Annie is the perfect girlfriend to Doug.
Shes beautiful and perfectly proportioned, with a slim waist and big boobs.
She exercises and reads.
She doesnt get in the way.
She always greets her man with a smile and a kiss.
And, most important, she is always ready for sexany throw in of sex Doug wants.
Annie isnt a human, though.
But after a few years of ownership, Doug is trying something new.
And for the first time, Annie is beginning to question the reality shes in.
Glamour:Annies story feels so real, yet the novel is very unique.
How did you have the idea for this book?
In short, I had a lot of messy ideas that played perfectly into Annies story.
I found the allegory between Annies situation and an abusive/controlling relationship to be especially poignant.
How did you come up with using an AI bot to illustrate this dynamic?
The novel depends on Annie being a robot for it to work.
Add a little rage and you have a problem.
The dynamics between Annie and Doug were pretty scary to write, frankly.
Why were these uncomfortable parts important for you to include?
Those visits to the technicians are essential, arent they?
Doug decides what she weighs and her bust size, etc., which is excruciatingly personal.
This is a complicated subject.
Suddenly they have to reassess the entire system.
What matters to me is that Doug learns from his situation.
Almost despite himself, he takes risks that lead him where he needs to go.
Do you think if Stellas really existed, a lot of men would buy them?
Women would buy them too, or the male Handy models.
People will buy a new toy whether its good for them or not.
The book ends with a distinct resolution.
What do you want readers to understand about Annies decision in the last few pages?
What do you hope readers take away from Annie’s story?
I hope theyre reminded that they deserve to pursue happiness.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
