Emma Lanier McLaughlin was born on February 7, 1974, in Elmira, New York. She is an American novelist renowned for her collaborative writing efforts with her partner, Nicki. The duo has been crafting stories together for over 12 years, focusing on what elements contribute to a satisfying narrative. Emma's personal reading choices are influenced by her life as a working mom, preferring to indulge in books that provide either sweeping Wharton epics or swift, funny observations before bedtime. She believes that the best books are those that make you feel like you're still engaged in a deep conversation with your best college friend, well into the wee hours.