My main character's father and mother are wildly in love and have been for over 20 years. They are dedicated to supporting each other's dreams and model that the best love allows for spaces in togetherness. https://twitter.com/chamomeriam/status/1319686090094223362

Because basically I just didn't want my main character to have a romance. I never had a boyfriend in high school. I went on a few dates, I kissed a few boys. I had a million crushes. I just didn't have a BIG HIGH SCHOOL ROMANCE or anything. And I wanted that in a YA novel.

My truest love in high school was my friends. We did everything together, we inspired each other, we held each other up. And I'm still friends with that same group 30 years later. I wanted to make THAT be the love story. These pictures are 20 years apart

So here's my snippets then:

By the time Dad gets to the last refrain of “outlaws touch the ladies somewhere deep down in their soul.” and without ever having exchanged a single word, they are in love.

I know there’s only one way to describe a story like that: gross.

Yet all true.

"It’s been 28 years and Dad still sings Ladies Love Outlaws to Mom, spinning her around the kitchen, and telling us: “Look at your mother, girls. Have you ever seen a more beautiful woman? A stone cold fox!” while she giggles helplessly.

And if you think all that’s not enough pressure to have an “epically perfect romance” try adding in that Mom and Dad’s story really are still each other’s biggest fans."

That's the kinda love story I wanna model for teens. Will anyone want to read this UH I DON'T THINK SO BUT