I have big author-crushes on Neil Gaiman and Stephen King – I’ll read anything they write.
2.Who has had a major influence on your writing?
In addition to my favorite authors, Christopher Pike also influenced the genre in which I wanted to write. He made me love Young Adult, when I was a young adult.
3.Can you name at least one book that you never finished?
WHAT THE DICKENS by Gregory Maguire…but I’m still working on it!
4.What word or words do you always have trouble spelling?
Sadly, I often misspell “what” as I’m typing. Thank god for spellcheck!
5.What three adjectives best describe you?
Rushed, irreverent, and bubbly.
6.Which of your characters would you most like to be and why?
I’d love to be Gabrielle Callioux from my latest novel, ARISE. She has the best wardrobe, and the best lines.
7.Which author would you invite to dinner?
Amy Plum AND Josephine Angelini, because I’ve already had lots of dinners with them. And because they’re both such fun!
8.Where do you write?
Often, I write while propped up in my bed with a ton of throw pillows. Not the most sleep-conducive habit, but it helps me stay comfy!
9.When do you write?
Any free moment that I can scrounge – I’m a new mom, and those moments are few and far between!
10.What makes you happy?
Rain, rereading a favorite book, and my son’s smile.
11.What do you most fear?
Not getting to see all the places in the world that I’ve dreamed about.
12.What is your favorite vice?
Chocolate and peanut butter, consumed in large quantities. Maybe with some wine.
13.What is the quality you most like in yourself?
My work ethic. I AM SUPERWOMAN! ☺
14.What are the qualities you most like in your friends?
They all have an incredible sense of humor. They make sure I laugh at myself, even when I’m stressed.
15.Would you be lying if you said your works were not autobiographical?
Yes. My characters are not autobiographical, but my settings certainly are.
16.What part of your personality do you detest?
Again, my work ethic. It inevitably makes me think I can say yes to everyone, and do everything asked of me.
17.What is your favorite adjective?
Effervescent. Which is why I try never to use it in my writing!
18.What is your favorite book?
NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman.
19.What book would you read three times?
Also NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman. This summer, I intend to read it for the ninth time.
20.To whom would you award the Nobel Prize for Literature and why?
Jeffery Eugenides. I think MIDDLESEX was such a marvelous book – it really made me question my definitions of gender and family.
