text: We’ve got a stellar lineup of speakers at the RWA Conference this year! RWA interviewed these speakers to get their views on important topics like writing, singing in the shower, and silly talents. Let's get to know Pintip Dunn, the RWA2018 Golden Heart Awards Emcee.
  The theme for RWA2018 is “Rethink. Revitalize. Renew.” What activity revitalizes you when the words are running dry?
  Pintip Dunn: Exercise. I love getting on the elliptical and watching one of my favorite reality TV shows, Top Chef or Survivor or The Amazing Race. If that doesn't work, I'll follow up my sweat session with date night with my husband (after a shower, of course). A glass of champagne, yummy food, and good conversation always improve my spirits. Typically, when the words run dry, it's because I haven't been taking care of myself physically or emotionally, and these two activities address those needs.
  What song do you sing in the shower (or in the car) that gets you pumped up?
  Dunn: “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Suede.
  What's your favorite first line from a book (your own or otherwise)?
  Dunn: “It’s time to view the body. Family first.” Two lines, but they’re short, so I’m hoping they count! This opening is from The Darkest Lie, my YA contemporary thriller from 2016.
  What's the one thing no one will ever find in your pantry?
  Dunn: A dead body? Seriously, if we’re talking food, I can’t think of anything that I wouldn’t try. I’m a total foodie, and I love it all.
  What's a silly talent you wish you had?
  Dunn: I wish I had the ability to sleep through any and all travel. It would certainly make those fourteen-hour road trips to visit my family pass more quickly!
  What’s a slang word from when you were a teenager that you still use?
  Dunn: “Awesome.” Apparently, I use this word all the time. I never knew about this tendency until some friends informed me a couple years ago.
  Who was the first person to support your pursuit of a writing career?
  Dunn: My husband, Antoine. I met him freshman year of college (when he lived across the hall from me!), and he has always believed in my writing talent.
  Pintip Dunn is a New York Times best-selling author of young adult fiction. She is a three-time Golden Heart® finalist, and her novel, Forget Tomorrow, won the RWA RITA® for Best First Book. Her books have been translated into four languages, and her other titles include Remember Yesterday, Seize Today, and Girl on the Verge. She lives with her husband and children in Maryland.