SATA
ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Everything I Have Promised You
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://katyupperman.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born c. 1981; married (husband in the military); children: two daughters.
EDUCATION:Graduated from Washington State University (elementary education).
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and educator. Worked as an elementary-school teacher.
AVOCATIONS:Baking, wandering.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, January, 2025, Sarah Bean Thompson, review of Everything I Promised You, p. 58.
School Library Journal, June 1, 2017, Kefira Phillipe, review of Kissing Max Holden, p. 114; January, 2025, Charla Hollingsworth, review of Everything I Promised You, p. 66.
Voice of Youth Advocates, June, 2018, Kristy Rademacher, review of The Impossibility of Us, p. 66.
ONLINE
Barnes & Noble website, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (February 14, 2025), “A Heart Book: A Guest Post by Katy Upperman.”
Buried in a Bookshelf, https://buriedinabookshelf.com/ (July 23, 2018), “Interview with Katy Upperman, author of ‘The Impossibility of Us’!”
CanvasRebel, https://canvasrebel.com/ (March 5, 2025), “Meet Katy Upperman.”
Drizzle & Hurricane Books, https://drizzleandhurricanebooks.com/ (July 25, 2019), “A Talk With: Katy Upperman, on How the Light Gets In.”
Katy Upperman website, https://katyupperman.com (May 27, 2025).
Lisa Loves Literature, https://misclisa.blogspot.com/ (August 3, 2017), “Blog Tour with Author Interview and Giveaway: Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman.”
Katy Upperman is a military spouse and mama to two sweet girls, as well as two spoiled kitties and the cutest German Wirehaired Pointer around. Katy is an author, reader, baker, and wanderer. She writes novels for teens and teens at heart. She’s a Washington State University alum (go Cougs!), an OG Swiftie, and a pedicure enthusiast. She loves the ocean, Instagram, Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride, Jelly Bellies, houseplants, and true crime documentaries.
9 PointandPoem_doodlesset1-31 PointandPoem_doodlesset1-33 015
Katy’s debut novel, Kissing Max Holden, was published August, 2017, and her sophomore effort, The Impossibility of Us, released July, 2018. Her third novel, How the Light Gets In, was published August, 2019. Her latest, Everything I Promised You, was published January, 2025 by Sourcebooks Fire, and she’s got another novel for teens coming Winter, 2026, also with Sourcebooks Fire. Katy is represented by Pam Gruber of the High Line Literary Collective, who can be contacted with professional inquiries.
Katy can be reached via email at katy.upperman@gmail.com.
FAQ
You know, in case you were wondering…
6How did you get a literary agent?
I’ve actually been represented by a few literary agents over the many years I’ve been at this writing thing. The first two, I queried — the slush pile works. I connected with my current agent, Pam Gruber, through a referral.
How do you write a query letter?
Query letters are not my strength, but I can point you toward a few resources: YA Highway, author Susan Dennard, Writer’s Digest, publishing guru Jane Friedman, Query Shark, and author Nathan Bransford.
Are your books available to buy/borrow?
My first three published books are in stores and libraries now! There are links to online retailers on my Books page. You can learn more about Jilly and Max from Kissing Max Holden by checking out its Pinterest board HERE. If you want to know more about Elise and Mati from The Impossibility of Us, you can visit its Pinterest board HERE. If you want to meet Callie and Chloe and Tucker from How the Light Gets In, you can visit the book’s Pinterest board HERE. And, get to know Lia, Beck, and Isaiah from Everything I Promised You via its Pinterest Board HERE.
Is Everything I Promised You a sequel to How the Light Gets In? Is How the Light Gets In a sequel to The Impossibility of Us? Is The Impossibility of Us a sequel to Kissing Max Holden?
No and no and no. All of my books thus far are stand-alone novels. Cookies and kisses factor heavily into all my stories, though.
Will you write/publish more books?1
Yes! Stay tuned! 🙂
Why do you write for young adults?
I’ve never attempted to write anything but young adult fiction. I’m fascinated by the teenage experience, and perhaps more significantly, I adore romance. Stories for young adults are perfect for exploring the many complicated feelings that come with first love. That said, though, someday I’d like to write an adult romance, as well as a clever and charming picture book.
What are you working on now?
A slew of WiPs in various stages…
What are your favorite YA books?
There are so many I love! If I have to pick a few… How to Love by Katie Cotugno, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry, The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, Stolen by Lucy Christopher, the To All the Boys trilogy by Jenny Han, and the Graceling Realm Trilogy by Kristin Cashore. There are many more listed on my Goodreads “Favorites” shelf.
Why do you move so often?
Haha… My husband’s job. We stay in any one place for as briefly as eight months, or for as long as five years. So far, we’ve lived in Washington, Arizona, Tennessee, Arizona (again), Washington (again), California, Florida, Virginia, and California (again). This life is an adventure!
Have you written any articles/blog posts about your experiences as a foster parent?
I had the privilege of defining motherhood in 100 words for the Washington Post. Find my entry, and others, HERE. Additionally, I shared a bit about my daughter’s adoption day in this photo’s Instagram caption. I’d love to write more about my experiences as a foster mama, though I’ve yet to figure out a way to cover this raw, personal topic while simultaneously respecting my daughter’s privacy and right to divulge the details of her life in her own time and manner. So… maybe I’ll share more one day? Regardless, if you’re considering foster parenting and are interested in my perspective, I’m happy to chat. Feel free to email me.
