I don’t know if I’d have been able to take this advice to heart, but I’d want to tell myself that I didn’t need to work so hard to impress people. That it was okay for me to be myself, and that a kind heart is the most important thing a person can have. It’s like that quote from Harvey, the Jimmy Stewart movie: “ ’In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”

Do you ever get writer ’s block? What do you do to get back on track?

For me, there are two things that have usually helped when I’ve felt blocked. The first thing is to remind my- self that it’s okay to take breaks and fill up my creative well with something like a good book or a movie or a museum. The second is to have a group of writer friends you can talk to and bounce ideas off of. Friends who know what you’re going through and can be a fount of enthusiasm, because sometimes that’s all you need!

What do you want r eaders to remember about your books?

What I hope readers remember from my books is a feeling that the universe is magic and important, and that they’re the most magic and important part of it. I also want them to feel like my characters are now their lifelong friends.

What would you do if you ever stopped writing?

Oof, I think I’d crumble! Writing is sort of the guiding lantern light for both my mind and my heart. I’d have to find another way to create, maybe something like photography or theater or comics!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

I would get a kick every single day out of being able to talk to animals. There are all these tiny lizards that scamper around every time I step out the front door, and I’d love to ask them what’s up.

What do you consider to be your gr eatest accomplishment?

Writing a book!

What would your readers be most surprised to learn about you?

My favorite TV show is M*A*S*H, and I have a serious crush on Alan Alda! One day I’d like to write a poem tribute using only lines from each episode …

Keep reading for an excerpt of Breathing Underwater

A bighearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

CHAPTER ONE

Underwear: check.

Toothpaste and toothbrush: check.

Murphy, my stuffed killer whale, who Ruth has already made fun of me for packing: check.

I tried to keep him tucked under my clothes so Ruth wouldn’t spot him if she came into my room. I didn’t want her to see that I was bringing him and say, Geez, Olivia, are you thirteen or three? But she did come in, and she did see him, and she did say it, so I guess there’s nothing I can do about that. That’s just Ruth being Ruth, not one of the bad signs I need to watch out for.