I hate writing bios almost more than I hate writing thank you notes (they are about as stale), so I will try to make this interesting. I was born on a blustery spring day in [excised], a good year for Republicans and a bad year for zinfandels. Soon after, I penned my first literary masterpiece in a pink Trapper Keeper: a short story about a wild horse named Babbling Brook. Babbling Brook found herself in a pickle when the field she used for grazing froze over in a blizzard and then, still frozen, burned. While my early appreciation for plot and conflict was encouraging, it was also clear that I lacked a basic understanding of the laws of nature.I am now the author of three young adult novels, THE DEBUTANTE, THE LOST SUMMER, and PIZZA, LOVE, AND OTHER STUFF THAT MADE ME FAMOUS, as well as an illustrated humor/advice book, ROOMIES: SHARING YOUR HOME WITH FRIENDS, STRANGERS AND TOTAL FREAKS. Under my pen name, Lucy Ruggles, I have authored or adapted a number of books, including the bestselling CAMP ROCK: THE JUNIOR NOVEL. When I am not spending the thousands of gazillions of dollars that I make writing books, I work as a freelance project editor for Sideshow Media. I am the co-founder and developmental editor for Sideshow's new YA imprint, Aerial Publishing. I also blog regularly for SparkLife and offer freelance writing, editing, proofreading, and photo research services.I live somewhere between Nashville, Tennessee; New York City; Portland, Maine; and Richmond, Virginia. I am a strong believer in the healing power of butter, bacon, and Southern rock, and I never, ever wear white after Labor Day...or is it before Labor Day?