The Lies I Tell(85)

I want readers to see the complexity and heartache of loving an addict. That they are more than the worst thing they’ve done. I also want readers to remember that our instincts are almost always right. When something seems off, we don’t need to know why; we only need to trust the feeling.

Meg’s philosophy evolves throughout the book from punishment to restoration. Why was it important for you to show this growth?

All characters need growth, even con artists! I don’t really believe that real-world con artists are anything like Meg; however, I don’t really view Meg as a true con artist. She’s a vigilante, exacting her own brand of justice in a world where too many people have the ability to evade it. It’s that quality, I think, that allows us to root for her.

Meg’s greatest disappointment is the transience of her friendships. How do you think you would handle a nomadic and secretive life like hers?

I’m a homebody at heart, so moving every couple years would be really difficult for me. I like my structures and routines, though I admit a part of it might be thrilling—to relocate and completely reinvent yourself, however many times it takes to get it right. I’d be terrible at the secret-keeping though. I’m pretty sure, very early on, I’d let something slip and the game would be over.