Is your dog, Molly, a Goldendoodle?
Noooooo! She’s a German Wirehaired Pointer, a fairly uncommon breed in the US, and she is actually the most perfect dog to ever exist. And yes, she’s a she; her beard sometimes throws people off. ☺️
10Will you provide feedback on my query/synopsis/manuscript?
I’d love to, but unfortunately my time is limited. I already have a group of savvy critique partners who I trade work with, and my relationships with them are invaluable. I highly recommend finding a similar writing group. Try: Maggie Stiefvater’s Critique Partner Love Connection, How About We CP, Susan Dennard’s CP/Buddy Match-Up, You’re the One That I Want: 2016 Critique Partner Matchmaking, or any number of online writing forums.
Will you provide a blurb for my soon-to-be-published book?
Maybe! Time is an obvious factor, and I only choose to blurb books I genuinely love, but you can certainly email me or my agent to inquire.
Will you do an interview for my blog/visit my school/speak on a panel/participate in the event I’m organizing/Skype with my book club/etc?
Thank you for thinking of me! I’m open to all publicity opportunities, bearing in mind availability. Please email me so we can discuss your proposal.
4Where else can I find you online?
Here I am on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr (which I never use anymore but is still pretty to look at). My Goodreads author page is HERE. You can mark Kissing Max Holden “To Read” HERE, The Impossibility of Us “To Read” HERE, How the Light Gets In “To Read” HERE, and Everything I Promised You “To Read” HERE.
Do you have a question?
Email me at katy.upperman@gmail.com, and I’ll do my best to answer. 😘
B&N Reads, Guest Post, Romance, Teens, We Recommend, YA, YA New Releases
A Heart Book: A Guest Post by Katy Upperman
By Katy Upperman / February 14, 2025 at 1:37 am
Share
Share this page on Facebook
Our latest Monthly Pick is a guaranteed tearjerker centered on a girl grappling with heartbreak and new love. Read on for an exclusive essay from author Katy Upperman on writing Everything I Promised You.
Everything I Promised You (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Paperback $10.99 $13.99
Everything I Promised You (B&N Exclusive Edition)
By Katy Upperman
In Stock Online
ADD TO CART
An emotionally raw and romantic portrait of grief, growth, and acceptance, perfect for fans of Laura Nowlin’s If He Had Been with Me.
I wrote the first words of Everything I Promised You while living in Monterey, California, sitting outside my daughter’s gymnastic class during the spring of 2021. I wasn’t permitted to go through the gate of the outdoor gym to watch the class, as social distancing was at its peak. So was my frustration.
Couldn’t life just go back to normal already?
Of course it couldn’t—and didn’t—for quite some time. There were few things I could control in the midst of a global pandemic, and even though it had been months since I’d felt the urge, writing was one of them. So, cozy in my car, I typed out a scene I’d been thinking about for a few weeks. It was a romantic vignette, cute and without any real meat—just vibes. It was only supposed to be a creative muscle stretch. I hadn’t plotted a story arc or outlined characters or researched settings. I was hardly in the headspace to draft a whole book.
Yet, completing that scene left me feeling more optimistic than I had in a year. Energy surged. Endorphins were up. Possibilities seemed endless.
I felt… happy?!
That throwaway scene took on a life of its own. I grew curious about the characters I’d created and began to dream up their backstories. I thought about themes: love, loss, beginning again, finding one’s place in the world—everything I adore about crafting stories in the young adult space. I started to observe my surroundings the way I did pre-pandemic, looking for inspiration in the people I passed, the conversations I had, and the scenery I was lucky to live amidst. I rediscovered the magic of my world and, at the same time, reclaimed my love of storytelling.
I found fellow writers in Monterey. We created a little community, assembling with our laptops at outdoor cafes, downtown parks, and on the Big Sur coastline. We talked about our projects and offered advice and commiseration. We shared in each other’s celebrations. All the while, the scene I’d drafted in my car grew forward and backward, until it landed right in the middle of a completed first draft.
Everything I Promised You is a fusion of so many things I’m passionate about: military families, the child welfare system, fate, creativity, resiliency, friendship, ice cream, teen television, and Pointers, just to name a few. Not only was writing this story the perfect escape, it’s become what’s known in the writing world as a “heart book,” a book that feels extraordinarily personal and extra special. As you read Everything I Promised You, I hope you’ll root for its protagonist, Lia, as she faces challenges both big and small, and celebrate with her as she finds peace, love, and herself.
I hope Everything I Promised You will find a special place in your heart.
Meet Katy Upperman
Avatar photo
Stories & Insights
March 5, 2025
Share This Article
We recently connected with Katy Upperman and have shared our conversation below.
Katy, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I learned to write by reading.
Because I came to writing a little later in life (my first book was published when I was 36) I was never formally educated in the craft. In college, I majored in Elementary Education (no regrets — I loved my years as a teacher!) and while I’ve considered applying to MFA programs, life keeps getting in the way.
But I am and always have been an insatiable reader.
