About the book:
1) How did you come up with the story of Keep My Heart in San Francisco?
I wish Keep My Heart in San Francisco had a more exciting backstory! But truthfully, its origin story is on the boring side. I began writing the very first draft in April of 2017 when I was on submission with another book. The sub wasn’t going well and, at the same time, I was struggling with my mental health. I hadn’t written in six months, but one day while binging sitcoms on my couch, I came up with an idea about a family-run bowling alley in San Francisco. Those early drafts were vastly different than the final product, though!
2) Which of the characters from Keep My Heart in San Francisco are you the most similar to?
I share similarities with all my characters (this book and others!) but Chuck and I are very similar—except she’s way more of a badass than I am! Whether or not that’s a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not sure haha
3) What part of the book was the hardest to write? Beginning, middle, or the end?
Is all of it an appropriate answer?! But really, the hardest part wasn’t the plot. When I worked with my editor, we barely touched the plot, and instead, we really overhauled the emotional arcs. That was a ton of work because I really wanted to get it Right. Totally worth it in the end, though!
4) What was your favorite part about writing Keep My Heart in San Francisco?
On a whole, writing—and revising—Keep My Heart in San Francisco was an emotional journey, so I suppose my favorite part was seeing all that hard work come together in the final product. On a character level, I really enjoyed writing Beckett’s character! He was a joy to write.
5) Where can readers purchase Keep My Heart in San Francisco?
The pandemic threw a lot of my debut plans out the window, and I haven’t been able to sign copies at any of my local bookstores, but I’m hoping to set that up soon! When I do, I’ll update my socials with details. I encourage everyone, if they’re going to purchase the book, to support their local indies or Bookshop, though!
About You:
1. If you won a prize for something, what would it be and why?
Probably for perseverance? With publishing in particular, I’ve had a rocky road and there were so many times when I wanted to walk away from my dreams. Obviously, I’m glad that I didn’t! But overall, I’m pretty resilient and stubborn.
2. If a director wanted to make Keep My Heart in San Francisco into a movie and wanted you to act in it, who would you be and why?
Maybe Aunt Fee? I jokingly like to think I’m the cool aunt in real life! (Hopefully my niece and nephew would agree?) But I haven’t acted since the seventh grade, so maybe a background extra would be more appropriate.
3. What are some of your favorite tv shows and movies?
Ooh! Well, some of my all-time favorite shows are Schitt’s Creek, The Office, Big Brother (I’m trash for good reality television), and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For movies, 10 Things I Hate About You is up there, and I really really enjoyed Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird and Little Women.
4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Before the pandemic, I’d have way more interesting answers for you! I moved to Seattle from the Bay Area a few months before everything shut down, which really threw a wrench in my non-writing life. But I’m kind of a nerd? I play lots of video games, DnD, and other tabletop games. Back in California, I did beekeeping (I want to find a way to bee keep up here!) and I love hiking. Also, my fiancé and I are planning a backpacking trip!
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