I write YA romance. I think there is a lot of great YA fiction out there now, so much more than when I was a YA myself! But I think we need more true-to-life YA where the heroine is strong, and rises above the obstacles or troubles she may have had in her life, the hero is someone worthy of being cheered for, and no one is cutting or sticking their finger down their throat. (I know there's plenty of that going on in the real world, but I don't think girls dealing with those things want to read about it. I speak from personal knowledge - not me, just someone I love very much.) I want my books to be completely compelling and enjoyable while promoting values. I've learned to listen and observe others, and I'm amazed at how much I can hear by doing just that. I feel an obligation to write books that I am not embarassed or ashamed to have anyone read - and that can be read aloud to your grandma's, if wanted, without embarassment. 

Honorable Mention for the short story version of Geek Girl in the Writers Digest 78th Annual Short Story Award.