Q: Who are your writing inspirations? 

A: My biggest writing inspirations are some of my favorite authors; Jennifer Niven, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and Stephen Chbosky. I'd also have to say my best friend, themusicsoul, who is a fantastic writer and always pushes me to use my creativity.

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Q: How old were you when you started writing? 

A: I was, I think around 11 years old when I started writing for fun. I used to like writing fiction in school, but nowadays it's mostly essays.

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Q: What advice would you give a new writer? 

A: Keep with it! I know starting can often be one of the most difficult parts of writing, as can staying interested in your topic (at least for me). When the inspiration hits, keep writing for as long as you can, and get those ideas onto the page. 

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Q: How do you get into the mood of writing? 

A: Honestly, I don't have a set schedule for writing, and I get inspired very sporadically. But if I know I need to write even when I'm not feeling up for it, I usually make sure I'm in a quiet space and call my good friend themusicsoul, as a lot of the writing I do is with her over the phone.

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Q: What books influenced you the most? 

A: Some of the books that really influenced me as a person include All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (though I don't condone her behavior nor do I appreciate her views), The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. These have all been the subject of my obsession at one time or another, and I can't begin to imagine how different I'd be had I not read them.

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Q: Favorite quote? 

A: "You make me lovely, and it's so lovely to be lovely to the one I love." - Jennifer Niven, All the Bright Places.

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Q: What genres do you like to read the most? What genres do you like to write? 

A: My favorite genre to read is hands-down dystopian. It takes me to different worlds and makes me feel like I could do anything, much like the protagonists. I also really love writing dystopian novels, as they allow me to be as creative as I please, and I have a huge imagination.

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Q: What role does mental health play in your life and writing? 

A: I have struggled with mental health for pretty much my whole life, though I started seeking treatment around age 11. My issues with mental health impact me in little ways every day, and in some cases, they affect me more severely and make daily activities difficult. I like to incorporate mental health into my writing (as seen in my poetry book, Chrysanthemums and Other Forgotten Creatures) as a form of expression and a way to inform others about the things that I go through. Maybe something I write will help someone feel heard. :)

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Q: What are your goals? 

A: I honestly am quite indecisive in this aspect. I know I'd like to go to college (actually, themusicsoul and I plan on attending college together, hopefully somewhere in Colorado). I also know I'd like to do something in medicine, but am not sure exactly what. Really, my ultimate goal is to find love (yes, cheesy, but you know what, I'm 17) and to be happy and satisfied with my life.