1. Why do you write novels?
When I was around 7 or 8 years old, I wrote, “I like to write because I have lots of ideas in my head that must escape…I have so many ideas in my head it’s going to explode!”** **This sentiment remains true to this day. Often, I’ll see or hear something that I think has the makings of a good story. If the idea continues to nag at me for days, weeks, months, or even years, then I know I must write about it.
My writing process is all about taking an idea or feeling and using it to make others feel the same way. For me, the power of writing lies in its ability to evoke emotions in readers. Ultimately, I write to make people feel things.
2. Who inspired you?
My inspirations have evolved at each stage of my life. During my childhood, I discovered my love for reading thanks to authors like Arthur Ransome (Swallows and Amazons), Roald Dahl, E. Nesbitt, and Edward Eager.
As I got older, I found myself drawn to more action-packed middle grade books. I became a huge fan of Robert Muchamore whose Cherub series was the first time I read about a gay teen character where being gay wasn’t a central plot point.
When I began writing, I found inspiration in contemporary young adult authors like Angie Thomas and Becky Albertalli. Reading their books not only sparked my desire to become a writer, but also made me realize that there was a place for me in the publishing world.
3. What’s the essence of your style? The part, if removed, is not your voice anymore?
Defining my writing style has been a journey of self-discovery for me. Initially, I was insecure about my voice because it doesn’t align with the in-your-face snarkiness that’s so common in YA literature. Instead, I found myself drawn to the close third person point of view, which still gets into the heads of my characters but also allows some distance.
For short stories, where immediacy is key, I use first person to create a more intimate connection with the reader. However, for novel length works, I’ve found that the close third person is more effective. As an author, I put my characters through difficult situations. I remember being a teenager and having those big emotions, where even a minor setback like a missed homework assignment felt like the literal end of the world. Having some distance from my characters allows me to impart insight and wisdom without coming across as preachy or condescending.
In my writing, I strive to balance those big teenage emotions with a more mature, reflective perspective. If I can add joy and a touch of humor while doing it, even better.
4. What was your dance-around-the-kitchen moment in writing?
Probably getting my first book deal. There’s so much rejection in the publishing business and it’s easy to listen to the voice in your head that says you’re not good enough. While I try not to rely too much on external validation, receiving the book deal made it all feel real and helped to silence those doubts.
5. What do you want to accomplish in your writing career?
Write more books! Explore different genres! So much is out of my control, all I can do is write books that people hopefully want to read.
6. Can you ever envisage not writing novels - running out of ideas or energy?
Energy, maybe. Ideas, never! Right now I’m at the stage where I have an abundance of ideas and not enough time to write them all. There have been moments in the past when I’ve finished a project and worried that I wouldn’t find another idea, but I’ve learned that when that happens a new idea is just around the corner.
7. What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that now is the right time to do whatever it is you want to do.
For so long, I held myself back, thinking I was either too young or too old to begin something. But the reality is that there’s never a perfect time to start. Starting now means that in a year’s time you’ll have something to show for it. If you wait, you’ll be a year older and in the exact same place. So, I’d tell my younger self to seize the moment.
8. Away from writing, what are your passions, and what do they mean to you?
I don’t want to brag, but I’m somewhat of a water fitness prodigy. About 18 months ago I started taking water fitness classes and absolutely fell in love. I recently got certified and now have the honor of teaching others. What I love about water fitness is that it’s accessible and beneficial for all bodies. In the water I feel a sense of freedom that I’ve never experienced on land and want others to experience it as well.
9. How would your best friend describe you?
Weird, but in a good way.
10. What’s a significant question to ask you, that no other interview has to date, and what’s the answer, only for New2theScene?
A question I’ve thought a lot about is which fictional characters make up my personality. I pictured myself being asked this in an interview but coming up blank because I’ve never seen myself fully represented on the screen. Nevertheless, after careful consideration, I’ve identified five characters that I believe provide good insight into who I am. In no particular order, they are:
- Gromit from Wallace and Gromit,
- Mr. Bean, from, well, Mr. Bean,
- Mark from Peep Show,
- Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and
- Saffy from Absolutely Fabulous.
