Talented students at Bethel University put together this fun podcast, and I’m “in” this episode. I want to clarify one thing: I definitely don’t think that there is anything inherently WRONG about “novels about prom,” nor do I believe I am doing any groundbreaking work in writing novels like Truest. I am trying to follow in the talented footsteps of so many incredible writers who showed me the kind of books I wanted to read and write. Out of context, my quote might sound a little “well, no one was doing this thing until I came along,” which is just not true. Just because I couldn’t always find those books in my childhood didn’t mean they didn’t exist. And now I am so aware of the shoulders I stand on: Melina Marchetta, Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green, C.S. Lewis, Maggie Stiefvater. And anyone who knows me knows I will never argue with a great kissing scene! 🙂 Enjoy!!!