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Tell your readers a
little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to
school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I’m
originally from Munster which is a small town in north west Indiana about 40
minutes from Chicago. I was a good student and I have always been close with my
dad. The relationship with my mother was difficult. I’m still working on some
lingering issues from her. There were a lot of contradictions.
My father is a first generation American. He moved to Indiana when he was 3
from Monterrey Mexico. My grandparents did not speak English. My mom grew up
with a single mother, her father had left when she was a toddler. Her mother
worked as a maid.
I was the first person in my family to graduate from college. I attended Purdue
university. It has been a confusing road. My parents brag about me behind my
back. To me, they accuse me of thinking that I’m better than them.
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What inspired you to author this book?
This book has been on my mind ever since I joined the department
of state 11 years ago. There have been so many amazing moments since becoming a
diplomat that I wanted to capture them. I was re-examining my life earlier this
year and had to really think about what makes me happy. I went through some
trauma growing up and I often felt completely alone. My mission is to bring
some comfort to young women who are alone. I also hope that other survivors of
trauma can relate and know they are not alone. I want the conversations to
start and not be hidden away.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
The cover shows a cherry blossom tree this is a great but not
literal representation for Washington DC. It’s pretty and there’s a wind of
change. I’m walking towards it but also looking back to see how far I have
come.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally
and as a writer?
Ann Patchett describes her characters in such an emotional way
that you really care about them. Also, I like the comedy that Alexandra Fuller
brings to her story and characters. It’s as if you know her family.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get
this book written?
There were two chapters that were incredibly difficult because I
had to think about events that I had blocked from my mind. I felt like I was
re-traumatizing myself. Even when I recorded the audiobook it was a struggle. I
could not hide the emotion. It’s still there and it is not going away. I have
been assured by the many women who have reached out to me to say they
experienced something similar. There is a certain comfort in being validated.
Tell your readers about your book.
It’s my memoir. I address my childhood and trauma. The title
crickets comes from the idea when life is so quiet all you hear is the crickets
outside. It’s a euphemism for loneliness.
Despite having no support from my family, I reached my goal of becoming a
diplomat. I had to block out the chatter and concentrate on my goals.
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Who is your target audience, and why?
Young women who are trying to figure out their life can be a
very confusing and overwhelming time. I hope to provide some inspiration to
become independent and follow what you desire.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
Becoming a foreign service officer with the department of state
has been the highlight of my life. It’s as if a renaissance began the moment I
first came to dc.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your
genre?
My fellow colleagues at the department of state tend to write
about politics and history. My book is about people, not politics. I want
others to understand the personal part of diplomacy. It’s an incredible life
but i has challenges. I want the reader to be on the journey with me.
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