5. Tatum is certainly not the type of girl who sits around and waits for her happy ending—she creates her own. What do you love most about Tatum?
Tatum is me. Tatum is, in many ways, every girl. I love that she thinks she’s right so fiercely, but figures out that her father and stepmother actually might have had a valid reason for asking her to think about her actions for a while. Too harsh a punishment? For sure. They totally went overboard. But the reflection time was good for her, and even Tatum would agree with that.
6. Friendship plays a huge role in this story. What do you think Tatum learns from her new friends and her friendship breakups?
I think Tatum learns hope from Seamus, Abby, and Hunter. They accept her just as she is, and encourage her to pursue her art. From Ashlyn, she learns how to forgive. Even though they’re angry at each other, Tatum puts herself in Ash’s shoes and finds it within herself take the high road. I think they both come out on the other side stronger and more empathic.
7. Do you have any artistic talents like Tatum, or are you living vicariously through her?
Besides writing? Once upon a time, I sang second soprano in the school choir and was a card-carrying member of the thespian society. In tenth grade, I was in Oklahoma! and said, “Who’s going to be the auctioneer?” It was a big moment.
8. Even though Blanche doesn’t have real magic, she’s the perfect fairy godmother. What’s the most important thing Blanche teaches Tatum?
I love Blanche. She’s one of my top five favorite characters I’ve written. She reminds Tatum that things are not always as they seem, and that sometimes you just need to look harder to see the truth. Blanche also reminds Tatum to do self-care and be good to herself. It’s easy to forget that part when you’re stressed or caught up in something.
9. If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be?
I think I’d like to have dessert with Blanche, Tatum, Tilly, and Abby, while The Frisson serenaded us.
10. Tatum and SK fall for each other through words and music. What’s your favorite (love) song?
Even before I wrote this book, I thought Sarah Jarosz’s “Tell Me True” was incredibly romantic. She captures the emotions when you know you have feelings for someone and you suspect they feel the same, but you’re waiting for the magical thing that confirms it. It’s the moment before the fall. It was the perfect song for Tatum and Seamus.
My favorite love song, though, is Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest,” which my husband and I danced to at our wedding. I appreciate that Folds talks about how all your life experiences, no matter how rough, can be worth it because they brought you to the right person. And, if you’re lucky, you get to spend your whole life together. Obviously, Folds is another favorite of mine, as his music appears in the book as well.
Acknowledgments
There will never be the right words to express my gratitude to everyone who left a piece of themselves in this book. There are virtual hugs included in these pages.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart:
To Kevan Lyon, my very wise agent, for finding Tatum’s story captivating and delightful, and for always being the voice of reason. To Patricia Nelson, for all your support and positive energy.
To my editor, Jillian Manning, for falling in L-O-V-E with this book and being my champion since day one. To the entire team at Blink. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, attentive, hard-working group of individuals to have on my side.
To Melissa Donoghue, my oldest and dearest friend in the world. There’s no one I’d rather talk books with. Here’s to another thirty years of friendship, and then thirty more.
To Amy Burns, my first writing friend, for loving all my words, even the terrible ones.
To the BAMFs, I love you all. This book would be nothing without you—Katherine Locke, Leigh Smith, Rebekah Campbell, Rebecca Paula, and Sarah Emery. MTWBWY, and I wish you all the dresses with pockets.
To Amanda Summers for putting up with, and also participating in, my nonsense. To Suzette Henry for your unwavering patience and enthusiasm—may our marble tables remain unbroken. To Esher Hogan, Jennifer Street, Diane Springer, and Alex Pou for your invaluable insight.
To Olivia Hinebaugh, Lisa Maxwell, Heather Van Fleet, Angele McQuaid, and Danielle Ellison for your friendship, understanding, and general awesomeness.
To Corey Ann Haydu for writing the book that made me want to make this one better.
To everyone in YADC. I am in awe of your unbridled love for words. There are no greater book pushers.
To my fellow 2017 debuts. It is an honor to be in your company, and I am thrilled to share this year with you.
To the entire YA writing and reading community. You inspire me to do more, and to do it better.
To my Pennsylvania and Florida family for always cheering me on. To Grandma for lending me your name.
To my parents for saving every last poem and short story, for never saying no when I handed you a stack of books to buy, and for knowing I’d write my own book one day, even when I didn’t.
To my husband and my daughter, my buddies. I love you more than anything. Thank you for holding my hand and dreaming the big dreams with me.
And, to the girl who lost her shoe on the side of the road after the Homecoming dance. There would be no book without you.
About the Author
Christina June writes young adult contemporary fiction when she’s not writing college recommendation letters during her day job as a school counselor. She loves the little moments in life that help someone discover who they’re meant to become—whether it’s her students or her characters. Christina is a voracious reader, loves to travel, eats too many cupcakes, and hopes to one day be bicoastal—the east coast of the US and the east coast of Scotland. She lives just outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and daughter. Learn more at ChristinaJune.com.