Is ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ autobiographical in any way?
No, unfortunately I never had two brothers fighting over me!
Where did you find the inspiration for your characters?
I am inspired all the time and everywhere. Movies and books, old and new friends, even just riding around on the subway and listening to people’s conversations. Living in New York is a constant inspiration because on any given day, you probably cross paths with a hundred or more people.
Is it easy to write about characters that you want readers to find likeable and relate to?
I honestly don’t think too much about that. I mostly think about writing characters that are real and flawed and heartfelt.
What makes ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ stand out from other romantic fiction for teens?
I think that I try to keep it grounded in reality. I let my characters have their flaws and be imperfect and human. They will make mistakes and they will disappoint you, because that’s what boys do, but they will also surprise and move you. Because that’s what boys do too!
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is your first young adult novel to be published in the UK - how did you get your break in the publishing industry?
I broke into the publishing industry by getting my Masters in Fine Arts in Writing for Children at the New School in New York. There, I met mentors and peers who all helped me find my way, both artistically and professionally.
When will your other titles be released in the UK?
I think ‘It’s Not Summer Without You’ (book 2) and ‘We’ll Always Have Summer’ (book 3) will be released in consecutive summers.
Do you read other books in your chosen genre to help you with writing style and ideas?
When I need a creative jolt, I re-read favourite books like ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro, ‘The Lovely Bones’ by Alice Sebold, just anything that is good. Then I am like, oh yeah, this is what good writing looks like! Sometimes it helps to be reminded.
As a librarian, can you recommend to us a hidden gem that you’ve discovered, so we can read it too?
Oh, yes. One of my favourites is ‘A True and Faithful Narrative’ by Katherine Sturtevant. It’s set in 16th Century London, about a 16-year-old girl named Meg, who longs to be a writer. Fantastic.
What is your favourite book and why?
Well, I have three - ‘Gone With the Wind’, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, and ‘The Prince of Tides’. They all have a common denominator. They are Southern stories, and I find those to be my favourites. The American South is just rife with drama and tradition and folksy ways. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and I think that has a lot to do with my affinity and affection for the South.
Do you plan every chapter of your story before writing or do you just go with the flow?
No, I don’t outline a thing. I pretty much go with the flow. It’s a lot more fun that way.
We’re running a love poetry competition in the summer edition of Wordsmith, inspired by ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ - what do you think makes a good love poem?
I think a good love poem is sincere without being too earnest, romantic without being schmaltzy, and just a little bit tart, a little bit bittersweet.
What’s the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
The most romantic thing someone has ever done for me is dedicating a song on the radio to me. I love radio dedications! It feels so retro.
Do you have any advice for our budding writers?
My best advice would be to leave it all out on the page. Embrace the pain and put it in your writing, it will be all the richer for it.
