What drew you to writing YA, and why do you think YA literature is such an important resource for teens?
Long into adulthood, I continued to love reading YA fiction. In addition, teenagers have always been my favorite age group to work with. While I was still dancing, I moonlighted as a freelance writer and my specialty was writing about teens and the challenges of parenting them.
In our increasingly diverse and polarized world, books can offer teens a look into the interior lives of characters in ways that television and video can’t. We can not only see ourselves in books but also see others who may appear to be very different from ourselves, but with whom we have much in common. Books can also offer comfort to those who are suffering from struggles with depression, anxiety, or other issues. A hallmark of YA fiction is that there is an element of hope for a better future.
Sam has a difficult ethical decision to make when she uncovers evidence about who set her up.
When Sam uncovers evidence about who set her up, she must make a decision. She can keep quiet and not reveal what she’s learned, or she can turn in the evidence she has and permanently rupture a relationship and perhaps get this person in serious trouble. These decisions follow us through life. Think about the kid in elementary school who witnesses wrongdoing by another child. If he turns the culprit in, is he a snitch? Or a whistle-blowing hero? And what if the culprit is one of his best friends?
Sam’s closest male friend is openly gay and wants to pursue a career in fashion design. Are you concerned it could be seen as playing into stereotypes about gay people by presenting him as being interested in fashion and design?
I hope not! The character of Paul is based on my husband’s closest friend from college and dance company days in Detroit. His friend was not only a beautiful dancer but a costume designer and wonderful seamstress. The year they lived together, he taught my husband how to sew, and for many years, my husband made most of my outfits. I think it’s important to note also that Paul is an athlete, the star of his high school diving team, and his lover is a football player. We all have many identities.
You went from being a dancer to a writer. What are the similarities and differences between the two?
I think the role of “choreographer” (the creator of dances) is most akin to the role of a writer (composer of stories). Both engage in acts of expressive communication—nonverbal in the case of dance and verbal communication for stories. Both art forms take years of practice and study. Both require perseverance and resilience in the face of rejection and setbacks. In addition, for both art forms, there is always “more” to discover and work on.
You went back to school to earn your MFA late in life. What was that experience like, and do you recommend that writers pursue MFA programs?
I had a very positive experience in grad school, and I think our shared interest in growing as writers transcended our age differences. I certainly know tons of wonderful writers who did not earn their MFAs. But for me, I found a wonderful learning community. Our teachers were all multi-published professional writers committed to mentoring aspiring writers. I do think it’s important to find a good match. Not all MFA programs are alike. Seton Hill’s is geared toward novel writing and popular fiction, which was a great fit for me and my interests.
What’s next for you writing-wise?
I currently have two projects I’m working on—the expansion of a short story I wrote called “Missed Cue,” in which a detective is investigating the suspicious death of a ballerina while struggling with issues in her personal life. I’m also working on a middle grade novel about a young vampire who hates the taste of blood and is convinced he’s mistakenly landed in the wrong body. Then it’s back to YA again!
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