Helen Hoang: Writing Her Story
- Delaney Bowman
- Apr 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Helen Hoang was born on March 5, 1976, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Helen always had a keen interest in storytelling and writing, often immersing herself in books and crafting her own tales from a young age. She spent much of her childhood exploring different fictional worlds and developing a deep appreciation for the power of narrative.
Growing up, Helen often felt like she perceived the world differently from her peers. She experienced challenges in social situations, struggled with sensory sensitivities, and found comfort in routines and patterns. However, like many individuals on the spectrum, Helen developed coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges, often without fully understanding the underlying reasons for her differences.
Helen pursued a career in academia, obtaining a degree in mathematics from Cornell University, and went on to become a teacher. Her true passion for storytelling never waned, and she eventually decided to pursue writing full-time. After achieving success as a mathematics teacher and venturing into the world of writing, Helen began to explore her identity more deeply, as well.
As she delved into researching her characters and their motivations, she found herself drawn to stories and experiences that resonated with her own. Through this process of introspection and research, Helen started to recognize the commonalities between her own traits and those commonly associated with ASD.
The official diagnosis of ASD provided Helen with a newfound sense of clarity and validation. It helped her make sense of her experiences and allowed her to embrace her unique perspective without judgment or self-doubt. Rather than seeing her diagnosis as a limitation, Helen embraced it as an integral part of her identity, shaping her worldview and informing her creative endeavors.
In 2018, Helen burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, "The Kiss Quotient." The book received widespread acclaim for its engaging storyline, authentic characters, and sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity. It was a New York Times bestseller and garnered numerous awards, catapulting Helen to literary stardom.
"If you can't stand being with a woman who's more successful than you, then leave her alone. She's better off without you. If you actually love her, then know the value of that love and make it a promise."
One of the most remarkable aspects of Helen's journey is her openness about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) later in life. She has been a vocal advocate for neurodiversity and has used her platform to raise awareness about ASD and reduce the stigma surrounding it. Through her writing, Helen has used her platform to raise awareness about autism and challenge stereotypes surrounding neurodiversity. Through her characters and storylines, she offers readers a glimpse into the lived experiences of individuals on the spectrum, fostering empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
Since her debut, Helen has continued to enchant readers with her captivating storytelling and diverse characters. She has written several more novels, including "The Bride Test" and "The Heart Principle," each exploring themes of love, identity, and acceptance in its own distinct way. Her journey from a math teacher to a bestselling author is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the belief in oneself. Her honest portrayal of neurodiversity and heartfelt storytelling have touched the lives of countless readers around the world, making her a beloved figure in the literary community.
Helen Hoang's journey of self-discovery and acceptance serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the importance of embracing one's identity and advocating for inclusivity and understanding in all aspects of life. Her openness about her autism diagnosis has not only enriched her personal life but has also deepened the impact of her literary contributions, making her a beacon of empowerment and representation in the literary world.
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Another amazing read, Delaney! I'm going to go explore Helen's books now.