“I write because I can’t not write.” — JN

I was lucky enough to grow up with a writer mom who taught me that I could be or do anything I wanted to be or do, and for as long as I can remember I've always wanted to be a writer. This was in spite of the fact that I saw first hand how hard it could be. Even during the toughest, saddest times of her life, my mother wrote. In so many ways, she was my hero.

In August 2014, my mother passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly, and since then I’ve had to write my books without her. But I hear her voice: You can't freak out and write a book at the same time. Check it in the bus locker. Breathe. And so — I write, trying to honor her with every word, knowing that — if not for her — I wouldn't be doing it at all. Over the years, Mom and I created a stable of writing advice, inspiration for every occasion.