Penny Wei

What was your favorite book as a child?

Warriors! I loved reading about cats — their conflicts, romance, traditions and so much more.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I have always been a sensitive person with almost too many thoughts and observations. I feel like people would eventually get tired of me telling them everything, so I resorted to introspective documentation executed in the form of words. To write creatively is so much freedom.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

When I went white-water rafting in suburban Massachusetts I jumped into a river and could barely get back in the raft because it was too cold and slippery. But I don’t regret it!

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

When I write about sad or emotional stories I often play sad music just to get me in the mood. Upon finishing a piece, I would usually feel a little melancholic myself.