Author

My favorite uncle died when I was eleven, and that was two months after 9/11, so that was a particularly difficult time with my family.

I don't think I'm capable of giving a character every possible victory, no matter how much I love them, without feeling as if their ending isn't genuine to their actual trials.

I had definitely missed the literary development game with Paper Lantern Lit, and writing exclusively wasn't giving me complete fulfillment.

My first book was on the grittier side of life. A week before being published, I realized all of my main characters come from single households. That was something that, when I lived in South Bronx, that's what it was like.

When I really want to be comforted myself, what I look for is a story about how somebody could survive something really difficult.

Whereas Books of Wonder excels with children's literature, McNally Jackson is where I go for my adult new releases, and no, it has nothing to do with the fact that Taylor Swift shops there, too.

For me, I remember being 19 and coming out as bi to all of my friends. I'd had girlfriends, and all of these experiences and such, and then, as I got older, I started identifying as gay.

I'm building this reputation as YA heartbreaker, I know. Some people like 'happily ever after,' but I don't think that's me.

There are happy stories out there, but I think some of them may raise false expectations for teens.

Writing is my therapy.

Being more happy than not helps you get up every day.

I haven't written adult fiction, but I do not sugarcoat grief - or what I expect grief to be.

The book industry is all about community, and it never really feels like anyone is competing against anyone, thankfully.

For me, I remember being 19 and coming out as bi to all of my friends. I'd had girlfriends, and all of these experiences and such, and then, as I got older, I started identifying as gay.

My first book was on the grittier side of life. A week before being published, I realized all of my main characters come from single households. That was something that, when I lived in South Bronx, that's what it was like.

All my books center around death in some way.

Whereas Books of Wonder excels with children's literature, McNally Jackson is where I go for my adult new releases, and no, it has nothing to do with the fact that Taylor Swift shops there, too.

The Strand prides itself for its '18 miles of books,' and they are not kidding - that store goes on for da-a-a-a-ys. There are carts outside with dollar books, all sorts of fun merchandise inside, and an extensive selection of reduced priced books. If you're looking to buy a $30 hardcover for $20, The Strand is your new best friend.

Having a book published whenever is a huge honor.

My favorite uncle died when I was eleven, and that was two months after 9/11, so that was a particularly difficult time with my family.