Jessi, what was your inspiration for writing THINGS WE KNOW BY HEART?

The initial idea for this book actually came from an article I’d read about the concept of Cellular Memory–that is, the idea that some essence of a donor is retained within a donated organ, particularly the heart. The story was going to be much more focused on whether that was true in this case. But when I started researching donor/recipient relationships, I became more interested in those dynamics–why some write, or want to meet, and why some don’t. That’s where Colton came from.

How long did you work on THINGS WE KNOW BY HEART?

Jessi’s writing set-up!

It took me close to 2 years, all told, to write this book. I also work full time as a middle school librarian and have a family, so my writing time is limited. The good thing about that is when I do have writing time, I am extremely focused.

What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?

I need quiet, so I usually go to the library to work.  I set up my little work station with everything I need so I won’t have reason to get up. Usually that includes coffee, water, Cadbury mini eggs, if they’re available. I also have a little talisman that sits next to me for each book. This one was a little blue heart that I got at Changing Hands Book Store in Arizona.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Things We Know by Heart
by Jessi Kirby
Hardcover
HarperTeen
Released 4/21/2015

In this unforgettable teen romance that fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti will devour, Quinn Sullivan falls for the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, forming an unexpected connection that will leave readers utterly breathless.

After Quinn’s boyfriend, Trent, dies in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the fragments of her now-unrecognizable life. But whoever received Trent’s heart has mysteriously remained silent. The essence of a person, Quinn has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then in a way she still has a piece of him.

Risking everything to find peace once and for all, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn’t want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they’re connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost . . . and all that remains at stake.

Purchase Things We Know by Heart at Amazon
Purchase Things We Know by Heart at IndieBound
View Things We Know by Heart on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR