Who were the authors that influenced you as a youth, and in what ways?

Growing up, I had a huge addiction to The BabySitters Club books by Ann Martin. I can strongly say this series had a profound impact on me as both a writer and person. I loved having the intimate insight into ‘how to be a good girl’ that I feel these books gifted to me. How to advocate and speak my mind, how to be generous, how to take care of people smaller and with less power, these were some lessons I first was introduced to by this series and I am deeply grateful. I also must give thanks to my favorite fantasy book, Dune by Frank Herbert. This book is high fantasy, completely alternate reality to Earth, with space travel and warring royal families and I will never forget how deeply it absorbed my imagination and fascination. I loved reading Dune when I was thirteen and having it widen my scope of what authors could do and create.

How did it feel when you got to hold your very first advanced copy of your book?

It was very surreal, finally touching the book I had been manifesting, working on, and fighting for internally and externally for years and years! I’m mostly and optimist, but sometimes I struggle with my powerful inner critic, and to be honest, since I accepted the path that my dream was to publish a book, I also had to accept the option that it all might not work out. I had been carrying that fear throughout each step of the process, from writing and editing to querying and seeking a publisher…and once I found my publishers, I was sure that every step in that process could lead to my book being dropped or cancelled. But things kept working out! And when I received a big box and opened it to find my novel staring back at me, it was wild. Internally, my inner critic was shot down. I had made it happen! This is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life, no matter the reception (which has been so great so far, so icing on the cake!) I am proud that I persevered in this challenge, despite my fears and doubt.

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

If I had a superpower, I would love to travel through time, backwards or forwards, in my own life. One of my favorite books is ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ (the movie DOES NOT compare) and I was utterly fascinated with the concept of a life that is lived and experienced in the nonlinear. I have also seen this concept with the film ‘About Time’ (which was fantastically executed) and again, it made me wonder about what I could learn and expand upon about myself and how to live my life well, if I had the ability to see certain experiences played out first, or rewind for understanding of how problems originated…in many ways, this superpower is about being able to be my best self and having a personal cheat code to finding my path and following it.

Where is your favorite travel destination?

This is hard, because I love traveling and have so many destinations that have nurtured and encouraged my heart, but look, if I’m being honest…I absolutely adore visiting Las Vegas! I understand it’s not for everyone, but this place brings out the sparkling shiny extrovert in me. Everyone is bubbling to make memories and connections, it’s like the first week of Freshman Year in college, but so much better! I feel so much excitement there and love that nearly everyone is visiting with the intention of celebrating something. Vegas has been the setting for some of the most epic experiences of my life (outside of Black Rock City aka Burning Man) and I feel like I’m on an awesome party planet when I’m there. I’m sad I can’t pinpoint exactly when I’ll be back again (thanks, corona), but my childhood best friend, Erica, and I try to go together each year. I can definitely see me writing something in the future where Vegas is the setting and a strong influence on the characters and events. It’s definitely inspired me greatly.

When you’re not writing, what are your favorite hobbies?

Being creative with wardrobe styling is something I have enjoyed since childhood. I love thrifting and upcycling clothing, the discovery and creative transformation invigorates me, just like how I love crafting and writing stories. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to support my ambition to publish a novel through working in fashion (check out Freshman Year on Netflix, I was the lead stylist for that film!) And while I’m challenged by the pandemic in continuing to finance my life through working as a stylist, I know I love creating looks and reflecting personality with clothing, for myself and for others.

Where can people find you online?

I am on all the things and want to be in contact with you!
My website: www.yodawill.com is the hub for all things Yodassa – I have links to my writing on Medium and The Debutante Ball, to my storytelling podcast, and past writing about Burning Man, as well as my Goodreads page.
I am on social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and even Tik Tok (@yodassa).
Feel free to connect with me on any of the above channels!