Life is about the gray areas. Things are seldom black and white, even when we wish they were and think they should be, and I like exploring this nuanced terrain.
Everyone wants to belong, or be a part of something bigger than themselves, but it's important to follow your heart and be true to yourself in the process.
Well, shoes, bags and clutches are usually my big weaknesses - my husband always laughs when I call them 'investment pieces.'
I aim for four workouts a week. I work out with a trainer once a week. Then, I take a circuit class twice a week. The fourth workout is random, depending on what I'm in the mood for - either a run, a spin class, or yoga.
I have always been drawn to coming-of-age stories and books and movies featuring compelling young characters.
I have increasingly steeled myself to criticism, but it still can sting, especially when you feel that it is unfair - or that they are judging my book by its cover or by preconceived notions.
I try to write about real women, real people - in other words flawed characters.
Guilt is a supreme waste of time and energy.
Darcy, the heroine of 'Something Blue,' is quite shallow and opinionated. At one point, she commented that she dislikes 'gingers,' i.e., men with red hair. I received several emails from fiery redheads who said they were offended by 'my' comments. I had to remind them that it is fiction.
I was actually born in Baltimore! Although I moved away when I was quite young and consider Chicago to be my hometown, Baltimore is sentimental to me, and I still keep in touch with family friends I knew as a little girl.
Writing a teen character is something I wanted to try again for a long time!
I try to recognize that there is no such thing as having it all - and it's impossible to be perfect. You just have to let certain things go.
I didn't drink in high school, and neither did any of my boyfriends.
I think it always feels riskier and scarier to go after something you really love and want because the rejection and failure hurts more.
I don't really know why I went to law school.
My favorite movie of all-time is 'Stand By Me,' and I re-read my favorite young adult books often.
I have unabashed Bieber Fever and routinely Google 'Justin and Selena.' They are so cute together.
Inevitably I draw on my own relationships when I write, so if I'm writing about a fight between a husband and his wife, of course I'm going to think about a recent fight with my husband. Or if I'm writing about sisters, of course I'm going to think about my sister.
For true downtime, I enjoy going for light runs, having drinks with friends and going to the movies with my husband.
I've always been intrigued by the power of secrets. When is it justifiable to keep them from the ones we love? And does keeping them irrevocably change who we are?
