I’ve always loved reading and writing stories, from the time I was very little and living in Merrick, New York.  Here I am with some of my Fisher-Price Little People, who served as the characters in elaborate stories I'd make up.

When I was in sixth grade, I wrote a novel called The Ryland Revolt and tried to get it published. It was rejected by every publisher I sent it to, but luckily that didn’t stop me from writing--it only made me determined to write something better. I was even lucky enough to meet two of my author-idols and inspirations, Ann M. Martin...

and Gordon Korman!

After graduating from Calhoun High School, I went to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland to study creative writing (or Writing Seminars, as it’s officially called at JHU).  I wrote the first draft of Standing for Socks my senior year in a novel-writing course called The Long Work, taught by Stephen Dixon and Tristan Davies.  My classmates and professors provided invaluable feedback and encouragement that helped shape that book and the many more I’ve written since. After graduating in 2005, I spent a magical year in London, England—reading, traveling, meeting lifelong friends, and getting my Masters in Children’s Literature at Roehampton University.

In 2007, I moved back to Baltimore and spent many years living in a Federal Hill rowhouse with my fantastic husband, whom I met on the Johns Hopkins table tennis team. (We don’t play much anymore, but when we do Grant always wins.) When our kids were in kindergarten and second grade, we made the big decision to move across the world to Christchurch, New Zealand! We were looking to make a chance, broaden our perspective, and have an adventure. Aotearoa has delivered in all those ways. The only real downside is how far it is from our family and friends in the US.

In addition to writing, I teach creative writing classes and work with writers of all ages to help them hone their craft. (Want to work with me? Learn more here!) I love riding my bike around Ōtautahi Christchurch, eating dark chocolate, watching and performing in plays, exercising (especially Thai-style kickboxing!), playing games with my family, and laughing with friends. Most days you can find me—for at least an hour or two—in a coffee shop or café, drinking black tea and writing on my laptop. : )