Decades spent absorbing the words of others through physical books and audiobooks has taught me so much about writing fiction. Stories have a way of seeping into us, whether we’re reading for entertainment, or actively studying a book. As readers, we internalize authors’ rhythms and word choices. We get a feel for pacing — anyone can distinguish a page-turner from a book that drags. We discern whether a story’s stakes are high, whether characters are layered, and whether settings are rich, a lot of times without even realizing we’re doing it. When I thought I might try my hand at writing professionally, I really started to pay attention to the bones of the books I was reading. Even still, I analyze authors’ choices. When I have a strong reaction to a well-crafted character or an expertly plotted story, I examine what’s working — the hows and the whys. I truly believe that reading widely and thoughtfully is the best (and most fun!) way to become a stronger writer.
The skills I think are most essential to a career in writing are curiosity, empathy, and determination. I write about topics I want to learn more about. I write to feel, and to invoke emotion in others. And I keep writing, even when creativity is hard to come by, even when I experience rejection, and even when the world around me feels like chaos.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As well as being a military spouse and mama to two girls, I am an award winning author writing books for teens and teens at heart — truly the best job ever. My published novels include KISSING MAX HOLDEN, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US, HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN and, most recently, EVERYTHING I PROMISED YOU. The books I write are coming-of-age stories focused on family, friendship, first love, and finding oneself during a period of life that can often feel very tumultuous.
Growing up, I idolized authors like Judy Blume, Ann M. Marin, and Beverly Cleary. I read their books repeatedly, often until the spines split. But I never considered writing as a career option; in my mind, authors were celebrities. Originally a teacher, I came to writing after having my first child and taking leave from the classroom, during one of my husband’s extended deployments. While I loved being a stay-at-home mom, I was a little bored and very much in need of a creative outlet. I was reading more than ever, and I started to wonder… Why shouldn’t I spin stories of my own?
At first writing was just for fun. It kept my mind busy, and gave me something to do during nap times and evenings. Very quickly, though, crafting stories became a passion. Publishing became not just something that other people did, but a goal I wanted to work toward myself. It was scary — sharing a creative pursuit is a vulnerable thing — but my longing to see the stories I wrote on book store shelves outshined my fears. After years of hard work and determination, I landed a literary agent, and eventually a book deal. Now, four books in, I’m so proud of the work I’m putting out in the world. I hope it reaches the readers who will most enjoy it: teens and teens-at-heart looking for stories that are emotionally raw, yet hopeful.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Everyone experienced struggles during the pandemic, but I think for creative folks, the challenges were unique. Inspiration is hard to come by when you’re stuck at home, constantly worried about the health and wellbeing of your loved ones.
Beginning March, 2020, I had a year during which it felt impossible to access my imagination. My daughters, then thirteen and four, were suddenly home full-time. My husband was stationed overseas. I’d recently published my third book (yay!) but had nothing else contracted (boo!). Traditional publishing during the early days of the pandemic was uncertain at best; acquisitions were slow and most book releases seemed to be without the usual fanfare. My role as a mom expanded to fill the gaps COVID created. Teacher, housekeeper, nurse, chef, playmate. There was little time to fill my creative well, much less draw from it.
During the summer of 2020, we moved from Northern Virginia to Monterey, California, one of my very favorite cities. Still, I felt blah. I wanted to write, but I was lacking in strong concepts, and paralyzed by this wild notion that I could only sit down with my laptop when I had the PERFECT story idea. Something on-trend, something that would serve as a breakout, something that would propel my career forward. I became so discouraged and burnt out by the expectations I was putting on myself, I eventually came to the realization that I needed to take a break from writing.
So we got a puppy.
She required walks. So many, many walks.
During those walks through beautiful Monterey, I let my senses take over. I let my mind wander. Over time, I became reacquainted with my imagination. I got… an idea. It wasn’t perfect; it wasn’t even for a story, really. More like a vignette, cute and vibe-y. I hadn’t originally planned to write it — I was taking a break, after all — but it wouldn’t leave me alone. It nagged, and eventually it won.
It was only supposed to be a creative exercise. I hadn’t plotted a story arc. I hadn’t brainstormed my protagonist’s strengths and flaws. I hadn’t built the world in which she’d live. I hadn’t curated a playlist. All of the preparations I usually did before I started a project. Honestly, it didn’t even seem like a “good time” to draft a book. But writing that scene left me more excited about the prospect of creating a story than I’d been in a year.
That throwaway scene motivated me to start observing my surroundings the way I had pre-pandemic. I began to seek inspiration in the people I met, the conversations I enjoyed, and the scenery I was lucky to witness. That little scene grew and grew, until it landed in the middle of a complete first draft. That first draft eventually became EVERYTHING I PROMISED YOU, my most recently released book. I can’t really say whether it’s on-trend, or a breakout, but it’s definitely my “heart” book — a book that feels very personal and extraordinarily special. A once in a lifetime book. I’m so glad I gave myself permission to take that break, and I’m thrilled by its result. (And our puppy? She inspired the dog in EVERYTHING I PROMISED YOU!)
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The act of creating something out of nothing will never get old. To invent a whole world of people, conflicts, and resolutions — to get paid for using my imagination — is such an incredible gift. Though writing is not without its challenges, my job is pure fun 99% of the time. I will never take it for granted!
Reaching readers is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer. There’s nothing better than when teenager shares that they relate to my characters, or ask me to sign their books, or gush about how excited they are to read future books. I love when people tell me that my books made them laugh or — better yet! — cry. It’s awesome, too, knowing that my daughters are watching their mom see a dream to fruition. I hope I’m cementing in them the idea that they, too, can set a goal, then move mountains to achieve it.
