Interview with author Jacqueline Kopito - Cover Story January 2026

Hello Jackie, welcome to The RV Magazine! As a twin yourself, how much of Twintastic in Miami was inspired by your own experiences? What parts of Alix and Jordyn’s personalities reflect you and your sister?

As an identical twin myself, the bond between Alix and Jordyn was partly inspired by my twin sister Amy and me. Growing up, we were inseparable—we could sense each other’s moods, finish each other’s sentences, and sometimes even know what the other was thinking, just like the twins in Twintastic in Miami. Jordyn’s expressive personality reflects more of me—creative, impulsive, and occasionally self-critical—while Alix’s calm, thoughtful nature reminds me of my twin sister. Writing them allowed me to explore how twins can be deeply connected by heart yet shaped by different ways of seeing the world.

What first sparked the idea for Twintastic in Miami? Did the Miami setting or the magical twist come first?

The idea sparked from my desire to blend real-life twin adventures with a touch of magic. I’ve always loved Miami—its energy, color, and rhythm—so it felt like the perfect backdrop for the twins’ next big adventure. The city’s beaches, pool days, art, and sparkle became almost like another character in the story, testing the twins’ promise to use their powers for good and leading them into new adventures.

The book blends humor, friendship, and a bit of magic with real tween issues like self-confidence and identity. What core message did you want readers—especially young girls—to take away from this story?

At its heart, the story is about self-confidence, acceptance, and sisterhood. I wanted readers—especially young girls—to see that it’s okay to make mistakes, to feel insecure, and to learn from them. Both Alix and Jordyn discover that true magic isn’t in their powers—it’s in how they support one another, own their individuality, and stand up for themselves. I hope readers walk away believing that kindness, honesty, and staying true to who you are, are the real superpowers.

Writing twins can be tricky—keeping them connected yet distinct. How did you make sure Alix and Jordyn felt like individuals with their own voices and growth arcs?

Writing twins is always a balancing act—you want their connection to feel genuine without losing their individuality. I gave each sister her own rhythm: Jordyn’s voice is quick, bursts of emotion and humor, while Alix’s is quieter and more reflective. Their growth arcs mirror their challenges—Jordyn learns self-control and self-love, while Alix learns to open up and embrace courage. Their bond stays unbreakable, but their independence grows stronger.

Your story weaves everyday middle-school life with a hint of magic. How did you strike that balance, so the fantasy feels believable and relatable to tweens?

The key was to root the magic in everyday tween life—social media drama, first crushes, friendship ups and downs. By showing the girls using magic in ordinary moments (to bake muffins faster or help a lost bird), it feels believable because it’s connected to emotions tweens really experience—jealousy, fear, courage, love.

You write for the 8–12 age group. What do you think today’s tweens are craving in books, and how do you connect with that audience authentically?

I feel today’s tweens are craving stories that reflect their real lives—social pressures, identity, belonging—but still leave room for hope and wonder. They want to laugh, feel seen, and imagine possibilities. I try to connect authentically by writing in their language—texting, humor, self-doubt, and joy—and by remembering what it felt like to be 12 and figuring out who I was. Mixing magic with relatable situations keeps the story fun but grounded.

Jackie with her twin sister Amy

The book shows strong family bonds, sibling love, and the ups and downs of friendship. How do you approach writing those emotional relationships in a way that feels real?

Family is the emotional core of the book. The twins’ relationship with their dad, mom, and grandma mirrors real family life—love mixed with chaos and lessons learned. Their friendships show how complicated growing up can be—people change, feelings get hurt, but forgiveness and understanding matter. I draw from real conversations and memories with my family and friends to make those moments feel honest.

Twintastic in Miami continues the adventures from Twintastic. Can you tell us if there’s more to come for the twins—and what readers can expect next?

Definitely! Alix and Jordyn aren’t done yet—more magic, friendship, and challenges are on the way.

Beyond your own books, you also interview other authors and engage with young readers online. How does that interaction shape your writing and keep you inspired?

Hearing that readers learned how to believe in themselves through my stories means everything to me. Connecting with readers and fellow authors always inspires me, and knowing my books spark creativity reminds me why I write.

If your readers could remember one feeling or thought after closing Twintastic in Miami, what would you want that to be?

If readers take away one feeling, I want it to be joyful confidence. I hope they finish the book believing they can face anything with courage and kindness—and remember that other people’s opinions are their business, not yours.

Jacqueline Kopito is an accomplished writer and a trusted voice on all things twin related. She has contributed articles to TWINS Magazine, the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Relatable Voice Magazine. Her middle-grade fiction novels, TWINTASTIC and TWINTASTIC in Miami, celebrate the extraordinary bond between twins through imaginative heartfelt storytelling.

An identical twin herself, Jacqueline is deeply passionate about sharing and celebrating the twin experience. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her Bernese Mountain dog, Wesley, practicing qi-gong, or cheering on the New York Rangers. Jacqueline holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Corporate and Public Communications, with honors, from Seton Hall University.

She lives in Short Hills, New Jersey, with her husband, her two sons, and Wesley.

Find out more at www.jacquelinekopito.com.

Cover story published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - January 2026. Downolad the full magazine for free at https://www.relatable-media.com/the-relatable-voice-magazine