So Mackenzie Blue is your first series. What was it like to write your first book?
As most people know, I started out my career as a writer when I was 16. I also have my degree in Journalism, so writing’s been my passion for as long as I can remember. Writing a book is exhausting! Honestly! You put so much of yourself into the story and the characters. You also become a little sensitive, since people are reading something that’s a tad bit personal. What you’re writing really becomes a part of you.

So did you enjoy it?
Oh I loved it. It’s honestly the one thing I’m most proud of in my professional career. Writing a book takes a lot of patience, persistence, and positivity! I’d call it the 3Ps! You need to surround yourself with people who are really supportive. But I absolutely enjoyed it, and can’t wait to write even more stories.

So tell us about Mackenzie Blue.
Mackenzie has been apart of my life for a few years now. I swear she’s a real person! I was editing a manuscript, and I honestly started talking back to her! I said to myself, ok, this has gone too far! But seriously, Zee, as her friends call her, is a normal 12 year-old girl just trying to figure out who she is, who her friends are, and how she’ll make it through middle school. She’s discovering who she is and what she likes. She’s clever, fun, and a nice girl.

Is there a part of you in Zee?
It’s funny, whenever someone asked me this at the beginning of the writing process, I’d say no. Having read and reread the book, though, I’m now starting to think Zee is more like me than I thought. Like Zee, I always had a crush on a boy in middle school. I also went to a private school. And at the end of the day, I’d like to think that I always made the right decisions, even when it was hard. I also love my friends and I’m very close with my family. So yes, I do think there’s a part of me in Zee.

When you were Zee’s age, what did you like to read?
Well first let me say that I always had a book in my hands when I was growing up. My faves were all of the R.L. Stein mystery books. I also loved every teen girl series you could think of. When I was in middle school, I would read a book a day in the summer. I lived for summers at the library!

What was your style like?
At the time I thought I was pretty hip, but I’ve now realized I was a fashion disaster!!! When I was around Zee’s age, I got my first training bra, which was an adventure for sure. I liked to wear a lot of girlie dresses, tights, and flats. That was my look. And for some reason, I wore tons of pink.

What did you do for fun?
I spent my weekends with my best friend Missy (we’re still best friends 16 years later!). We would either have sleepovers at my house or hers. We’d go to the supermarket and buy tons of snacks, rent movies, and watch repeats of Saved by the Bell. We would sneak and read Missy’s older sister’s teen magazines, and try out beauty products. We didn’t have the Internet or IM yet, so we spent a lot of time on 3-way calls with our other friends. We would usually round out the weekend with a trip to the mall or movies.

Can you tell us one of your most embarrassing moments?
Oh goodness! I have so many! I think this is where I’m just like Mackenzie. You know it’s like tripping over your own two feet, wearing a not so cute outfit, having your crush not like you back. I also became really good at tripping UP the stairs! I was good at laughing it off, though. And while I played all sports, I was only really good at field hockey. So every moment I was on the basketball court was an embarrassing moment. My first season, I scored a whopping NINE points. Yes. Just nine. In an entire season. ‘Nough said. 

Finally, what’s next for Zee?
Oh I can’t wait for you to see the adventures to come! I don’t want to give too much away, but I promise you some LOL moments! You can expect new friends, big surprises, and lots of fun. Mackenzie’s world really is your world, so I hope that you do see some of yourself in her. I hope that you take time to go on your own adventures and think about what your big dreams are. And remember that all dreams can definitely come true! I’m living proof!