What inspired you to write this book?

Well, I don't really know. It's an issue that I feel strongly about I suppose.

And I also wanted to depict a story that's a little closer to reality. I feel miffed when I read stories by girls who romanticize rape and incest and abuse.

I don't think it's romantic in any way and I just wish younger girls would understand that. I don't want them going into relationships thinking that they'll be the one to 'change' their husbands/boyfriends into better human beings.

It doesn't work that way. Abuse is not a shallow... sort of psyche. Abusive behaviour stems from deep, deep, deep psychological problems and it can't be changed with the snap of a finger.