Judy Blume, Norma Fox Mazer,
Margaret Willey, Lois Lowry. JD
Salinger is a big touchstone, all
of his Glass family stories, and
Ray Bradbury, too. One of my
absolute favorite YA books is
Midnight Hour Encores by Bruce
Brooks, which I still go back to
for inspiration. It’s a book about
a very self-assured young cellist being raised by her hippie
father, and she’s had all this success, but she’s never met her
mother. I’m always hoping that,
one of these days, I’m going
to write a book half as good as
Midnight Hour Encores.
I’ve written an “adult” novel,
but it didn’t sell – yet! I like writing YA – I like the lack of cynicism. And, in YA, my chronic
immaturity is finally an asset!
still play music - solo or with
a band - these days? If not, do
you miss it? I’m still playing a
little, but just in my apartment.
The neighbors are thrilled.
Yeah, I miss the camaraderie of
playing in bands, and the traveling was fun, but I don’t miss
lugging amps through the snow
and getting paid in beer tickets.
If you could be your choice
of a rock and roll star, famous poet, or a best-selling
author… which would you
choose? Hey, I’m already all of
those things and a medical receptionist. I’m the total package! Well, “best-selling” is a bit
of a stretch, and fame is relative,
but you feel me. I’ve done it all.
And what a life it’s been! Frankly, I’m ready to retire to a life of
I first met you from your days sun worship and golf in Miami
in Steel Pier Sinners. Do you
Beach like my hero, Iggy Pop.
NewJerseyStage.com
2015 - ISSUE 11
ARTICLES
84