What is the order of your series? Can you read them out of order?
The series goes Blue, White, Silver, Red. While it is ideal to read them in that order, they can certainly be read out of order. At the beginning of each book (following Blue), I catch readers up to what happened in previous books.

What inspired you to write BLUE IS FOR NIGHTMARES?
I first started the novel in an adolescent fiction writing workshop at Emerson. I knew I wanted to write a mystery/thriller. I loved suspense novels as a young adult and I really wanted to write something that would have appealed to me at that age, adding in elements of humor, romance, and drama. I wanted my main character to be relatable for teens; I wanted her to be flawed, to have secrets, and to have lots of opportunity for growth. When I started the novel, I had no idea I would delve into the world of magic and witchcraft - that is until I did a free-writing exercise in my workshop class. I wrote a scene in which Stacey, my main character, was meditating in front of a blue candle. The scene just sort of took off from there, turning out to be a big inspiration for the novel. Not knowing too much about the formal practice of the Craft, I had heard growing up that my grandmother had experience with the sixth sense and started doing research and asking lots of questions. I learned a lot this way. I learned of passed down home remedies, interesting family superstitions, tea readings, card readings, and specific experiences with the sixth sense, some of which find themselves in the novel. I also researched the more formal practices of Witchcraft and Wicca, as well as other home remedies that pass down within families.

What advice would you give people who want to write for young adults?
I would suggest delving into the young adult market. Spend some serious time reading young adult books and magazines. Listen to teens talk. Watch movies and TV shows aimed at that audience. Be open to learning, to understanding, and reflecting on your own young adult experiences. Then, start to write. Ask yourself what moves you to want to write for teens, what story do you need or want to tell. I would also recommend joining The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and/or finding a group of young adult/children’s writers with whom you can meet and share work. I rely so heavily on my writers group. We support each other through every step of the process – from that first idea to the finished book. And lastly, of course, it goes without saying that before you send anything out, know the market. Know which editors are looking for your type of book, what their policy is on reading unsolicited manuscripts, if you’ll need an agent, and which agents are accepting new clients in your genre. Also, be sure to ask your agent for a client list, check that they’re a member of AAR, and never pay reading fees.

What is your favorite book?
There’s no way I can pick just one. Here are some of the books you’ll find on my shelf (in no particular order):

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Dangerous Angels by Francesca Lia Block
Tenderness by Robert Cormier
Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Where I’m Calling From: Selected Stories by Raymond Carver
Blood and Chocolate and Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klaus
A Room on Lorelei Street by Mary Pearson
The Killer’s Cousin by Nancy Werlin
The Giver by Lowis Lowry
Come to Me by Amy Bloom
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chomsky
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Teach Me by R.A. Nelson
Buried by Robin MacCready
Aimee by Mary Beth Miller
The Torn Skirt by Rebecca Godfrey
Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Stained by Jennifer Jacobson
Selected Stories by Andre Dubus
What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles
Fashion High: Breaking Up by Aimee Friedman
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Whatever happened to Pink is for Promise?
Pink is for Promise was the work-in-progress title for the third book in the series. I ended up changing my mind about the title, but unfortunately this happened after the first printing of White is for Magic came out. I thought the title Silver is for Secrets worked so much better for the work and, if you've read it, you can probably understand why. All the other print runs of White is for Magic (from the second print run on) have the correct “Silver” title printed in the front.

How many more books do you plan to write in the BIFN series?
Good question - I'm really not sure yet. Keep checking back for more info about it. I’ll keep you posted via my blog and newsletter.

Do you practice Wicca or Witchcraft?
No. Though I do love candles, aromatherapy, and practicing herbal remedies, I am not a practicing Wiccan or Witch. Having been raised in Salem, MA, and having done a lot of research on Witchcraft, I do have a lot of respect for these peaceful earth-based religions/ways of life.

Have you ever thought about your books becoming movies?
Why, yes, I think about it all the time. I'd love it. Unfortunately, it's not up to me. A producer needs to find my books, love them, and want to invest lots of money in them to make them into films. So, if you know any Hollywood producers, give them my contact info.

I'm an actress and I'd love to play Stacey in the movie. Where and when can I audition?
I'd love for BIFN to become movies and I'm flattered that you identify so well with my characters and find them interesting enough to want to play them in a movie. This is a huge compliment for any writer. But, unfortunately, I don't have an interested producer yet. When I find one and it actually gets optioned, I'll do all I can to find out about the happenings regarding production (if it ever gets there) and filming.

I'm interested in learning more about Wicca and/or Witchcraft. Where can I learn?
I highly recommend Silver Ravenwolf's Teen Witch: Wicca for a New Generation. It's an excellent reference that goes over the ABC's of Wicca. She also clears up some of the misconceptions people have about the religion. There's also a chapter for parents, as well as one that discusses how to break it to your parents that you're interested in the Craft. I also recommend Gwinevere Rain's Confessions of a Teenage Witch.

Which of your characters in the BIFN series are you most like?
Well, I suppose I'm mostly like Stacey but not because I have premonitions about stalkers. I just identify with her character the most; we also think a lot alike. There are also bits of myself in Amber and Drea.

Will you ever come to Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Florida, etc. to do a signing.
It’s possible. Tell your young adult librarian and/or your school that you're interested in having me come speak. Then, have them contact me.