Contact Info:
Website: https://katyupperman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyupperman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katyuppermanwriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyUpperman
Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/katyupperman/
A Talk With: Katy Upperman, on How The Light Gets In
July 25, 2019
Hi friends! I’m back today to chat with another young adult author, yay!
In case you missed it, “A Talk With” is a brand new feature here on Drizzle & Hurricane Books, where I will invite young adult book authors to chat with me about their upcoming books, share their writing tips and tricks and more!
I’m thrilled today to welcome the lovely Katy Upperman! I discovered her stories last year with The Impossiblity of Us, a little gem I absolutely adored and, since then, have been making it my mission to read everything by her. Today, I’m excited to talk about her upcoming book, How The Light Gets In. We’re talking about inspiration, sharing recommendations and more!
1. How The Light Gets In is a story that has been in the works for over 9 years and, from what I’ve gathered, a book that is very, very close to your heart. How does it feel, knowing this journey is about to come to an end? Does it feel and do you feel different, compared to your other books’ publication?
How the Light Gets In has been all mine for nearly a decade, but soon it will belong to readers. How thrilling, and also nerve wracking! That’s been my experience with each book so far: I’m both very excited, and very terrified by the idea of letting go. And you’re right — HTLGI is incredibly close to my heart. It’s a book I’ve refused to give up on because I love its characters so much, and because there are so many little pieces of me throughout. I hope readers will be able to find something relatable within its pages, and come to love Callie, Chloe, and Tucker as much as I do.
2. Can you share a fun fact about How The Light Gets In and how it has changed in the course of these 9 years? (Title, characters, settings, maybe…)?
The title has changed; the book’s original title was Where Poppies Bloom, which is a line taken directly from the story. My editor suggested trying to come up with something that gave a bit more of a hint regarding the theme and feel of the book. I brainstormed tons of title options, and How the Light Gets In ended up being my favorite. It’s borrowed from a Leonard Cohen song, and it speaks to Callie’s situation, as well as some of the motifs in the book. Luckily, Swoon Reads agreed that it was perfect!
3. Compared to your other contemporary stories Kissing Max Holden and The Impossibility of Us, How The Light Gets In has some paranormal elements to it. Did you enjoy getting a little more… spooky with your writing? Did you ever think of exploring this more and branching out into other genres with your writing?
The paranormal twist in How the Light Gets In was a big stretch for me, as I’m a contemporary girl through and through. That said, it was really fun to build the story’s world, establish the different “rules” of the haunting, and think about how it would feel to be in Callie’s shoes while she’s experiencing some pretty freaky stuff. As of now, I have no plans to write anything less contemporary than How the Light Gets In, but I’d never say never. 🙂
4. If you could pick one of your characters to spend 24h with: which one is it and what would you do?
Oh, Lucy, Callie’s 80s-obsessed aunt! I love all of the characters in How the Light Gets In, but Lucy and I are close to the same age, and we have a lot in common. Plus, she’s quirky and cheerful and she often lacks a conversational filter, which is kind of exciting and hilarious. Also, she has a huge heart. I think it’d be super fun to join the book club she’s a part of in Bell Cove.
1. What’s one TV show you could binge-watch all day long?
Sex & the City. Love!
2. What’s the best underhyped book you’ve read lately?
I have a few — When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington, Rules We’re Meant to Break by Natalie Williamson, and Grace & Fury by Tracy Banghart. All YAs, all so good!
3. If you could have one magical ability… what would it be and why?
To survive on no sleep, like Edward Cullen. 🙂 Sleep is such a huge waste of time!
Lastly: can you share with us one line of your works that you really love?
“Sometimes, I’m desperate to remember, to dissolve into remembering. Sometimes, I want to light mymemories on fire, so they burn until nothing’s left but ash and despair.” ~ How the Light Gets In
Thank you so, SO much for chatting with me today, Katy, it was such an honor to have you on the blog. Friends, don’t forget to read on for more information about the little gem that is How The Light Gets In, this wonderful book releases on August, 6th!
? More about How The Light Gets In
Find & Pre-order How The Light Gets In
Since her sister’s tragic death, seventeen-year-old Callie Ryan has basically given up. Her grades have plummeted, she’s quit her swim team, and she barely recognizes the people her parents have become.
When she returns to her aunt’s run-down coastal Victorian one year after Chloe’s death, Callie resigns herself to a summer of guilt and home renovations. She doesn’t expect to be charmed by the tiny coastal town or by Tucker Morgan, a local boy brimming with sunshine.
But even as her days begin to brighten, Callie’s nights are crowded with chilling dreams, unanswered questions, and eerie phenomenon that have her convinced she’s being haunted. Will Callie be able to figure out what her sister is trying to communicate before it’s too late?
? More about the author, Katy Upperman
Katy Upperman is a wife, mama, author, reader, baker, and wanderer. She writes novels for teens and teens at heart. She’s a Washington State University alum (go Cougs!), a country music fanatic, and a makeup stockpiler. She loves the ocean, pedicures, sunshine, Instagram, Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride, Jelly Bellies, true crime documentaries, and Friday Night Lights.
