When is your birthday?

February 20—I’m totally a fun-loving, emotional, creative Pisces, just like Drew Barrymore, Elizabeth Taylor, and Cindy Crawford.

Did you always want to be an author? If so why? If not what did you want to be?

I've wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl. I had—and still have!—a vivid imagination and I love to read, so I found writing to be a good fit for me. In fact, when I was a kid, I used to write stories and my brother Paul (who is now a successful visual artist—and designed this website!) would illustrate them. I always hoped that my dream of becoming an author would come true, and I'm so lucky that it has.

Do your life experiences influence your writing?

Yes, most definitely. In the case of IN OR OUT, the series was based on my relationship with my best friend Therese. We have known each other since kindergarten and experienced a rough patch in our friendship during our freshman year in high school. It wasn't until senior year that our rift was mended and we've been close ever since. I wanted to write about this subject because I feel that many girls go through these growing pains with their friends and they can relate to the main characters, Marnie and Nola, a lot. In the case of ROMEO AND JULIET AND VAMPIRES, I’ve always been a big Shakespeare fan and love the new crop of mash-up books out there. I was dying to try my hand at it, and honestly, writing this book was much harder—and more fun—than I anticipated.

What are your personal interests and hobbies?

Of course, I love to read. I also enjoy listening to music, watching movies, dancing, volunteering, yoga, jogging, photography, cooking, shopping (!), theater, and sailing.

Are any of your books going to be movies?

I haven’t heard any news on this yet, but believe me, if I do, I’ll be making a huge announcement…and maybe even throw a parade.

Will there be another IN OR OUT novel?

As of now, there aren’t any more In or Out books signed up. But I am working on another series idea and hoping to share details about it soon!

Many writers have a place that inspires them, a place where they do their best work. Where is your writing spot?

I write on my PC at a desk in the small writing nook that’s located in my bedroom. There are built in bookshelves on the wall too so if I ever need inspiration from my favorite authors (like Meg Rosoff, Sarah Dessen, and Dana Reindhart), their work is within arms reach. I’m also facing away from the window so I won’t get distracted.

Can you read one of my stories and give me some feedback?

I really, really wish I could, but since I juggle writing with a full-time editing job and a weekly teaching job, I just can’t fit this into my schedule. However, there is a great site for writers who are looking for critiques and the chance to get published. Check out inkpop today!

Do you have any advice for aspiring teen writers?

One of the most important things you can do as an aspiring writer is join a workshop, or at the very least, show your work to a friend whose opinion you trust. Every writer needs constructive criticism and feedback in order to improve his or her skills. You also have to be very diligent, too. If you get stuck on one story, start on something else and see if you can make more headway with a different idea. Frustration is natural when you are first starting out, so don’t trap yourself by sticking to one particular project. Lastly, you have to remember that you still are writer, even if you don’t get published. Writing is a labor of love, and that’s all that matters.