Adolescence—it is a brutal stage of life filled with anxiety and doubt but wonderful highs I could probably only achieve these days with illegal drugs.

And it’s for that reason that I am always drawn to that period of life as the setting for my manuscripts. And what better way to truly connect to that world than to write it it a letter? Enter Dear Teen Me, a blog (and now book) where YA authors give advice, understanding and forgiveness to their former teen selves. Having just drafted up one to myself, not only did it spur a little creative fire by reminding me what life was like for me back then, but also a little self-loving too.

So thank you Dear Teen Me, you inspire me.