What were your hobbies as a kid? What ar e your hobbies now?

I was in lots of plays as a kid and absolutely loved it! These days my hobbies are things like going on long walks and visiting places like the zoo and museums. (In normal times, of course!)

Did you play sports as a kid?

Contrary to what my five-foot-three frame might suggest, I played basketball in high school! Like I said, I went to a teeny, tiny private school …

What book is on your nightstand now?

Ooh, good question. Right now the books on my nightstand are the Rural Voices anthology edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter, The Great Upending by Beth Kephart, Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan, and Blue Horses by Mary Oliver.

How did you celebrate publishing your first book?

It’s an interesting time to publish a book and try and find ways to celebrate, but it was a great day! My mom sent me balloons, I danced around the apartment to very loud music, and my roommate and I got takeout from Red Robin, yum!

Where do you write your books?

Usually at the kitchen table, on my laptop, next to a spoonful of peanut butter and a can of Fresca!

What challenges do you face in the writing process, and how do you overcome them?

For me the hardest part is structure. I love getting into the characters’ voices and figuring out their arcs and their pivotal moments, but putting it all together into a cohesive book-size shape always takes lots of blood, sweat, and tears!

What is your favorite word?

Chimerical! Highly unrealistic, wildly fanciful. And if you know that reference, let’s be best friends.

If you could live in any fictional world, what would it be?

Does Pemberley count? Either that or the Isle of Berk, because I adore Scotland, I would LOVE having my own pet dragon, and I feel like Hiccup and I would be good friends.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

So many! Jean Valjean from Les Misérables, Katharina from The Taming of the Shrew, Samwise Gamgee, Mrs. Baker from The Wednesday Wars, or Queenie from Code Name Verity, just to name a few.

What was your favorite book when you were a kid? Do you have a favorite book now?

I was obsessed with the Ramona books when I was a kid. Speaking of favorite characters! I also loved The Witches by Roald Dahl and a ll the Great B rain books. They’re all still some of my favorites!

What’s the best advice you have ever r eceived about writing?

Firstly, to write the story only you can tell. It might not be for everybody, but it will be vital for somebody, and you’re the only one who can write it. Secondly, to just keep going. Keep learning as much as you can, and keep writing, no matter what other people say or think. You CAN do this!

What advice do you wish someone had given you when you were younger?