What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
As the mother of a teenage boy and someone who has spent decades using technology to create positive social impact, I wanted to write for the generation growing up inside the systems our generation helped build. The story began through the Book-Writing Club of UnBoxMe, my community of philosophers, authors, and founders. I hadn’t intended to write a YA novel, but these eight teenagers appeared, and I followed them. I wanted to give young readers a mystery that would keep them turning pages while making room for questions about friendship, identity, belonging, and the consequences of their choices. Teenagers helped shape every chapter. My teen reading council marked what worked in green and what didn’t in red. Chapters came back bleeding. I rewrote them. Their honesty was one of the greatest gifts this book received.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I’m drawn to questions that don’t have easy answers. Writing Accidental Tribes gave me room to explore them through a YA mystery, with humor, friendship, and characters who have much more to them than the labels they’ve been given.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m fascinated by the life of Lou Andreas-Salomé and have bought five books exploring her life through letters and other writings connected to Friedrich Nietzsche, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Paul Rée.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I had such a great time with these eight, and I am just so happy readers of all age groups are enjoying their company too. My favorite moments to write were when they surprised me with their wants and needs, especially when those pulled them in different directions. They could want to be seen and hide at the same time, crave independence and still need someone to stay close. Teenagers can hold so many conflicting emotions at once. I loved giving these eight room to be complicated, sometimes even to themselves.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
There were days when I thought I would not finish. I questioned myself so many times. In the process, friends whom I deeply respect helped me believe it would all work out. As did my characters. They surprised me. They made me laugh. I often felt my Unlucky 8 were living somewhere, and they were allowing me a sneak peek into their experience. On their own terms. That’s why, at times when inspiration didn’t come, I didn’t force it. But when it came, I’d sit for 14 to 16 hours, writing nonstop before they closed the portal again. Sometimes, something unexpected would happen in the story, and when I went back a few chapters to make sure it was consistent, I’d find that these eight rule-breakers had dropped seeds all along, leading to that moment. I hadn’t noticed.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I believe we have a responsibility to help create the world we want to live in. That begins with listening to ourselves, making room for our ideas, and trusting that we have something meaningful to contribute.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
You still get to decide who you become. Even when people have labeled you or dismissed you, your choices matter. And you don’t have to find your way alone.
