A: I've always wanted to write for teens. I wouldn't say it was really a decision; it just felt like a natural fit for me, especially since the majority of story ideas I get are about teenagers. During adolescence, there's so much going on - identity issues, romantic relationships, friendship dramas, not to mention careers to plan - often on top of serious family problems. The world of teenagers today is extremely complex, and it's a constant source of inspiration for me.

Q: When you were a teenager, did you already see yourself becoming a writer?

A: I did! By the time I was a teenager, I had been writing stories and "novels" for a long time. I'd often write in school (when I was supposed to be paying attention to the teachers) and pass my chapters around to my friends for instant feedback. I think it was understood I would grow up to be a writer. The thing is, I never thought of writing as a career. So I got a Master's degree in psychology and worked for several years as a crisis-intervention counselor for children and families in the Bronx before becoming a full-time writer.

Q: Right now, who are your favorite authors out there today for teens? Do you feel that your writing has been influenced by any of these writers?

A: Wow, there are so many fantastic writers for teens today. Some of my favorites are Jacqueline Woodson, Laurie Halse Anderson, Justine Larbalestier, John Green, M.T. Anderson, Rita Williams-Garcia, and E.R. Frank. I'm deeply influenced by these writers to take chances and always be honest in my writing.

Q: What was the most memorable response you have gotten regarding your novels?

A: The e-mails and letters that mean the most to me are the ones from teenagers who tell me my books are the first books they've ever read. Getting responses like that make me realize I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I also love getting letters from teens who ask me if I'm going to write a sequel to TYRELL or KENDRA and then tell me exactly what should happen in the sequel, chapter by chapter!

Q: What advise would you give a new writer?

A: I would say, take yourself seriously. Read everything, not just the kind of books you want to write but also books from different genres and for different age groups. Before you focus on getting published, put that energy toward improving yourself as writer. It might also help to get into the writing community: join (or start) a writing group to share your work and critique one another, take a creative writing course, attend author readings at libraries and bookstores, or even go to a writer's conference. But (of course) my biggest piece of advice is: write, write, write!

Q: Can you tell us a little about your current project?

A: Right now I'm putting the finishing touches on the sequel to TYRELL, which is due to come out next fall. After that, I'll be writing my first middle-grade novel. Something tells me the world of pre-teens will be equally fun and inspirational!

Interview Date: October 2009
Profile and questions compiled by Angela A., Cornelius Library