I had a lot more time to write In 27 Days than I did The Silence Between Us, and I’m six years older as well. A lot of changes have occurred during that time, and I’m hoping I’ve had more life experiences to further my writing. With In 27 Days I got to let my imagination run rampant, whereas The Silence Between Us has more of a realistic setting. It was a bit of a challenge to write The Silence Between Us, to be honest, because I’m still learning more and more about the Deaf community, Deaf culture, and American Sign Language, and I don’t have too much experience writing without some kind of supernatural twist!

Which part of The Silence Between Us was the most challenging to write? What was your favorite scene to write?

I think one of the most challenging scenes to write was Maya’s birthday. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was tough. At the time Maya is hoping she’s headed toward something real with Beau, only to have it sort of backfire. My favorite scene to write was probably when Beau and Maya are working on a school project together. It’s the first time Maya really lets her guard down around Beau.

Why do you think it’s important for YA readers to meet characters like Maya, Beau, Nina, Jackson, and Melissa?

I think the chance to experience someone else’s world through literature can be invaluable. There aren’t too many YA books out there with Deaf main characters, and I think it’s time they get their chance to shine.

If you could tell your teen self anything, what would it be?

I would tell my teen self that high school isn’t forever. The time will come when you get to take control of your life, and it’ll be worth the wait.

What is the best piece of writing advice that you have ever received?

My favorite piece of writing advice I was never directly told but is actually a quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” It’s important to write what you feel compelled to, not what you think will sell.

A Note About Cochlear Implants and Differing Opinions in the Deaf Community

A NOTE ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS AND DIFFERING OPINIONS IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY

An estimated 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss, regardless of their background. It’s said to be an “invisible disability” that touches more lives than we realize. There are several different ways we can choose to treat hearing loss, and one very common way is to undergo surgery to receive a cochlear implant.