Katy’s debut novel, Kissing Max Holden, was published August 1, 2017, and her sophomore effort, The Impossibility of Us, released July 31, 2018. Her third novel, How the Light Gets In, will be out August 6, 2019. All three books are with Swoon Reads/Macmillan. She’s represented by Victoria Marini of the Irene Goodman Agency.
[AUTHOR INTERVIEW] Interview with Katy Upperman, author of ‘The Impossibility of Us’!
Posted on July 23, 2018 by buriedinabookshelf
I had the pleasure of interviewing Katy about her next book, ‘The Impossibility of Us’, which will be released by Swoon Reads on July 31, 2018! Last summer, I interviewed her about her debut novel, ‘Kissing Max Holden’, which you can check out here. At the end of this post, I have included links to all of my posts and reviews of Katy’s books!
Here’s the synopsis of ‘The Impossibility of Us’:
The last thing Elise wants is to start her senior year in a new town. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move from San Francisco to a sleepy coastal village.
When Elise meets Mati, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Mati is new to town too, visiting the U.S. with his family. Over the course of the summer, their relationship begins to blossom, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more.
But as Elise and Mati grow closer, her family becomes more and more uncomfortable with their relationship, and their concerns all center on one fact—Mati is Afghan.
Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and ultimately hopeful, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US asks—how brave can you be when your relationship is questioned by everyone you love?
INTERVIEW
COURTNEY: What inspired you to write “The Impossibility of Us”?
KATY: Not so much a what inspired me, but a who inspired me—my husband, actually. Back in 2014, I told him I wanted to participate in National Novel Writing Month but didn’t have any book ideas I was truly excited about. He’s spent a fair amount of time in Afghanistan and had just returned from a trip there; he suggested I write about an American girl who meets an Afghan boy, and the challenges they might face in the way of their different cultures, religions, and upbringings. I was immediately intrigued, and after I did some preliminary research, I knew his suggestion was one I wanted to run with. Whenever the book comes up in conversation now, he’s quick to let people know that it was all his idea.
COURTNEY: How was your writing process for TIOU different from the one for KMH?
KATY: There was a big difference! I spent nearly eight years working on Kissing Max Holden: drafting, revising, rewriting, and fine-tuning off-and-on during that time. I didn’t have a strong understanding of plotting and high stakes when I first started that story, so I had to study a lot of craft books and constantly rework the manuscript. Luckily, I learned from the experience, and was able to apply that knowledge to The Impossibility of Us. TIOU required much more research than KMH, but it was a fairly quick drafting process (50K in November 2014, followed by another 25K in February 2015) and a few relatively painless rounds of revision (definitely not several years spent revising, like KMH!). Honestly, every book I’ve worked on has been a vastly different writing experience from
the ones before it. Each story brings its own set of challenges. The only thing that stays the same are the steps in my process: inspiration, plotting, drafting, revising.
COURTNEY: What (or who) changed the most from the first draft to the finished copy?
KATY: All of the characters changed quite a bit in their motivations and their complexity, but I think the character who changed the most, start to finish, is Mati’s mother, Hala. Originally, she was so righteous, she came off as villainous. She was hard to relate to, but for the wrong reasons. Thanks to some thoughtful feedback from an early reader and some nuanced tweaks, she became someone who loves her family profoundly, someone who is deeply devout, and someone with a history that informs her behaviors. I hope readers will come to appreciate her experiences and motivations, even if they don’t always agree with her actions.
COURTNEY: How did you decide to write Mati’s POV in verse? Was that more difficult than writing Elise’s chapters?
KATY: I don’t remember making a deliberate decision to write Mati’s POV in verse. Originally, the story was only going to be told from Elise’s POV, but as I got deeper into drafting, I realized it demanded Mati’s perspective as well. I’d thought a lot about the kinds of observations he might make in the little notebook he carries, and those observations always came to me in free verse. So, when I sat down to attempt a chapter from his POV, that’s what naturally flowed. Writing Mati’s POV in verse was definitely more challenging than writing Elise’s POV in prose. Elise’s voice isn’t so different from the way I think and speak, so her chapters didn’t require nearly as much contemplation and conscious effort. Mati’s chapters forced me to consider every word, and to pay more attention to rhythm and flow than I ever
have before. That said, I loved writing Mati’s chapters. I think it’d be really fun to include verse in future books.
COURTNEY: If TIOU were to be adapted into a movie, who would be your fan casts?
Oh gosh – that’s so hard! Can I choose the cover models? Because they’re both so
close to the characters I imagined while working on the book. It’s eerie in the best way, seeing them there on the cover, looking so beautiful and smitten with each other.
COURTNEY: What scene was your favorite to write? What scene are you most excited for readers to read?
KATY: There’s a scene about a third of the way through the book that takes place while Elise and Mati are driving home from a day trip to Sacramento. It’s in Mati’s POV, and he makes some sweeping declarations about soul mates and destiny and love, but it’s very tentative and sweet and hopeful, too. It still gives me little butterflies when I read it. I hope readers feel the same way!
COURTNEY: Which scene was the hardest for you to write? (Or what about the book in general was hardest for you to write, if that’s easier to answer)
KATY: Basically, any scenes where Elise and/or Mati experience turmoil was difficult to write. I’m so silly – I hate causing my fictional people pain! But the very hardest scene to work on was (this is going to be vague because no spoilers!) one where Mati is the target of some intense and very terrible racism. I hated writing it, and I hated revising it and, frankly, I hope readers hate reading it. It’s that kind of scene.
