Frequently Asked Questions

When did you start writing?
I declared that I was going to be a writer when I was seven years old, after winning Honorable Mention in a Cricket magazine contest for a story about bugs called “Underground.”

What is the most important thing you’ve learned about preventing teen problems?
That they are all connected. Using substances makes a person less able to set appropriate boundaries, which can lead to sexual assault, dating violence, unprotected sex, HIV/STIs, unplanned pregnancy and depression. The CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences Study show that more than 20% of their sample young people had three or more risk factors.

What are your favorite young adult books?
My favorite books when I was growing up were The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier. I related to the themes of feeling misunderstood and not fitting in. I was grateful that Judy Blume wrote Deenie about a girl like me who had to wear a back brace to correct her scoliosis. Since Deenie had an easier time, I felt compelled to share my experience in my first novel.

What do you suggest to writers?
Join other writers to get feedback and support. I’ve been privileged to have received valuable feedback from my first writing group in Bryn Mawr, PA, the 6” Ferret Writer’s Group in Connecticut and the Grand Writing Group in New York City. Go to readings and events, meet your heroes, and keep taking workshops to improve your craft. I recommend Susan Shapiro’s Instant Gratification Takes Too Long Workshops and playwriting workshops by Diana Amsterdam and Chris Ceraso.