What inspired 364 First Dates, and did you actually go on 364 dates?
The idea was born on a date… ironically enough. After a string of online dating disasters, I found myself across the table from a guy who, once he realized I was a writer, accused me of using him for research. It was such a bizarre (and hilarious) accusation that it stuck with me. What if someone actually did turn their dating life into research? That spark turned into a book concept that hit just right… or maybe I should say, hit just write. And no, I didn’t literally go on 364 dates, but I did enough “fieldwork” to know what makes a story sparkle and what makes you want to hide under the table.

Out of all the dates in the book, which one was the most fun to write—and which one made you cringe?
Fun: Definitely the “Two Juans” mix-up… because nothing says peak romcom like accidentally double-booking two guys with the same name. It was chaos on the page, but the kind of chaos you can’t stop laughing while writing.
Cringe: “Star Wars Baby Daddy.” Imagine a lightsaber collection, a custody conversation on Date One, and a man who thought quoting Yoda was flirting. May the cringe be with you.

What kind of reader needs this book in their life right now?
Anyone who’s swiped left so many times their thumb cramps. And anyone who wants to laugh while remembering that love stories can still surprise us… even the messy ones.

If you had to describe 364 First Dates in three emojis, which would you pick?

Dating disasters make great stories—what’s the funniest “red flag” you’ve ever seen or experienced?
A guy once told me his deal breaker was women who liked The Beatles.  Honestly, I didn’t know whether to run or start singing “Help!”

Writing Life & Background

You’ve been a journalist, podcaster, and now a romcom author. How do you juggle all those creative hats?
I’ve been a journalist since I was 22, writing about everything from industry trends to travel. I also write about podcasting—and there’s one on the way, inspired by 364 First Dates. Journalism gave me discipline, music gave me rhythm, and writing gave me a voice… all of it combined just works for me. I’m not someone who enjoys a lot of downtime, I like to stay moving and involved. Along with writing, I also host a Christian karaoke show. I’ve had big aspirations since I was a kid, and I never understood why I had to limit myself to just one or two of them… so I didn’t.

Did your background in music journalism inspire any specific moments in the book?, , 
Absolutely. Emma analyzes guys’ playlists like she’s filing copy for Rolling Stone. She's the kind of critic who listens with her heart first, she’d rather talk to a brilliant unknown than a platinum seller.

Was it tricky balancing the humor with the emotional growth in your main character’s journey?
Definitely. It’s easy to crack jokes, but harder to show someone rebuilding herself after heartbreak. Humor was my way in… but Emma’s emotional growth is what makes the laughs matter.

What surprised you most about the process of writing your debut novel?
That my main character had more to teach me than I expected. The podcast wasn't even in the original outline, but it grew legs and before I knew it, we had a full set with new characters and an entire fictional world. I treat it as such, it's their (the characters) world they just let me in to narrate. 

Upcoming Work

You also have a new novel on deck, Duet @ Gate 68. Can you tell us about it?
It’s about two singers who’ve been duetting together on a karaoke app for a decade… always epic power ballads, never a single message exchanged. They don’t know each other’s names or even where in the world the other lives. Then one day, fate literally puts them at the same airport gate, Gate 68 and the duet finally moves off-screen.

How will Duet @ Gate 68 differ from 364 First Dates—are we in for more swoony chaos or a different vibe?
It’s less chaotic and more swoony. 364 is about reinvention and survival… Duet is about serendipity, music, and the ways connection can sneak up on you.

Do you see yourself sticking with romcoms, or are you tempted to branch into other genres?
Romcoms are home base—I love the mix of humor and heart. But I can’t deny there’s a thriller or two lingering in the back of my brain, waiting for their turn.

What’s one romcom trope you haven’t written yet but would love to play with?
A romance tangled up with a mystery… two people drawn together by a shared secret or a puzzle they have to solve. The sparks fly even as the clues unfold.

Looking five years ahead, what’s your dream for your writing career?
My dream is to keep God first in everything I write… to tell stories that entertain but also encourage, bringing light and hope into people’s lives. If along the way I fill a shelf with Wild Bill & Co. romcoms, connect deeply with readers, and maybe even see one of my books turned into a film… that would be the sweetest blessing.

Fun & Quick

Coffee date or cocktail date?
Coffee date. I love seeing how people start their day… it tells you so much more than midnight ever could.

Worst first-date activity?
Escape rooms. Nobody wants to see someone’s control issues before the appetizers.

Dream celebrity casting for the 364 First Dates movie?
Emma: Drew Barrymore (America’s romcom sweetheart, forever).
Paul: Paul Rudd (yes, the character is named Paul… it’s destiny).

Karaoke go-to song? 
“I Will Survive.” And everyone has to sing along.

If there were a sequel called The 365th Date, what would it be about?
 It would lead directly into a story I’ve toyed with called The First Second Date. Because sometimes the second date after 364 is the real happily-ever-after… and that might just be where Emma’s next adventure begins.