Read And Revel

It’s Kind of a Bad Idea is coming out this soon! How does it feel? 

I’m very excited! This is my second novel and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world. 

Why did you come up with your title? 

The title is a little nod to the moment before Annika and Gabi’s first kiss when they are trying to fight their pull to each other because they know getting together would be complicated, but they just can’t help themselves. 

Can you tell me a secret about It’s Kind of a Bad Idea that no one else knows? 

I wrote this while planning my own wedding and my own feelings about weddings align more closely to Annika’s. 

How did you know that you wanted to write in this genre? 

I have loved romance novels since I was a young teenager, from Jane Austen to Sara Dessen to Melissa Brayden, and when I sat down to write my first books, that’s the kind of story that came out of me. 

How would you describe this book in 3 words? 

Lesbians kidding themselves.

Walk us through your process:

First idea: Do you remember the exact moment that you knew you wanted to write this story?

It was October 2024, and my now wife and I were stuck in the middle of planning our own wedding. The idea of a wedding dressmaker who hates weddings popped into my mind and I went with it. 

Do you start with the character or plot first? 

I start with characters first and think of what kind of story these two people would have together. 

What is your method to outlining? 

I don’t really outline. The story evolves for me as I write it. My characters tell me what story they want to tell. 

The Process: What is your writing routine? 

I don’t really have a routine. I write in fits and spurts. I might write for seven hours one day and then not touch my draft for a week or more. It’s all about when inspiration strikes. It’s my ADHD in action. 

What tech do you like to use? How do you set your environment up for writing? 

I use Google Docs or a word document. I like Google Docs because if I get inspired on the subway, I can open the draft and type a few lines on my phone. I make sure I have a cup of coffee and a seltzer near me because when I start writing, I enter a flow state and forget about my bodily needs. If I have water and snacks in reach, I don’t have to take a break to get sustenance. 

Did you pull inspiration for your book from any real life experiences? 

Yes! This book was heavily influenced by my own experience planning a wedding and my life as a Jew. 

Write what you know – what does that mean to you? 

I write the stories I would like to have read when I was younger. For this book in particular, I wanted to celebrate my identities as a Lesbian and a Jewish woman. I wanted to show how these identities are not mutually exclusive and to show what it’s like to be a modern Jewish woman who is deeply connected to her culture. 

What do you think your readers will take from your writing? 

I hope readers take away that it’s never too late to live as your true self and to explore your desires, even if you are the ancient age of 30. 

What motivates you to keep writing? 

Writing is how I express myself and interpret the world. I have been writing for myself for years before I ever got a book deal, and if I had never gotten one, I would have kept writing for myself for my whole life. 

Post writing: Why did you decided to go this way in publishing vs another? 

Before I got a book deal with Bold Strokes Books, I had tried to go the agenting route with two previous novels. That world moves glacially slowly– I’d send a query and might not hear back from an agent for six months. Frankly, I got impatient. Also, I loved that BSB publishes exclusively works by and about queer authors from across the spectrum and will continue to do so if and when mainstream publishing drifts away from doing so. 

What has been community (or online community) involvement in publishing and promoting? 

Sapphic bookstagram and reviewers as well as fellow indie and small press authors have been huge in helping me grow my audience. Also, there are so many wonderful indie romance bookstores that have welcomed me and my work.  

What comes next for you? 

My third book It’s Never Going to Happen, a haters to lovers romance set in the same universe as It’s Kind of a Bad Idea comes out May 2026! Follow me for more info on that title soon. 

About your writing life: 

How many book have you written, including those that weren’t published (or haven’t been yet)? 

I have written five books in total. Two unpublished, two published and one under contract. 

Why do you write? 

Simply because I love it. My soul is made of words. I’d keep writing even if I never got published. 

When did you realize you wanted to become an author? 

When I was in second grade, the same year I learned to read. My mother is also an author and she has been a huge inspiration and role model for me. 

What is the secret to being an author? 

Just write and keep writing! Take inspiration from the world around you. Oh, and read as much as you can and as widely as you can. 

What is the hardest part about being an author? 

Getting your writing published is about perseverance. There is so much rejection– from agents and publishers and bad reviews. But all it takes is one yes. 

What would you tell a brand new writer? 

You are a writer even if you only write 500 words a month. If you write, you are a writer. Also, write for yourself. Don’t let other’s success discourage you. Everyone is on their own timeline and there is no race to publication. 

How do you tackle diversity and inclusion in your work? 

I try to make my book worlds as realistic as possible and the real world is full of different people who live in different ways. 

Are books still relevant in the modern world? 

Absolutely! We learn so much from reading– it’s the best way to gain empathy. 

What is your favorite quote from another author? 

“Your book has a birthday. You don’t know what it is yet.”– Cheryl Strayed

What authors or books have inspired your writing journey? 

Melissa Brayden, Georgia Beers, Casey Mcquiston, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry all inspire my writing. 

What book made you fall in love with reading? 

The Chronicles of Narnia and Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine inspired me when I was first learning. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen got me hooked on romance. 

What are you reading at the moment? 

I’m working my way through The Saint of Steel series by T. Kingfisher right now. 

If you could have coffee with any author dead or alive who would it be? 

I’m going to be a cliché and say Jane Austen. 

What’s something you’ve learned from researching for this book? 

I learned a lot about fabric and dress styles. I never knew what a portrait neckline was before. 

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve had to Google for a book? 

A lobsterman’s winter schedule. 

If you could spend a month writing anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

The Cotswolds in the English Countryside or a little cabin in Midcoast Maine. 

Something you really want to write about is? 

I’m really hoping to dip my toes into fantasy soon. Particularly a cozy sapphic witch romance. It’s a lot harder to think of a magic system than to write about real life. 

Reality vs fiction – is art really crazier than life? 

No way, I know some crazy things that have happened to real people that I could never invent. 

Cats or dogs?  Dogs 

Coffee or tea? coffee

Physical book or e-book? Physical books 

Huge thank you to Sarah G. Levine for doing this interview! If you want to see more you can find her on Instagram @SGL920 , and check out her book coming out soon It’s Kind of a Bad Idea on Bookshop.org

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