Where are you from?

New York, USA

How old are you?

Just turned 19 today!

What and who inspired you into reading and/or writing?

My mom loved reading so I got the bookworm bug from her. My love for books would consume me to the point that I would try to read books that were deemed as too mature for my age at that time.

What was the first book that you read that started your love for reading?

I loved the Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House series, but as I got older, I loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries series.

What was the turning point in your life that you decided to take your writing seriously?

I always loved writing short stories and plays ever since I was in elementary school and I would always beg my parents to buy me a diary. I wrote on from elementary school all the way to 11th grade. I stopped writing a year after 11th grade because I took science, math, and history course and I had to get my grades up for all three of those classes. My desire to write came back when I was building a story that I had dreamt about since sixth grade and I wanted to write a book for myself so I don't have to keep buying books for the summer because I had to let go of those amazing summer lists that your English teacher would always recommend. So I discovered Wattpad soon after I completed my final exams for my senior year from working on what would be the first 6 chapters of my first story.

What is the inspiration for your stories?

Life in general

Do you outline your stories or write whatever comes to mind?

Both

What is your method of beginning to writing a book?

Thinking about an original story that hasn't been told before is the way to go for me.

Do you ever get attached to the characters in your story? If so, what part of their personality or quirks do you find relatable?

Yes. Ricky is like me, I'm very introverted and loves books. I also add my likes and dislikes for all of my characters. Jewel suffers from a disability but doesn't allow that to interfere with her life in which I also suffer from a disability.

Do you base your characters on people in your personal life, imagination, or both?

Both

What is the best part of writing a story?

Being alone without people looking over you and allowing your story to build up as you listen to music

How do you deal with writer's block?

I watch YouTube or read a book.

Would you want to see your story or stories be adapted? If so, who would you want to play your characters?

I'm 50/50, but I'm very open-minded. I've seen my favorite books be adapted, some have been successful while others are left to be desired so I understand that feeling. I created the dream cast on a website called myCast. For Ricky, the popular votes were Zachary Gordon, Dylan Minnette, and Harry Kirton. As for Jewel, I would love for an Aboriginal newcomer with spina bifida to play her.

What kind of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Write the book you want to read and listen to constructive criticism because it can help you improve.

Are you working on a new story?

I'm on a busy schedule so you never know.