What is the biggest source of inspiration for your writing? Who would you say are your influences?

I have been incredibly fortunate to workshop my novel draft with Edan Lepucki, Sarah Schulman, and now Jennifer Weiner. Everything I read influences me. Even when an author makes all the opposite choices I would, observing their path carefully helps clarify my own.

How did you find out about the fellowship? What did it feel like to get that acceptance?

A friend sent me the announcement! The acceptance was of course a thrill.

How does your identity shape your work?

I have taught high schoolers English in the School District of Philadelphia for seventeen years. Though I'm not writing a novel for young adults, I do think about what the future will be like for them, and my book explores that somewhat. And I care a lot about reader experience. I've never felt like I was writing just for myself. I've always been writing with a theoretical audience in mind.

What is the ideal next step in your writing journey? When/where can we expect to see you sharing your work with the world?

The ideal next step is that I finish my novel. People have told me I will somehow know when I have arrived at the finish line.

Do you have any dream collaborators? Publishing houses? Credits? Blurbs?

I fear that any specific answer to this question invites the devil! But I have loved reading the work of the fellows, and hope we all have a chance to promote each other's publications in the future.

When did you know you were meant to be on your writing journey?

I have been many kinds of writer throughout my life. It's only in the last few years that I have seriously tried my hand at writing fiction. The shift still surprises me, sometimes. I just came to a place where it felt right to pursue truth through story.

Did you have any hesitation when applying for the fellowship? What helped you decide to pursue the opportunity?

Over my few years writing fiction, I have received both acceptances and rejections applying for opportunities like this — so I was ready for either with this one. I knew I would keep going with my work either way.

What are you working on right now?

Novel rewriting.