Shonna Slayton finds inspiration in reading vintage diaries written by teens who, despite using different slang, sound a lot like teenagers today. While writing Cinderella’s Dress she reflected on her days as a high-school senior in British Columbia when she convinced her supervisors at a sportswear store to let her design a few windows—it was glorious fun while it lasted.

When not writing, Shonna enjoys amaretto lattes and spending time with her husband and children in Arizona.