Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Glenview. Then, my family and I moved to Deerfield. I went to Deerfield High School. I went to Purdue University for 2 1/2 years and then I transferred to University of Illinois.
I find it interesting that you fell in love with reading as an adult.
I liked the social aspect of high school! I was definitely not into reading. When I was in grade school in the 80’s, there wasn’t independent reading. I wasn’t able to read what I wanted. Now, there is independent reading in schools. Students can read the books that they like.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I was with my daughter at the library one day, and I picked up a book. It was an Oprah Winfrey book club book. I was so into it, and I realized I liked to read. I realized that I liked reading because it wasn’t assigned and it wasn’t forced on me.
How did you get published?
I didn’t know anyone in the industry. Nobody helped me — I clawed my way from the bottom to the top! I realized I loved romance novels. They were easy to read and they always had a happy ending. Life can be crappy, so I realized I didn’t like to read depressing books. I thought to myself that I wanted to make someone laugh and cry. Words are so powerful! I thought that I could write my own book. I didn’t have any experience in writing!
I love your Perfect Chemistry series. They are amazing! How did you get the inspiration for the books? Are they based on Highland Park High School?
Yes! They were based on Highland Park High School! As for the inspiration of the books, my friend Eduardo came to my house one time, and I felt like he wasn’t super proud to be Mexican American. I got the idea to write a series of books about boys who were so proud to be Mexican American! I want everyone to love their culture. Wear it proudly!
Did you do a lot of research for the books?
I did! I went to juvie and talked with the boys there. I got a look into their lives.
I have to bring up the actors in your book trailer because they are all super hot! I’m sure you get that all the time. What was it like filming the book trailer with them? Was it filmed in Chicago?
The Perfect Chemistry book trailer was a rap video. For the Rules of Attraction book trailer, we held auditions. Every actor that auditioned for Alex, I kept saying that they weren’t good enough. I talked to the producer, and I told him I needed the hottest Mexican actor in Hollywood! I told my producer that I wanted the actor from Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold” music video– actor Alexander Amato. I messaged Alexander on social media and I asked him if he would be interested. And, he said he would do it! My dad always said, if you don’t ask, you won’t know!
Actor Giancarlo Vidrio auditioned for Carlos, and I thought he was perfect.
As for Luis’ character, I messaged actor Gabriel Chavarria on social media. For the Rules of Attraction trailer, we filmed in LA. But, for the last trailer, Chain Reaction, we filmed it in Chicago.
Are any of your books going to be turned into movies?
Right now, there isn’t any plans. A production company did have the rights to Perfect Chemistry, but, right before they were about to pitch the story, they had changed so much of the premise. I didn’t recognize Alex and Brittany. I knew my fans wouldn’t tolerate it! I asked for the rights back. Right now, I’m working on a script for Perfect Chemistry!
What actors would you want to cast if you had your pick for the Fuentes brothers?
I have no idea! All of the boys that were in the book trailer are all older now. The characters are supposed to be teenagers.
Personally, I think every teeny bopper would fall in love with the Fuentes brothers!
I agree! That’s why I’m trying to make it happen.
Why do you like writing young adult novels?
When you’re a teenager, you’re experiencing everything for the first time. It’s the first time you’re able to drive, the first time you have sex, the first time you have a boyfriend. Also, you’re learning about ‘who am I’ outside of your parents. You are testing who you are as a teenager. As an adult, you can become jaded! But as a teenager, the [world is fresh.] Teenagers are adventurous.
What have you been doing during quarantine?
I’m pretty much a homebody. I’m going to the dog park with my dog. I’m writing, and I’m writing the movie script. I’m trying to perfect it. I always read my script over again to see if it’s perfect, but it’s never perfect!
Alexander Amato, Giancarlo Vidrio and Gabriel Chavarria
Can you give us any hints about your next novel?
One hint I will give is that I was a teen in the 80’s. People today are obsessed with the 80’s!
What advice would you give to writers who want to get published?
Turn off your phone and start writing! I think it’s so hard turning off our phones and the internet– even I have trouble with it! It’s so easy to read about what Angelina Jolie and Selena Gomez are doing. We’re wasting our lives on social media. Someone once said that when you’re on your death bed, nobody says, “I wish I would’ve watched more TV or watched more TikTok.” You’re going to say, “I wish I took that trip. I wish I wrote that novel.”
What’s an interesting fact about you?
Last year, I took classes at Second City. I would love to do stand up. A lot of ridiculous things happen to me that I write down!
Simone’s Chicago Favorites:
Favorite Sports Team: The Bears
Favorite Pizza: Uno Pizzeria and Grill
Favorite Dessert: The Cheesecake Factory
Favorite Date Spot: Ravinia Festival in Highland Park
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