COURTNEY: Was there a scene that you absolutely loved that you had to end up cutting from the final draft? If so, can you tell me anything about it?
Not really, no, and here’s why… If I truly love a scene but know it’s not working (either I have a feeling, or I get feedback from my CPs or editor), I do my best to recycle it in a way that retains what I love about it. So, if there’s a certain line, or a setting, or a feeling the scene gives me, I try to hang on to that element while reworking or rewriting to better serve the story. Sometimes I do have to completely delete scenes because I’m getting rid of a character or subplot, but not once have I looked back on a cut like that with regret. Whatever makes the story stronger, right?
COURTNEY: Do you have any other upcoming novels in the works? Do you see yourself ever going back to revisit any other characters in TIOU, or do you think it’ll stay a standalone?
KATY: I definitely see The Impossibility of Us as a standalone. Because to revisit Elise and Mati, I would have to give them conflict and I prefer to imagine them, somehow, living their happily ever after. My next project is a young adult novel called How the Light Gets In, releasing Summer, 2019 from Swoon Reads/Macmillan. It’s a ghost story about sisters, swimming, grief, and love, and it’s set in a west coast beach town based on one of my favorite places, Cannon Beach, OR.
HUGE thank you to Katy for allowing me to interview her! You all are not going to want to miss this book!
OTHER LINKS:
‘Kissing Max Holden’ Interview
‘Kissing Max Holden’ ARC Review
‘Kissing Max Holden’ Playlist
‘The Impossibility of Us’ ARC Review
‘The Impossibility of Us’ Playlist
ABOUT KATY:
Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary
school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing novels for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies or exploring the country with her husband and girls. KISSING MAX HOLDEN is her debut novel; her sophomore novel, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US, is available July 31, 2018, followed by HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN, scheduled for Summer, 2019.
[AUTHOR INTERVIEW] Interview with Katy Upperman, author of ‘Kissing Max Holden’!
Posted on August 7, 2017 by buriedinabookshelf
I had the privilege of interviewing Katy Upperman, the author of the new Swoon Reads release ‘Kissing Max Holden’! It’s her debut novel, and you can purchase it at your local bookstore or at one of the links included down below! (If you’re interested in reading a spoiler free review, you can read my ARC review here!)
Official Synopsis:
After his father’s stroke, Max Holden isn’t himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help, but she doesn’t know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows she shouldn’t let him kiss her. But she can’t resist, and when they’re caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it’ll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.
With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school suddenly up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart, and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?
Interview:
COURTNEY: What inspired you to write contemporary young adult romance fiction?
KATY UPPERMAN: I honestly didn’t give much thought to genre or age category when I started writing. I just dove right into the story that had been running circles through my head – a story whose protagonist was a teenager. It wasn’t until I finished that first manuscript that I started to research the market. That’s when I discovered YA was an actual thing. That first manuscript never went anywhere, but it taught me a lot about voice, and showed me that my natural voice falls into the YA category. It also reminded me of how complex and challenging high school can be, which is why when I started a second manuscript (the story that would eventually become Kissing Max Holden), I jumped back into exploring the feelings that often come with being a teenager.
COURT: Which character changed the most from the first draft to the final copy of Kissing Max Holden?
KATY: Oh, gosh – they all changed so much! I completely rewrote Kissing Max Holden a couple years after finishing the first draft. Originally, Jill lived with her mother and stepfather; now, of course, she lives with her father and stepmother, Meredith. I’d say that of all the characters, though, Jill changed the most. In the story’s earliest drafts, she didn’t have much agency. As I grew as a writer (and started getting some really excellent feedback from trusted readers) I realized that as a protagonist, Jill couldn’t sit back and let things happen around her; she had to make them happen. In the finished version of the book, she’s a much stronger character and, while she’s not perfect, she definitely owns up to her choices.
COURT: Is there a specific reason KMH is published in hardcover? (Just curious, as most Swoon Reads titles are PB!)
KATY: As far as I know, Swoon Reads is testing the format, and Kissing Max Holden happened to be one of the books selected for publication in hardcover. I think you’ll see more in the future!
COURT: What inspired KMH, and how long did it take for you to write the first draft?
KATY: The longtime-friends-turn-sweethearts trope inspired the story – it’s one of my favorites to read! I also incorporated lots of other things I find inspiring: a fictionalized version of my small hometown in the Pacific Northwest, baking, and country music, to name a few. The first draft took about two months to complete, but as I mentioned, I later spent a few more months rewriting it, and then years revising before it eventually sold to Swoon Reads.
COURT: After the cover direction was chosen, did you get any input in the final cover decisions?
KATY: A little bit! After the voting was over and a winning cover direction was determined, Swoon Reads told me they were going to shoot an original photograph rather than use the one featured in the cover direction. They asked what I liked about the chosen direction, and if I had any feedback. I loved that the selected cover direction photo was black-and-white because I don’t see that a whole lot on YA bookshelves, and I hoped they’d keep that for the finished cover. I also suggested using pink for the title font rather than the gold used for the cover direction. Pink is my favorite color, so I’m really happy they were open to making that change. I’m so pleased with how the finished cover came out!
