How did the world or characters first appear to you, as an image, a feeling, or a line of dialogue?

Union Yes was easy: I’ve been representing and organizing labor unions for 15 years, so I allowed my characters to embody all the incredible organizers, attorneys, and workers I’ve met during my career.

Fa La La La Law began as two words that hit me when I was driving one night: Santa’s Lawyer. It bloomed from there.

Which scene or moment changed the story for you as you were writing it?

The end of Fa La La La Law veered entirely out of my outline. Come to find out, Avery’s adventure was reflecting a healing journey I was on, and didn’t realize until it broke through. Now I can’t imagine the story without that moment with Santa.

What kind of research or lived experience shaped your characters?

For Fa La La La Law: I live and breathe Christmas for most of the year. I did a brief stint as a professional elf. I make Christmas music with my husband in our recording studio, and each year we host our town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Writing about Christmas magic is simply second - possibly, first - nature.

For Union Yes: I was inspired by some particularly egregious employers threatening their employees in horrifying ways during union organizing campaigns throughout my career. I always wanted to see them brought to justice. Union Yes definitely scratches that itch.

If your protagonist could give one piece of advice to readers, what would it be?

Avery says: Stay generous, stay whimsical, and care for your community all year round, because Christmas is not a date — it’s a state of mind.

Sarah says: The only thing you can really count on is each other. That’s it. Your solidarity. You exercising collective power is what is going to win the day.

What surprised you most about the story once it was finished?

Fa La La La Law was supposed to be popcorn — a little mental vacation. It turned out to be more heartfelt and meaningful (while still being fun and magical!) than I ever imagined from this little novella.

How do you hope readers feel when they turn the last page?

Fa La La La Law and Union Yes seem like very different books, but I hope they both leave readers feeling like they love and believe in themselves a little bit more, and accept the confines of capitalism a little bit less.

What’s next, are these characters done with you, or do they still whisper?

I thought I was done with Avery and Louis, but I think they deserve some more page time. I guess we’ll see what happens this Christmas!