Why do you like writing YA novels?

I currently live with one tween and one teen. Just being around them inspires me, but I've also been hugely influenced by the stuff they've read and watched on TV. All this has made me remember (all too clearly) my own teen experiences. Young adult literature is generally about not fitting in, and as someone who grew up with a chronic skin disease, I can totally relate. Maybe this is why I write so many books with paranormal themes. Paranormal protagonists are the ultimate outcasts! I figure if I can make even one teen realize s/he's not alone, I'll have done something worthwhile. (It's also important to me to make people laugh. Having a sense of humor about it all is a must, because, trust me, all the bad stuff passes.)

Where do you get your ideas?

Well, I hate to admit it, but my hubby gives me some of them. I Was a Teenage Popsicle, for example, came about as a result of his weird obsession with the Ted Williams cryonics brouhaha. I have to tell you, though, coming up with ideas isn't generally the problem for writers. It's making the idea into a full-fledged book that's tricky. You have to just grit your teeth and smile when somebody comes up to you at a party and says, “I could be a writer, too. I have this fabulous idea. Too bad I don't have time to write it.”

Do you write every day?

Well, five out of seven, anyway. I'm of the get-your-butt-in-the-chair school of writing. You can't just sit around waiting for inspiration to come. You have to treat writing like a job, be really disciplined about it. If you go to school or work full-time, write one page a day. At the end of a year, you'll have a 365 page book!

Even when your butt's in the chair, it's tough. There are plenty of distractions. My 'office' is at the back of my kitchen, and believe me, I spend plenty of time watching the squirrels do acrobatics on the tree outside the window beside my work station. Then, of course, there are the requisite trips to the fridge, pantry and coffeemaker.

What do you do in your spare time?

Pilates, because sitting at a computer all day does a serious number on your back. I also take regular walks and do Latin dance tapes. In my living room. To the eternal puzzlement of the sweet, elderly couple who live across the street.

When I'm not trying to realign my spine or raise my heart rate, I'm devouring other people's books, going to movies, redecorating my house (I'm into cheap chic), searching for great new ethnic restaurants, or watching Gilmore Girls with my daughter (or The Simpsons with my son).

How can I become a writer?

Write. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. More than one person I know wrote five to ten full manuscripts before getting published. Take writing classes, find someone you trust to critique your writing, and when you finally have a book you think is in good shape, send out query letters to reputable agents. (Check out a book called The Writer's Market.) Some will say no right away, but some might ask to see a partial manuscript (three chapters and a synopsis). After reading the partial, a couple might want to see the full. Hopefully, at least one will want to represent you after reading that. REALITY CHECK: Um, all this is really hard to accomplish. Much harder than I've made it sound. You may have to repeat the above steps several times. Be prepared to work very hard for many years.

What do you like most about being a writer?

I get to wear yoga pants all day.