COURT: If KMH were to be adapted into a movie, who would be your fancasts for Jillian and Max?
KATY: I think my fancasts might be too old to play my characters now, but Maya Mitchell from The Teen Beach movies would make a perfect Jilly, and young Dean Geyer looks very close to how I picture Max.
COURT: What was your favorite scene to write/were you most excited to have your readers read?
KATY: The mistletoe scene will forever be my favorite. It’s one of the few scenes that changed very little when I rewrote the book, and I just really like how it all plays out – Jilly being all pragmatic, and Max teasing her, and the kiss turning out to be a pretty big game changer. Who doesn’t want to have a mistletoe kiss with Max Holden? 😉
Thank you so much to Katy for answering all of my questions!
Connect with the author!
Website
Twitter – @katyupperman
Instagram – @katyupperman
Goodreads – @katyupperman
Add THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US on Goodreads!
Tumblr
Add KMH on Goodreads here!
Kissing Max Holden at Swoon Reads
About the Author:
Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies or exploring the country with her husband and daughter. KISSING MAX HOLDEN is her debut; her sophomore novel, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF US, will be available summer, 2018.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Blog Tour with Author Interview and Giveaway: Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman
Book info:
Title: Kissing Max Holden
Author: Katy Upperman
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 1st, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea…
After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn’t himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn’t know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn’t let him kiss her. But she can’t resist, and when they’re caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it’ll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.
With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iBooks / Kobo
Author interview:
1. What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start? Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)? If you plan it out, how do you do that? Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?
When I actually want to *finish* a story, I need to have the beginning, middle, and end in mind, and I need to outline. Anytime I’ve had false starts, they’ve been because I dove in without a plan. So, yes, I outline pretty significantly, though I try to keep things flexible enough for add-ins or deletions should the narrative take a turn while I’m drafting. I like to use the “Save the Cat” Beat Sheet method for outlining because, for me, it’s the clearest and easiest way to plan a story with strong structure.
Once I start drafting, I try very hard to write at least a thousand words a day, to keep up my momentum. Usually it takes me about two months to complete a draft, and then I do an immediate revision, fixing problems I discovered while drafting. After some time away, I do another revision, and then I send the manuscript off to my critique partners. Using their always-excellent feedback, I revise again (and then maybe again – ha!) before sending the story off to my agent for notes. All in all, it takes me about six months to go from an idea to a draft strong enough to present to my editor.
2. How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?
I’m honestly terrible at coming up with ideas! I’m definitely not one of those writers with a notebook full of story scribbles. Because I write character-driven stories, I almost always come up with my protagonist and love interest first, and then perhaps a situation they’re dealing with. A lot of times, characters come to me through people-watching, or tidbits I hear on the news, or simply through chit-chatting with friends. Actual plot takes a lot longer, and that usually springs up around conversation with my husband and/or critique partners, when I’m begging them to help me, basically. :-)
3. How long have you been writing?
About nine years now – time seems to have simultaneously flown and dragged by.
4. What tips do you have for aspiring writers?
Read often and read widely. Pay attention when you experience strong feelings about a story, whether they’re positive or negative. If you hated a main character, ask yourself why. If you were wowed by a book’s pacing, make a note about how the author crafted such a page-turner. I think of reading as professional development and, while I’ve always loved it as a pastime, as a writer, I take it seriously.
Also, join a small community of writers, or create your own. This can be a real-life critique group, or a bunch of like-minded people you meet on Twitter. Publishing is a challenging industry, and it’s so important to have a support network populated by people who understand – people who can give you advice, help you celebrate your achievements, and commiserate when the going gets tough.
5. Some favorites:
Books – My favorite genre to read is contemporary, and I prefer books that are heavy on romance. That said, a few of my favorites are Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, How to Love by Katie Cotugno, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Just As Long As We’re Together by Judy Blume, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, and JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Series (duh).
Movies/TV Shows – My favorite movies are (in no particular order) Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing, The Princess Bride, Tangled, and Troop Beverly Hills. My favorite TV shows (again, in no particular order) are Friday Night Lights, Dawson’s Creek, Project Runway, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City, Breaking Bad, and Dexter (but only up through the fifth season -- ha!).
Music – I have pretty eclectic tastes when it comes to music, but country will always be my go-to. In fact, I gave Max from Kissing Max Holden my love of classic country. He jams to Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Tim McGraw just like I do. I adore Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry, and Jason Aldean, too, and I also like to listen to Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, James Blunt, and Matt Nathanson, among many, many others.
Food/Writing snack – Jelly Bellies! I have a weakness for sweets and will therefore eat any indulgent treat while I write, but Jelly Bellies are so delicious, and so easy to pop into my mouth when the words are flowing.
Social Media Site – Instagram, easy! I joined a million years ago, and I have not stopped loving it even after more than four thousand photos shared.
Author Bio:
Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies, or exploring the country with her husband and daughter. Kissing Max Holden is her debut novel.
UPPERMAN, Katy. Kissing Max Holden. 304p. Feiwel & Friends/Swoon Reads. Aug. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781250111166.
