kaleidoscope, among others. Brian inspires young readers with his creative approach to storytelling that combines writing and illustration, telling stories that resonate with young queer audiences. In 2011, The Invention of Hugo Cabret was adapted as a film my legendary director Martin Scorsese.

In part 2 of this engaging conversation, Anne-Marie and Brian dive into themes of queer love, queer history, discuss why representation matters for young LGBTQ people, explore the concepts of inner and outer safe spaces, and discuss how Brian's storytelling has evolved over time.

Discover Brian Selznick's body of work at https://brianselznick.com/

The song Brian mentions in this episode as being so impactful to him at a young age is 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler: https://youtu.be/lcOxhH8N3Bo?si=Tldbu0sIp-a66NoU

A book that influenced Brian is "Weetzie Bat" by Francesca Lia Block: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44353.Weetzie_Bat

A film that impacted Brian is Poison, directed by Todd Haynes: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102687/

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Knowing our history matters. Brian and Anne-Marie discuss how history is lost or filtered over time, removing access to queer stories and impacting queer culture.

🏳️‍🌈Brian discusses how themes and characters have matured in his work over time, and how this presents a creative challenge.

🏳️‍🌈Anne-Marie and Brian talk about the importance of safe spaces and how they are cultivated by queer individuals.

🏳️‍🌈Brian gives us a peek into his inner world, discussing how his characters represent conversations between different versions of himself.

✨ Why This Matters:

Preserving queer stories and queer history matters. When we can see ourselves, our experiences, and our stories reflected in the stories of others, we feel validated, less alone, and connected to our community. Storytelling is a powerful healing modality we can all participate in, as creators or as listeners and readers.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you a fan of Brian Selznick's work? Tell us which of his stories resonates with you the most and why in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!