When I read books, I actually really love imagining whomever I want to in the character's role. I get such vivid pictures on my own that that is a big part of the experience for me.
'Jitterbug Perfume' is one of my favorite books.
I always wanted to be a writer, from being a little kid onwards. My dad and my mum both had phases when that was what they did.
The one thing I witnessed over and over were these pretty young people who would throw themselves into a cause larger than themselves and believe they could change the world.
In actuality, 'Sammy's House' can and should be read as an entirely fictional comedy set in a fascinating political world.
Take it from me: I really love making things up, which is why I write fiction for a living.
It's all discipline and schedule for me. I mean, it's very easy to get distracted by the real world and things that intrude constantly, and it takes dedication to live totally in your head and be tuned out.
I can go days without meaningful human interaction.
I don't really go into labels or an in-depth discussion of different value systems because for me, it's sort of the truth of the situation in D.C. Certainly, in my fictional depiction of it, there are decent, shameless people on both sides at every level.
My dad has a dry, deadpan sense of humor, and my mom has an unexpected, wacky take on things. They really encouraged laughing at ourselves and the weirdness of situations that come up growing up in politics.
I like my leaders smart and serious. I don't need a stand-up comic.
Both of my parents have great senses of humor.
