The Fiver

1. What is your writing process?

The Six C’s:

Coffee.

Cat (draped across on my feet).

Consult my outline.

(write a) Chapter.

Cry a little.

Check Twitter.

2. What inspires you to write?

Not to sound cheesy or like I’m all about that Pixar-life, but the spirit of adventure. I love writing characters into what feels like impossible situations (for them) and seeing how they wriggle out of my dastardly machinations. On a more serious note, I’d say queer Black kids and fat girls who just want to be happy and live their best life.

3. Writing is considered a dream job by many, but what if you were granted the opportunity for a true, magical ‘dream job’. What would it be and why?

I’d be a singer, definitely. I was not blessed with the gift of song and it is my one true regret in life that I never put my foot down about going to singing lessons as a young whippersnapper.

4. You are standing on a stage, addressing a high school auditorium of teenage creative writers. What advice would you impart to them about the craft and the career path of being a writer?

I know I should say things like, “Read widely. Read everything” or “Stay in school. Go to college. Get a degree” or “Study the industry and study craft.” Those are all valid pieces of advice that I have myself have said and still live by, but also… I’ve seen seventeen year old YouTubers land book deals. Crowd-sourcing website like Wattpad and Swoon Reads are knocking down doors left and right. The publishing game has changed and platform will get you far in this industry. Talent is talent, yes, that is undeniable, but dedication and opportunity aren’t going to sit around and wait for you to find them. If you want to do it, do the damn thing. Honor, commit, and invest in yourself and your future, however that looks.

5. You’re stranded in a snowed in cabin, well stocked up on food, but no internet. What is on your emergency book shelf?

I’m going to reveal one of my biggest secrets: it is very rare for me to re-read books. So, since this is an emergency, I’m going to apply a bit of future foresight and ask for: all books written by Courtney Summers from now until the end of time, the sequel(s) to The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, any and all books Justina Ireland has forthcoming, the entire Saga graphic novel series, and the debut novels by my best writing partners, Anna and Macy.

Where to find her: