What did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer! I also wanted to be a Broadway actress or a photographer for National Geographic.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Books have always been my best friends, so I’ve known I wanted to write since I can remember! But I think probably in my middle school creative writing classes is when I realized that it was actually a possibility.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

My high school competed in the Shakespeare Competition at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, and one of my all-time favorite memories was the epic closing awards ceremony where we totally dominated. (I’m not competitive at all … )

As a young person, who did you look up to most?

I thought my teachers were the absolute greatest people, and I wanted them to like me. I was one of those kids! But truly, it’s due to some incredible teachers that I found a love for writing.

What was your favorite thing about school?

I went to a teeny, tiny private school, so one of my favorite things was how everybody sort of participated in everything—theater, sports, writing competitions; everybody kind of did it all.

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?

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 …