A Childhood of Change

Emily's upbringing included frequent moves that shaped her perspective. "I was born in Washington state and lived in Idaho for the first seven years of my life," she explained. "Then we moved to Boulder, Colorado, where I spent most of my elementary years. From there, I lived in the mountains outside of Boulder, then Denver, and finally, when I was 16, I moved to San Francisco."

Family circumstances spurred her relocation to the Bay Area. "My aunt had been living in San Francisco for a long time. My parents were having difficulties, and I was attending a school I wasn’t excited about. My aunt offered to take me in, and I jumped at the chance." Emily moved in with her aunt in the San Francisco neighborhood of Noe Valley and enrolled in Sacred Heart Cathedral during her junior year, a decision that would shape her future.

Memories of Sacred Heart Cathedral 

Emily fondly recalled her experiences at SHC. "I was in the choir, and during my junior year, our choir took a trip to Italy. That was definitely one of the most memorable moments," she said. She also highlighted the impact of her teachers, particularly Dr. Ken Hogarty '66, who was both her English and De Paul Scholars (a vibrant four-year academic and enrichment scholar program informed by the charisms of St. John Baptist de La Salle and St. Vincent de Paul) teacher. "He was incredibly supportive, especially for someone like me who had moved a lot. He was there for me as a writer and as a person." Emily also mentioned her AP history teacher, Mr. Richard Sansoe '71, who had a lasting influence on her as well.

Lessons Learned at SHC

One of the most important lessons Emily took away from SHC was the importance of self-acceptance. "SHC was the first place where I really felt like I belonged," she said. "It taught me to feel comfortable in my own skin, something I’ve carried with me into adulthood." Despite feeling like a "self-proclaimed nerdy kid," Emily thrived at SHC, where she found a sense of community and learned to embrace her individuality.

Advice for Current SHC Students

Emily had valuable advice for students at SHC embarking on their professional journeys, especially for those pursuing creative careers. "Whatever path you choose, it will likely require persistence and a lot of hard work," she said.. She encouraged students to keep pushing forward despite setbacks, stressing the importance of community. "Don’t just focus on career goals," she advised. "Foster relationships with people who support you. Having a strong network of family and friends will help you get through the tough times."

The Joys of Writing

When asked what she enjoys most about writing, Emily didn't hesitate. "It’s the creation process. Going from a blank page to building an entire universe with characters and stories—it’s magical." Her passion for writing was evident in her words, as she reflected on the thrill of crafting worlds and watching them come to life.

While Emily has always loved writing, she credits much of her success to the encouragement of those around her. "It wasn’t so much about inspiration, but more about being encouraged to pursue it seriously," she explained. "I had written a lot of poetry and songs before, but it was when I had four books under my belt that my husband told me, ‘You need to get serious about finding an agent.’" Taking his advice, Emily began sending query letters to agents, and after much persistence, she found success.

Her greatest achievement as a writer? "Having my past two books, On Earth as It Is on Television and Here Beside the Rising Tide hit the USA Today Best Seller list was a huge surprise," she said. "But I think my biggest achievement is just keeping at it, even after all the rejections. The process is much harder than people think."

Emily’s path to success has been filled with obstacles, most notably rejection. "Rejection is tough, but it’s part of the process," she shared. "I was lucky to find a great agent, but we tried to sell my first few books, and nothing worked. It took four years and four books before we finally got a break." Emily’s perseverance paid off when On Earth as It Is on Television was accepted for publication.

Reflecting on the challenges, she said, "Rejection sucks, but you can’t let it define you. It’s all about persistence. I had an amazing support system—my agent and my husband—who kept pushing me to keep going."

Inspiration Behind American Werewolves

Emily’s upcoming book, American Werewolves, was born out of an unexpected idea. "My husband suggested I write a book about werewolves. At first, I laughed, but then I thought, why not?" Emily mused. "I imagined werewolves as venture capitalists—of course, they would be!" Emily went on to say that American Werewolves is a thrilling journey filled with energy. Giving us a synopsis stating that it takes readers from the New World to the fancy boardrooms and golf courses of the 21st century, where preying on the vulnerable for werewolves is a time-honored American tradition dating back to America’s very origins. 

Looking Ahead

As Emily’s writing career continues, she’s excited for what’s to come. "After American Werewolves, I have another book coming out in 2026, and I’m already working on more projects." Her next book, Mr. Yay, is set to be released in June 2026. "It’s about a children’s TV star, his boat full of animals and a family drama that intertwines with a rapper and his psychic."

Emily’s journey as a writer is a testament to the power of persistence, passion and the importance of community. She has proven that with dedication and support, success is possible. Her story encourages aspiring writers to keep going—no matter the obstacles—and to find joy in the process of creating. If you would like to check out any of Emily’s books, click here.