Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Illinois. I am part of a large, German-American family and I believe that this influenced my writing. The Beckers are also a German-American family.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing short stories at the age of 12 and sometimes wrote essays. I was writing longer, novel-sized books by 16. I have always wanted to write and publish my work.
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