VIRTUOSITY author, Jessica Martinez

 How often have you read a fabulous book and then within a week have the chance to meet the author? These sorts of things don't happen to me. So it was with great pleasure that I got to listen to and visit briefly with Jessica Martinez at Third Place Books in Seattle earlier this month. What a lovely person. I encourage you to get yourself a copy of this book. It's one of my favorite contemporary reads of the year. 

 

On Writing:

Favorite thing about writing a first draft:

Finishing!  First drafts are torture for me.  Aside from finishing though, I love the excitement of the first few chapters, when the idea is so big and wonderful, and I’m just getting to know my characters, and none of the plot-crippling flaws have bubbled up yet.

Best thing about writing for kids and/or teens:

Writing for kids is incredibly liberating.  I can put aside my need to be profound and depressing, and just write good stories.  (And occasionally they end up being profound anyway.)

Favorite word?:

Tip-toe.  (Is that weird?)

If I could have two dream careers, I’d be an author and a:

Violinist

On Life:

If I could snap my fingers and solve one of the problems here on earth, it would be:

Women are allowed to be treated with extraordinary cruelty in many countries (legally, culturally, etc.).  I’d fix that.

One question I wish I had a definitive answer to:

Why is moderation so hard?  (I’m an all-or-nothing sort of girl.) 

Best thing about being a child:

Feeling safe.

Worst thing about being a child:

Being controlled.

Best thing about being a teenager:

Falling in love for the first time. 

Worst thing about being a teenager:
Having your heart broken for the first time.  And acne.

One thing I’d like to say to my teen self:

Chill out.  Have fun.  Stop thinking everyone is staring at you.  They aren’t.

A quote I live by:

“Be kind to yourself”  -Wendie Low (my mom)

My dream vacation:

Schlepping around Europe with a backpack and my husband, avoiding the tourist stops and finding our own hidden gems.

In My Perfect World…

Everyone would get massage and a new book at least once a week. 

There would be an abundance of ice cream and kissing.

No one would be deprived of alone time.

Every child would have loving parents and a trampoline.

No one would ever get sick.

Pie would be free for everyone.