Tell us some background about you?  

The Lip Gloss Chronicles is my first young adult series. I am the author of six women’s fiction books.  I'm an avid reader. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon mysteries.

You are known for your women’s lit books, what made you take the jump into teen fiction?

I've actually wanted to write a teen fiction book since being a teenager and reading Nancy Drew.  What prompted me to finally take that plunge was hearing my friends complain about their teens reading adult books or if they did read teen books, most of the characters didn't look like them.

Tell us about THE LIP GLOSS CHRONICLES? How many books are you planning for this series?

The Lip Gloss Chronicles explores the life of three Sassy, Urban, and Hip high school friends (Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra) who are high on fashion and a magnet for drama.

There are currently three books in the series but I’m hoping it will get expanded to more. Each of the three books is told from one of the girl’s point of view.

The Ultimate Test is the first book in the series and is in stores now.  This book is told from Britney's point of view. The girls are freshmen in high school and deal with growing pains and issues that threaten their life long friendship.  

Splitsville is the second book in the series and will be in stores at the end of September.  I am currently writing the third book in the series. It’s scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010.

Readers can get more information or keep up to date with the series by joining the Lip Gloss Chronicles mailing list at the website: www.thelipglosschronicles.com.

What made you interested in writing teen fiction?

I remember how it is to be a teenager. I don't want them to make the same mistakes I and others have made. My friends’ teens love books like Gossip Girl, The Clique, Private, etc, so I decided that I would write a series where the main characters were minorities but grew up in middle to upper class households.  

When did you start writing? What inspired you?

I've been writing since I was 9 years old. I've always loved to read and write. Reading is what first inspired me to write. During my freshman year in high school, Maya Angelou spoke to my class and every since then, I've known that writing is something I wanted to do.

What makes THE LIP GLOSS CHRONICLES different than other books on the market?

The Lip Gloss Chronicles is about young girls who deal with every day issues.  Britney, Jasmine and Sierra have characteristics similar to my friends’ girls.  I feel that their realness comes across in the books.

What books did you read as a teen? Do you read any teen books now?

I used to love reading the following series of books: Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Hardy Boys, etc.

I still enjoy reading teen books. I’ve read books in the genre by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Paula Chase, L. Divine, Cecily von Ziegesar, Celeste O Norfleet, Meg Cabot, Earl Sewell, Victoria Christopher Murray, etc.

What do you want readers to get from your books?

Although my books are entertaining, I want readers to be conscious about the decisions they make in their lives. I also want readers to know they do not have to bow down to peer pressure. It is okay to be an individual and it’s okay not to be part of a clique.

What advice would you give to writers?

Finish the first draft by any means necessary. You have to make time to write because there will never be any “free” time to do so.

Would you mind your teen readers reading your adult books or would you encourage them to wait until they were older?

I would prefer if teen readers read my young adult books and waited until they were over 18 before reading my adult books; although my adult books are mild.