What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?

Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time?

I feel a little ashamed about this, but after reading Taylor Hahn’s The Lifestyle (which is a fabulous retelling), I realized that I’d never read Emma by Jane Austen! So I just started that!

Do you re-read books? And if yes, what was your last re-read?

I do re-read some books. Specifically, I re-read Alexis Hall’s books. Boyfriend Material was one I just re-read. His writing just speaks to me in a really specific way where it feels like I’m watching the best TV show, if that makes sense.

What are your go-to genres?

I do read a lot of romance, and within that I am into contemporary and fantasy. Pretty much any romance witch book, I will read.

What is your favorite childhood book?

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr is one I really enjoy reading to my toddler. The title is almost exactly what happens! A very hungry tiger drops by for tea and really takes advantage of all of the kitchen cupboard offerings.

What books are on your bedside table right now?

In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer is one I am just about to finish! Under that is Lacie Waldon’s From the Jump, Julia Whelan’s Thank You for Listening, and Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake.

Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book?

I feel I will lose a lot of readers in this answer, but I dogear! Unless it’s a hardcover and I can bookmark it with the book sleeve, it’s getting a little dogear from me.

What is your ideal reading setting?

I have become a big audiobook gal, so if I had the absolute perfect setup it would be me in a scalding hot bath, with epsom salts, a latte, and my airpods.

Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore?

I am so lucky that I live in the same city as The Ripped Bodice, which is the first romance only bookstore in the country. It feels so feminist and empowering when you walk into that store—so many happily ever afters written for women’s pleasure (primarily). There’s also a killer boba tea shop down the street, so I love grabbing a boba and spending an hour in the bookstore browsing the aisles, taking home new books, and bookish merch. Just heaven!

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

To be honest, my brother and I used to fight like we were WWE wrestlers, and we’d say some pretty terrible things to each other too. I wish I had a warm and fuzzy experience to share, but truthfully, I learned how important words were the first time I made him cry from them (I was probably ten, and he would’ve been eight). I do remember that after that, I really calmed down on the name calling—I hated to see him cry!

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

I love going to the LA Times Festival of Books every year—those are so fun, and you get a bunch of authors in one place. And I get a lot out of readings and author events at Skylight Books and The Ripped Bodice.

Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?

I do most of my writing and editing at my house! I love working without any other noises (can’t help my cats screaming at me occasionally, though!), so I rotate between my office desk, the couch, and my kitchen table when I’m working.

Does writing energize or exhaust you? 

Mostly energize! I can really spit out a draft of a book quickly, it’s rewriting that takes me a lot more time, energy, and coffee.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I probably have four half finished books, and one fully but will never see the light of day book.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I do, and I know I shouldn’t, but I want to know if people connect with the story! The good ones I will keep open and look at after reading the bad ones.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid of what other people will think, just follow the thing you love and see where it takes you.

When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?

Playing with my two-year-old daughter, cuddling my two cats, learning songs on my ukulele.

What are your three favorite things right now?

Love Island UK, peanut butter cups, drinking wine with my husband on our rooftop deck when our daughter goes to bed.

Your favorite travel destination and why? 

Venice, Italy. I think about a hotel I stayed in on my honeymoon whenever I need to find a “calm place” when I meditate. It was right on a canal, you could see the boats float by, and there was this enormous and grand staircase I loved coming down.

What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?

I love old-fashioned’s and spaghetti and meatballs from Lil Dom’s in LA.

What six people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner a party?

Janet Jackson, because I’ve had a crush on her since as long as I can remember. Meghan Markle because I’m fascinated by the royals, and would try to get her to spill some tea. Julianne Moore, who is my redhead icon so we could talk about redhead things. Tessa Bailey, because I love her books and TikTok and think she’d be so hilarious to drink with. Paris Hilton, because I still miss The Simple Life and think she’s legit very funny. And my mom, because I love to gossip with her and see her reactions to things.

If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?

Probably a dark comedy about a romance author who exclusively listens to true crime podcasts. I’m mildly obsessed with Cristin Milioti, so I’d love for her to play that role (but with a red wig, obviously).

What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?

I really binged and loved Starstruck, which is a great romcom out of the UK and was just a total joy to get through.

You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?

I’m into duets and have a bit of a throaty voice, so maybe “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and I’d hope a kind person would join me up there!

If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be?

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey so I could fantasize about a brawny sea captain coming to my rescue.