Gr 8 Up--When Max climbs through his childhood best friend and neighbor Jill's window on Halloween night, everything changes with a kiss. Both teens are dealing with family issues--Max's father has recently had a severe stroke, and Jill's dad and pregnant stepmother, Meredith, are fighting more and more. Further complicating any potential romantic relationship are Max's girlfriend, Becky, and Jill's father, who has forbidden Jill from seeing Max after catching them kissing in her bedroom. Jill dreams of attending culinary school in New York and is devastated to learn that the money her father saved for her education was used for fertility treatments for her stepmother, while Max drinks to cope with his problems. Despite everything, the teens can't stay away from each other. After Jill's baby sister is born and her parents' marital issues come to a head, Jill must admit the truth: she loves Max, but she has to decide if she is ready to make their relationship a reality. Although this title will satiate the yearnings of romance-loving teens, it's a predictable love story that covers weighty material superficially. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking to beef up their teen romance collections.--Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Phillipe, Kefira. "Upperman, Katy. Kissing Max Holden." School Library Journal, vol. 63, no. 6, 1 June 2017, p. 114. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A493916153/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=797c861a. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Upperman, Katy. The Impossibility of Us. Swoon Reads/Macmillan, July 2018. 320p. $17.99. 978-1-250-12799-0.
4Q * 4P * J * S
Ellie's big brother died fighting in Afghanistan three years ago. Now, her mother moves them to Cypress Beach, CA, to help care for her young niece. Matis father is undergoing cancer treatment in the same town and Ellie and Mati meet on a morning beach walk. What starts as a simple friendship blossoms into an intense first love as well as first heartbreak. Despite Ellie's mother's strong islamophobia and Mati's Afghan family and religious obligations, the teens fight for their relationship over the summer and ultimately find a way to stay together after Mati goes home.
What could have been a cliched, tired romance novel will surprise readers with depth of character and a unique layout. The chapters alternate: Ellie's in narrative prose and Mati's in verse. The protagonists share their cultural and language differences with each other, setting aside surrounding discrimination and prejudices. Ellie learns about Afghanistan and Pashto, releases her resentment and intolerance, and finds healing as she grieves her brother's death. Mati navigates how to fulfill his familial and faith obligations while staying true to himself and his passions. This book tackles several heavy subjects as the author explores religious and ethnic intolerance, bigotry, fear, and lack of fairness. Though Upperman uses traditional romance tropes, readers will find the story meaty, satisfying, and enlightening. This surprising and worthwhile romance is a solid choice to add to any teen collection. --Kristy Rademacher.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC
http://www.voya.com
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Rademacher, Kristy. "Upperman, Katy. The Impossibility of Us." Voice of Youth Advocates, vol. 41, no. 2, June 2018, p. 66. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A545022931/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=58bd18a8. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
UPPERMAN, Katy. Everything I Promised You. 384p. Sourcebooks/Fire. Jan. 2025. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781464217784.
Gr 10 Up-High school senior Lia is one year removed from the death of her soulmate, Beck. Throughout the story, readers learn about Lia and Beck, how their relationship started before they were born because their parents are best friends, and that Lia is struggling to engage with a life post-Beck. Lia begins her senior year at a new school in yet another new town thanks to her father's career in the army. Still reeling from Beck's death, Lia just wants to make it through the year so she can go to Commonwealth of Virginia University (CVU) to fulfill her and Beck's lifelong dreams. As the school year progresses, Lia slowly begins to process her grief and even makes new friends. One of these new friends is Isiah, a teen with his own share of difficulties. Over time, Lia learns that Isiah's parents are in jail for abusing him and causing the death of his baby sister. Both Lia and Isiah have trust issues and are leery of even being friends. Lia's feelings for Isiah cause her to reevaluate her preconceived notions of Beck being her soulmate and her plan of going to CVU for college. After much turmoil, Lia comes to realize that she can love again and consider a different future path. Teen sexual encounters and underage drinking make this more suitable for older teen readers. VERDICT A story that will pull at the heartstrings of those longing for an epic romance.--Charla Hollingsworth
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Hollingsworth, Charla. "UPPERMAN, Katy. Everything I Promised You." School Library Journal, vol. 71, no. 1, Jan. 2025, p. 66. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A836878741/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ba962062. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
* Everything I Promised You.
By Katy Upperman.
Feb. 2025. 384p. Sourcebooks/Fire, paper, $13.99
(9781464217784). Gr. 9-12.
When Lia's mother was 17, a fortune teller predicted her future: she would soon meet her best friend; she would have one daughter; and her daughter, Lia, would fall in love with her best friend's son, Beck. So no one is surprised when Lia and Beck finally become a couple--it was meant to be. But then Beck dies, her army officer father takes a new job and uproots the family, and Lia's world is turned wholly upside down. A year after Beck's death, Lia is still struggling to move on. Who is she without Beck? Is she betraying him if she moves on? Emotionally raw and tender, Lia struggles with her grief and loss, working to open her Spotlight on Readers' Advisory self up to love and friendship again. With intermittent flashbacks to their relationship, readers can feel the grief alongside Lia, understanding why Beck and his family were so important to her. Upperman thoughtfully works Lia's new friendships as the standouts of the story--they help Lia grow more than a love interest does. Though this is ultimately a story about moving on, readers feeling a bit lost with the end of high school looming are sure to relate to Lia's emotional journey. Give to teens who love a good emotional tearjerker.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Thompson, Sarah Bean. "Everything I Promised You." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 9-10, Jan. 2025, pp. 58+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A829739467/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9d91a8e0. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.