Q: What books were your favorite growing up and most influenced you?
A: My absolute favorite book growing up was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Veruca Salt remains one of my favorite characters to date. I also remember reading and rereading There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom and the Sideways Stories from Wayside School series, both by Louis Sachar. I have always been a bit of a slow reader, so as a kid I enjoyed books infused with humor or whimsy that would keep me hooked. Works such as these have influenced my own writing as I aspire to balance humor and heart.

Q: Who are your favorite authors?
A: Recent favorite authors include Becky Albertalli, Daniel Aleman, Emily Barth Isler, Kalynn Bayron, Kosoko Jackson, Tiffany D. Jackson, Jas Hammonds, Jo Knowles, Naz Kutub, Rajani LaRocca, Chad Lucas, Kyle Lukoff, NoNieqa Ramos, Adam Sass, Chad Sell, Jen St. Jude, Aiden Thomas, Angie Thomas, Nicola Yoon, Kelly Yang, and so many more. Always happy to talk about favorites and make specific recommendations!

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I had many ambitions when I was a kid, ranging from Zookeeper and Veterinarian to Animator and Superstar. Maybe one day...

More questions to come as they are asked! If you have a question you want to see answered, send me an email at jmatejekmorris@gmail.com or find me on Twitter or Instagram!