Will there be a sequel to Troy High?
The sequel to Troy High is now available online in paperback and ebook format. Click here to learn more!
Is there going to be a movie version of Troy High?
At the moment, there are no plans for a movie version of any of my books. If that changes in the future, I’ll let you know!
When will your next book be out?
Keeping checking my blog often for details on upcoming releases!
How long does it take you to write a book?
It varies, depending on the book. Something to Blog About took me three weeks to write the first draft, but then months of revisions. Troy High took about a month to write originally, but then I threw it out and rewrote it entirely over another month, then more months of revisions. The Boyfriend Thief took four years! But that’s very unusual for me, I usually have them done within a few months.
How long did it take you to get published?
I started seriously trying to pursue publication when I was 20. I didn’t get an agent until I was almost 26, and then my first book was published when I was 27.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I read A LOT and a I read a bunch of different things. Some of my favorite authors are Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, L.M. Montgomery, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.D. Salinger. I read everything from contemporary fiction to paranormal, to sci-fi to mysteries. You can check out my Goodreads page to see what I’ve been reading.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve known since around age ten, when I figured out that people actually wrote books as their jobs. Before that, I had just thought of writing as this thing I did for fun and it never really occured to be that I could be a published author too.
How do you come up with your ideas?
I’m inspired by random things. Something to Blog About was inspired by an event that happened to me during college. Troy High was inspired by the story of the Trojan War and how perfectly it would fit modern day high school. Other stories I’ve written have been inspired by songs, movies, news stories, or people.
What are the themes of your books?
I’m a firm believer that every person will pull their own theme from a book. What resonates most with one person might not resonate as much to another. So whatever you think the theme is, you’re right. But overall, I tend to write mostly about the complicated relationships people have with each other and how love triumphs through adversity.
Where do you live?
In a small town in North Carolina.
Will you visit my school or town?
I’d love to do a visit, but I have to be invited first (I’m like a vampire in that way). You can let your school librarian or bookstore owner know about my books and send them to my website for information on how to get in contact with me.
I’m writing a book too. Will you read it?
I’m sorry, I would love to be helpful, but I work full-time in addition to writing, so I don’t have time to read anyone else’s unpublished work. I recommend joining a critique group either online or in person to get some feedback on your writing!
How did you find your agent?
I used the website agentquery.com and searched for agents who represented young adult books. Then I started writing to them and told them about my book. Eleven months later, my agent offered to represent me.
Do you have any advice for becoming a writer?
Yes. Don’t give up!! You wouldn’t believe how many times I wanted to give up, even came close to giving up before I got published. Keep writing, keep sending your work out, and you’ll get there. Be your own biggest cheerleader.