Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly McCreight attended Vassar College and graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. After several years as a litigation associate at some of New York City’s biggest law firms, she left the practice of law to write full-time. Her work has appeared in such publications as Antietam Review, Oxford Magazine, Babble, and New York Magazine online.

McCreight's new novel is Reconstructing Amelia.

From her Q & A at the Harper Library blog:

Mama Mazes: How did you learn all the latest internet “buzz” words/abbreviations used by teens and what would you recommend to adults who want to stay current with computer-speak?

Kimberly: I interviewed local teens and did extensive research online. But much of the lingo I was already using myself. Perhaps I should be more embarrassed about that.

For parents not so well versed in text acronyms, a simple Google search—“popular text abbreviations teens”—goes a long way. Be aware that there are micro-local variations, so this research might not explain the entire alphabet soup in your child’s texts, but it will be a good start.

If a Google search is beyond your skill-set, consider investing in a basic Internet how-to guide or a class like those offered by major retailers. Libraries have computers with Internet access, too, along with generous librarians. There’s also your child. If necessary, you could always condition their Internet use on showing you the ropes.

But it’s critical that we all get—and stay—“virtually” up to speed. With 95% of teens on the Internet and 70% with access via a mobile device, it’s where our children are. If we don’t understand the language they’re speaking or can’t find where they’re “hanging out” online, we can’t...[read on]

Watch the trailer for Reconstructing Amelia, and learn more about the book and author at Kimberly McCreight's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Reconstructing Amelia.

Writers Read: Kimberly McCreight.

--Marshal Zeringue