Guest post written by I Like Me Better author Robby Weber
Robby Weber is a Florida-based writer who loves sunshine, summer and strong-willed characters. He can normally be found as close to the ocean as possible with his dog, Arthur, and a novel from Reese’s Book Club. He is the author of If You Change Your Mind. I Like Me Better is out now.
In Pre-K, on stage, I proudly declared I wanted to be Ariel when I grew up. Random way to start this, right? Maybe it’s just on my mind because the new movie is now out (let’s all take a moment for Halle Bailey, because just wow) or maybe it’s because I’ve been metaphorically under the sea—writing and talking about marine biology and ocean conservation. Maybe, though, it’s because a reader asked for a quote from my favorite childhood movie when signing my new book, I LIKE ME BETTER. I realized I’ve always carried Ariel’s optimism with me—her ability to see wonder in anything, and her (sometimes questionable, sure) determination to swim toward the light.
My books are meant to be sunny bright spots. I write for queer teens, first and foremost. Of course, I absolutely love hearing from all readers, of all ages and backgrounds and identities, but my main goal when I write is to give young, queer readers that light filtering through the darkness of a murky sea. My goal is to give them something warm, and something buoyant—something that, if I’m successful, is overflowing with a sense of hope.
Writing romantic comedies, I love providing that hope for a happily ever after. I think everyone deserves one, and I believe everyone gets one. But in my sophomore novel, I got to touch on another subject too!
In I LIKE ME BETTER, soccer-star Zack is a fish out of water completing community service at a seaside conservation center. I got to dive (ha) into marine biology and environmentalism, which brings me so much joy. Along with romance, self-discovery, a fun soccer team dynamic, and plenty of comedic summer mishaps (shark costume calamities anyone?), there are tidbits about ocean life, plastic, and pollution. There are earnest conversations about impact and change. I grew up at the beach, and it’s my happy place. Through the best and worst times, I’ve always had the ocean. So, naturally, you can imagine I’m passionate about marine preservation and coastal ecology.
It has been really rewarding to hear from readers who felt they learned something or got the intended message—every single one of us can make a difference in our own ways, big or small. Maybe it’s that same optimism I mentioned earlier, or maybe it’s just all the fantastic conversations I’ve had and effort I’ve witnessed, but I really do believe young people have the ability to change the world for the better. I have seen intelligence, empathy, and a desire to learn more. I’ve loved seeing how many readers identify with Chip, a young aspiring scientist and activist, who is so passionate about the ocean and the planet and cannot be told his individual impact doesn’t mean something. While this book takes place in a fictional coastal community, I hope readers any and everywhere can take the sense of empowerment and hope for a better planet and apply it to their daily lives. Truly, I believe if we all have the best intentions, there’s nothing we can’t do.
There’s a lot of positive in the world—a lot of love and light and so many hidden treasures. I am so happy to spread some joy and optimism through my books. If, metaphorically, we’re all swimming around in a deep blue sea, I’m always going to choose to find that sparkling sunlight. And maybe the best part? I think my readers will, too.
