I am one of those people who has always wanted to write. I studied English in college, hoping it would lead me to a creative field, and after graduation I found a job in book publishing in New York. At the time, working on the editorial side felt like a sideways step—if I wanted to write, why was I wasting time editing other people’s writing? But I wasn’t ready, then, to take the plunge and write something of my own. I worked for four years as an editor of young adult fiction, and looking back, I realize that it was some of the best training I could have asked for. Seeing the work of successful professional authors at every stage in the process, from the first to the final draft, gave me the confidence to start a manuscript of my own. Working in the business was also a massive help on the networking side. Most first-time authors struggle to find an agent, but I was able to walk down the hall and hand my manuscript to my boss—who is still my agent now! I will say, even after I had a book deal, I didn’t feel like a “real” professional author until my book was published and I was able to hold a hardcover copy in my hands. I think that was when it finally sunk in that I had achieved my childhood dream.

I grew up in Houston, Texas—and after several years in New York and then California, I’m happy to be back here with my husband and two-year-old son. I feel so lucky that I get to live in my hometown and write full-time! My most recent bestselling series, American Royals, reimagines present-day America as a monarchy. Imagine: what if instead of being our first president, George Washington had become our first king? The books take place in this version of America, where we are like England and have a royal family. The story centers on the younger generation—the princesses and prince of America—following all the drama, romance, celebrity culture and heartache that comes with being a royal. Tonally, the series has been called a mashup of The Crown and Gossip Girl (which makes sense, since I am a fan of both!) The third book, Rivals, came out in May, and I’m hard at work on the fourth book which will release next year.

My goal is always to write uplifting and fast-paced books that also make you pause and think. In American Royals I made a real effort to empower female readers, especially younger readers! The main character, Princess Beatrice, is set to inherit the throne someday and become America’s very first queen. Beatrice faces plenty of opposition and criticism, and is forced to find strength within herself—and lean on the people she loves—as she prepares for her role. I have been so touched by the response from young women who have been inspired by her character! Here is an email from one high school aged reader: “I signed up for Honors science but when I realized I was the only girl in the class, I was going to drop out. Then I read your book and realized that Beatrice is right—women have to fight for what they believe in. I stayed in the class!” Emails and fan mail like this are what make my job worth it. I am so honored that there are readers who feel moved by my books and I hope that in some small way, my words have helped to make a difference.