What are you working on now?

Right before the end of the year (2025), I finished my manuscript for my debut novel Ronnie Sanchez in Trans-Location (I’m still getting used to the new title), a young adult science fiction novel. It’s about a sixteen-year-old high school student’s experiences with a mysterious advanced transportation system called Trans-Location Headquarters and her struggles with mental illness. It explores themes of mental illness, friendship, environmental activism, and the blending of spiritual and technological realities.

I started this manuscript back in the fall of 2010 when I was eighteen and had just graduated high school. I continued to work on it during the summer for several years until I had my work on my thesis. I started to work on it continuously after my thesis was approved and had graduated with my master’s degree back in 2019.

What are some fun facts about you?

I more recently started loving neutrals. I love Tiffany style lampshades and have peach-colored ones in my bedroom. I met my favorite fashion designer, Betsey Johnson, when I was sixteen walking down NYC at night. She was wearing strong perfume and looked exactly the way she does in photos. I was once plant based for several weeks before turning pescatarian, which made my acid reflux so much better. I love yogurt. I’ve worked for the City of LA for almost twelve years. I’m a great meditator but I’ve learned to pull back over the years…

What inspired you to become a writer?

Writing always felt second nature to me. I loved to journal when I was younger and then knew I wanted to start again in high school. It was my art of choice again once I graduated high school.

Do experiences from real life inspire your writing?

How early in life did you start writing?

I was around four when I started to write. I had the greatest teacher and would practice copying story books and reading stories. I can imagine myself saying “I learned to write books.” I was about eight years old when I started to write short stories and gave one to my third grade teacher as a present.

Wait. You went to a natural lagoon surrounded by actual snow?

I did! A couple years ago, I went to Iceland and it was so cool! Not so cold or dangerous even. I learned the value of spas.