Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago. I've always loved going into the city so parts of my book take place in Chicago while other parts take place in other places I've been to or places I've always wanted to go.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing poetry when I was in the eighth grade and wrote my first short story during my freshman year of high school.
Read more of this interview.