I’ll probably always have a job other than writing (even though writing is, hands down, my favorite “job” . Worth mentioning: a friend of mine knows someone who is a taster at an ice cream company. This lady just tastes ice cream all day to make sure it isn’t poison. I suppose if it is contaminated that would be a bad day on the job, but otherwise can you imagine?!

That is pretty much my DREAM job. I would give my right arm to work for Ben and Jerry’s ANY DAY. (After all, I just need one arm to scoop the ice cream out.) So if you could go back in time, what advice would you give teenage Natalie?

1. Wax your eyebrows. It will make a drastic difference.

2. Spend more time with your grandparents. Hug them tight and tell them you love them every time you leave. Write down the stories they tell you. Remember little quirky things–like the way they talk and laugh. You’ll be surprised how fast those little quirks start to face from your memory.

3. Don’t spend so much time thinking about you and how you aren’t pretty/smart/outgoing enough. Don’t mold your identity around somebody else. Pour your heart into what you love. Your high school years won’t be the best years of your life, but they aren’t bad years either. Someday you’ll wonder what the heck you were always so uptight about.

We’ve talked about the fact that we both love young adult lit. What do you not like about some YA out there?

Sometimes I get bogged down under the angst. A little bit goes a long way.  Too much makes me disinterested in a character. I’ve seen books that, essentially, have no plot. It’s just a novel full of a girl whining. I’m not into that. I wouldn’t have been into that as a teen either. I like it better when characters rise above all the bad stuff happening and do something good.

I’m totally there with you. I have a low tolerance for whiny, never-ending angst. Speaking of that…what’s your most embarrassing junior high or high school moment?

I went to sign up for a student ministry trip at church and accidentally put my name on the men’s retreat list instead.  There are many more embarrassing moments, but that one is probably most blog appropriate.

It would make a great chick lit novel, if you ended up showing UP for this men’s retreat. And what’s another great book? Um, this one.

I’m so excited to give this book away. They’re gonna love it, Natalie. Okay, absolute last question. I’ve said it before, but you are one funny girl. Who are your funny faves? Thanks I think Carole Burnett is one of the most brilliant performers ever.  Some of my favorite funny movies are the The Goonies, The original Pink Panther movies (with Peter Sellers), Steel Magnolias (all because of Ouiser), and The Emperor’s New Groove.  My favorite comic strip is Garfield. He reminds me of my brother. And a writer guaranteed to always make me laugh (and sometimes cry like a chapter later) is John Green. Whenever I read his books, I’m constantly calling people to read the hilariousness aloud.

See, we obviously were separated at birth (and a few years…). I would give my OTHER arm for Carol Burnett. In fact, I teared up just to read her name. She is worthy of all accolades. LOVE her. She is the QUEEN of comedy. And Ouiser on Steel Magnolias is awesome too. “I’m not crazy! I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years.” But John Green? Gonna have to check him out.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, Natalie.

Thanks for letting me drop by your site! This interview was really fun

Yes, next time I’ll bring snacks. Girl, I loved your book and can’t wait to see what’s up ahead for you. Big, big things.

See you guys Wednesday!

JEN

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