Interview is edited for length and clarity.
What drew you to writing and children’s literature?
Books! When I started at Simmons, I really had no idea what I wanted to major in. The required literature and writing courses I took early on inspired me to stay on that course because they were the courses I loved and were drawn to. I had a lot of encouragement from my writing professors, in particular Leslie Lawrence and Lowry Pei, who were instrumental in helping me figure out my strengths.
As an undergrad, I took the “Survey of Children’s Literature” with Susan Bloom. The readings reminded me of how much I loved young adult literature in high school. I didn’t consider a career in the field until Susan showed me the possibilities, such as becoming a children’s librarian or children’s book editor. At this point, I still hadn’t dreamed of being a writer myself.
What impact did Simmons have on your education?
First of all, the small class sizes. The student-to-faculty ratio made all the difference for me, in particular, because I came to Simmons as a very shy, insecure, zero-confidence student. My mom and sister both went to Simmons, so it felt like a safe and familiar place to go.
What I discovered, though, as I took class after class and slowly gained a little bit of independence and confidence, was that my confidence came from the encouragement of the faculty. They acknowledged that my thoughts, opinions, and experiences mattered just as much as everyone else’s.
I remember this amazing class I took with Larry Langer called “Love Themes and Literature.” There were only five people in the class, so everyone had to speak! It was the first time I felt I gained the respect of students — that they were really listening to what I had to say. They validated my opinions and inspired me to think more deeply. This experience was instrumental in the rest of my life.
What has been an influential piece of writing you read at Simmons?
One of the books I was drawn to as an undergrad, and then in graduate school, was The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier. For one of my assignments, I had to teach the book from a specific critical lens. It’s also the book that turned me into a lifelong reader when I was in high school. What I loved about it was the multiple points of view, showing that every character had a story and a reason for behaving the way they did.
As a teenager, after reading the book, I remember being less judgmental of people because I knew they probably had a story, a reason, for why they said or did things I didn’t understand or always agree with. It made me more compassionate and empathetic. This inspired me to write Read Between the Lines, told from 10 points of view, which explores a similar idea. I don't know that I would have had the courage to write such an experimental novel if not for the variety of books I was exposed to at Simmons.
What is your current role?
I’ve taught at the Mountainview MFA program at Southern New Hampshire University for over 10 years. I also co-run Revise and Shine, which offers editorial services, annual writing retreats, and Zoom workshops. What I love most is that we’ve created this amazing community of writers. While this work does draw me away from my own writing, it allows me to do the things that I love: reading, teaching, and mentoring new writers. In this way, I have certainly used my degrees from Simmons to their fullest!
How would you describe your writing process?
It changes from book to book. Usually, I have an idea, but I won't start writing until I let it ruminate in my head and heart for a while. Once I find myself awake at four in the morning, writing scenes in my head, I know I’m ready to start for real.
I usually write a very messy “discovery draft” first. I don’t outline because I like to start writing and see where the story takes me. This isn’t the most efficient way of writing, but I find it most inspiring. Once I complete a draft, I open a new file and start over without even looking at what I wrote before. That can sound wild, but it allows me to focus on what “works” in the story, rather than holding on to scenes or lines I like that just don’t feed the story anymore. I encourage my students to do this all the time, much to their horror. But when they try it, they see the benefits and opportunities a blank page can give them.
How do you stay connected with Simmons alumnae/i and professors?
I see my former teacher and mentor, Cathryn Mercier, from time to time at conferences, and we keep in touch socially as well. My former communications professor, Bob White, also stays in touch. In fact, I just gave him a critique on a side project he’s working on for a fundraiser, so that was special.
What advice would you give to someone interested in writing or children’s literature?
Only you can tell your story, and it's a valid and important one. It might take a lot of trial and error to figure out how to tell it, but it is critical not to give up on yourself. Taking the time you need to discover the truth, the heart of your story, is essential. I think patience is also key. You need to read, absorb, and be inspired by a lot of literature before you find your own voice.
I want to recognize that being about to graduate, especially in this climate, can feel a bit terrifying and overwhelming. But hopefully, what has happened while you’re at Simmons is that you’ve found a community. Hold onto it. We all need community right now. Look to the people who have been kind and supportive to you, like faculty and classmates. Keep in touch with them, and help keep this community alive and engaged by being an active part of it.