What inspired you to write the Winter Soul Series, and how did the idea for The Ancient Wolves develop?
I've always been obsessed with wolves, which led me to wolf shifter novels, but I was never satisfied with the normal trope where the change was inevitably painful, difficult and scary. Why couldn't it be a thing of elegance. A simple step into another space. Hence, where Lupa started from and now The Ancient Wolves. I was also sick of romances being so generic. Man meets woman, they get along great, then something happens and they nearly break up, then get back together 5 pages before the end. I wanted a story where once the characters got together, there was no question they'd be together forever.
How would you describe The Ancient Wolves in three words?
Intense, action-packed, romantic.
How do you balance world-building and character development in your writing?
I don't actually give it any thought; I just let the story come.
Do you have a favorite scene in “Lupa”? Without spoilers, what makes it special?
When James saved Natalya towards the end when she has to go to the In-Between to try and find Marcus de Guerre and is nearly killed. What makes it special if that she has taken a huge risk even though she's terrified but that James is there for her and is the only thing standing between her and oblivion.
What challenges did you face while writing your first book?
Finding the time to write. I get distracted easily.
How does your writing process work? Are you a planner, or do you let the story unfold as you write?
I have a general idea what is going ot happen but I just let the story unfold as I write.
Is there a particular message or theme in “The Ancient Wolves” that you hope resonates with readers?
Magic and true love do exist. You just need to be lucky enough to find them.
Living on a 12-acre property must be eventful! How does your daily life influence your writing?
I like being outside rather than inside, which Natalya and I have in common. Living with large German shepherds also gives me an insight into a wolf pack.
Your animals sound like quite the characters! Have any of them inspired moments or creatures in your books?
My Orange Maine Coon makes and appearance. He's a hoot!
What does an ideal writing day look like for you?
Normally in the evening I write for a couple of hours, or if I'm stuck inside because its raining.
Who are your biggest literary influences, and do they impact your writing style?
Anne Rice. I like the poetry in her style, she creates creatures but they are elegant. Deborah Harkness because she has reimagined the narrative of creatures and Lee Child because I like his action scenes and the fact that his characters don't mind busting heads.
If “The Winter Soul Series” were adapted into a movie or TV series, who would you love to see play your main characters?
Sebastian Stan as James and Marie Avgeropoulos as Natalya. Henry Cavill as Matteus, Chris Hemsworth as Connor, Ed Skrein as Etienne and Leo Suter as Alexander the Great.
What’s next for you after “The Ancient Wolves”? Any new projects or surprises for your readers?
Working on the third book in the series War Witch.
What do you enjoy reading in your spare time, and how does it influence your own writing?
I read everything from world history to romance to fantasy to action. Currently reading the communist manifesto and The Art of War.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
Great! The highlight was winning the cover of the month for the cover I designed for Lupa at the end of the year in the fantasy division.
