I got a job teaching sixth grade at the same elementary school that President John F. Kennedy attended, and organized my wedding in between writing lesson plans and correcting homework. I married Oren in the summer. Little did Oren know at the time that he wasn’t just marrying me—but all the characters from A Thousand Never Evers who lived in my head. Lucky for me, Oren has grown to love Addie Ann, Elias, Uncle Bump, Mama, and Mrs. Jacks as much as I do.

After my fifth year of teaching, I gave birth to my son. Shortly after he was born, I found an agent, sold A Thousand Never Evers, and moved with my family from Boston to Austin, Texas, where I’m currently working on my next book.