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Hi there, I’m Zoey!

I’m a 15-year-old debut novelist from Northern California. My first novel, “Why They Run,” explores how young people navigate a world full of expectations to ultimately find their own path. I fell in love with storytelling back in grade school, inspired by my passion for reading and my habit of creating vivid worlds and characters. I weave my real emotions and personal experiences into every story I write. My journey as a writer had an early test when I lost nearly 100 pages of my manuscript! That experience was tough, but it actually ended up rekindling my commitment to write the kinds of stories I’d want to read myself.

A lot of my writing is drawn from my own fears of comparison and not measuring up. Feelings I know are super familiar to anyone with siblings or peers. Being the youngest triplet & with two older sisters already in college, I’ve had to work to find my own identity. I learned that simply being myself brings the approval and love I value most. My main characters face similar battles: challenging family expectations and searching for their own purpose, and I hope their struggles resonate with other young people finding their way.

Outside of writing, I spend my time playing Varsity tennis and keeping up with schoolwork. I find balance through art, reading, friendships, and music, especially the songs of Sufjan Stevens. I truly believe that stories, songs, and kind people can ground you when you’re feeling stressed or lonely, offering a needed escape and fresh perspective.

My advice to my readers is simple: “It’s not fun to be normal. Don’t piece together fake personas for others. Be the person you already are. You are the only one who will ever live your life, so have fun being yourself.”

I write with the hope of one day signing books at Barnes & Noble and existing alongside the writers who have altered my own life. I want my work to inspire others to live boldly and embrace their singular path.