I was born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois — a small, quaint little suburb just outside of Chicago — and then moved to California to study at the University of San Diego. After graduation, Radley and I moved to Chicago and lived downtown while I completed my Masters degree. In September 2011, we decided to head back to the West Coast, and we now live in lovely San Francisco.
Where should I go when I visit Chicago?
Chicago is like New York: It's a different city to everyone who lives there. That being said, I've compiled this (really) little city guide to share some of my favorite spots — restaurants, landmarks, parks, tours, etc. It only scratches the surface, of course, but I've included a handful of must dos.
What did you study in school? Where have you worked?
My Bachelors is in Communication Studies and English, and in 2011 I earned my Masters in Writing and Publishing from DePaul University. During my first year of grad school, I worked full time at an event promotions company where I planned tours for Broadway shows, authors, and comedians. In my second year, I assisted a literary agent who published children's and young adult literature. Since December 2011, I've been an editorial assistant at PopSugar. (I really, really love my job.)
When and how did you and Radley meet?
The two of us met through mutual friends during our junior year of college. As soon as we spoke, I was smitten. In my journal that week, I wrote, "Good feeling about this one. I think it might really go somewhere..." Three years later, he proposed, and we were married on August 4, 2012.
Any advice for writers?
First, and most importantly: Read. A lot. Read anything and everything you can get your hands on. Check out a variety of genres, authors, and mediums. Read both classic literature and today's blog posts, both magazine essays and short stories. It's the best thing you can do for your own work, and the only way to know what else is out there. You never know what might inspire you!
What kind of camera do you use? Which lens?
For most of my photos I use the Nikon D60 with its original lens. When I'm on the go, I use either the Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS or the trusty Camera+ app on my iPhone.
