I’m a transplant and glad to be here! I grew up in Vermont and my husband and I met in the mountains in Ecuador. We knew we wanted to raise our kids in a small mountain town, but the trick was finding one where my husband could continue his career in technology. Five years ago, we moved here from Los Angeles so he could start a business. For us, Boulder offers the perfect balance of a great outdoor lifestyle, a close-knit community, wonderful public schools and a thriving tech industry.

Tell us a bit about your book(s), published and/or in progress!

Future Flash (Sky Pony Press, June 2014) is the story of a girl named Laney who has what she calls “future flashes”—visions of the future that she sees when she makes physical contact with another person. When a new kid, Lyle, moves to her small town, Laney dreads meeting him – she almost always gets a future flash when first meeting someone new, and the flashes aren’t always good. Unfortunately her meeting with Lyle isn’t just bad; it’s painful. Engulfed in flames, Lyle’s future flash is the worst Laney’s ever experienced. But is there anything Laney can do to change the future? And will she be able to save Lyle from a fiery death without becoming a victim herself?

I was inspired to write this book in part because of all of the fires that have occurred in the Foothills since we moved to Colorado. The story takes place in the fictitious town of Thornville, but is set in Colorado.

Also, as a teacher, I wanted my book to be fast paced to entice reluctant readers and it seems that future flashes and fires make for fast-paced reading! My favorite review was from a student this week saying that Future Flash is the first book she’s ever read that she couldn’t put down. Comments like that make the whole writing thing worthwhile!

What’s the view like from your favorite writing space?

I am happy writing anywhere as long as it’s quiet and I have a cup of tea next to my computer and my cat, Pip, on my lap. Usually I write at the kitchen table so unfortunately the view is often dirty dishes!

What’s the best thing about being a writer in Colorado?

Can I have two best things? 🙂 [Tara: Of course!]

One is the access to incredible running trails. When I’m stuck with writing, I pull on my running shoes and five minutes later I’m on a dirt trail heading into the mountains, passing coyotes and mule deer as I run. I’ve written most of my books in my head on the Goat Trail or the trail around Wonderland Lake. Then I come back to my computer and type as fast as I can so I don’t forget the ideas I had on the trail!

The other is that I had no clue when I moved here that there was such a wonderful and supportive group of middle grade writers in this area! I am inspired by all of them! I met Claudia Mills when she spoke at a book club for my daughter and I’ll never forget her talking about how she does all of her writing early in the morning. I think of her when I need some extra motivation to find time for writing while teaching and raising three girls.

I couldn’t agree more, Kita–about our fabulous trails, and about the inspiring community of writers around us! Thanks for doing this interview, and I can’t wait to read Future Flash.