You’ve been writing since your pre-teen years—what first inspired you to start putting stories to paper?
I didn't start with paper and pen like everyone else. I started on a computer and followed from there. My best friend Tobias Jarrett whom I call Romeo is the reason behind it. We both weren't so sure if we were meant to tell stories or not but we pushed ourselves into doing so. Clinging To Love is my very first story that was named: Lesbian Best Friends & Lesbian Lovers. They were a whole story. Inspiration was because I didn't see much of the stories out there of lesbian romance or as it is called now sapphic romance, there were always straight romances and nothing beyond that so I took the plunge and began writing stories that I loved in that genre.
From AllPoetry and StoryWrite to Wattpad, your writing journey has evolved a lot. How did these platforms shape you as a writer?
AllPoetry was my very first platform where I met all sorts of poets, to this day, my old poetry is still loved there. Same with my books, especially new ones. I had readers loving them. The platforms have taught that you can find some positive insights from a reader's point of view that no matter how many mistakes you have, you can still move forward and show the right people how being a writer shapes you. It has also taught me along the way that there will be some distasteful people who don't like what you reveal of your past. It's a love and hate relationship with showing your work off on certain writing platforms.
Your debut work, Jana & Angel, launched your writing career in 2016. What inspired that story, and what does it mean to you now?
A woman named Joann Jenkins was behind it. She was the reason for Jana & Angel to come alive in such a big collection. She believed in our friendship to belong as lovers and believed most of the stories I would tell for Jana & Angel. As for what it means now, that is hard to answer because a woman like her is hard to find these days that is straight but would be with one particular woman. It's literally a lesson in learning that yes, you can fall in love with a straight woman but not everything can go as planned.
How would you describe your growth as an author from your early stories to your most recent works?
I would say by actually looking at other books and stories around me have taught me so much more in grammar and spelling. I did earlier this year get the courage to use Grammarly for correcting a few of my books for a writing app. I would like to add the positive readers that have joined in my readership. It is amazing, it shows that I'm not a failure and have brought so much more to my world of stories.
What challenges did you face while writing “Butterflies”, and how did you overcome them?
Everything. Not going to lie. Writing about a different culture, what they eat, what relationships look like with family, and the boldness of telling in a whole new view of the world. Butterflies was one that will live with me for sure. It was a growing experience.
You specialize in Sapphic Romance—what draws you to explore love and relationships through that lens?
You need that friendship to build for the readers to see what the characters love and relationships to grow. I had learned that one through She's My Kind Of Country. It's seeing that being friends to become lovers is the safest way to go though yes, instant romance can happen but it isn't ideal in reality. For example: I knew my husband Larry through his brother Bryan and we became friends for 3 years before I had the balls to ask him out. Years later, even after our lives drifted apart, I asked him out again and we have stayed as a couple since. We grew off of our friendship and that is where the idea came from to begin my latest stories like that. Give a bolder background of how friends can become lovers.
Many of your stories center on coming out, true love, and friendship. Why are these themes so important to you?
We all have sheltered experience in LGBTQIA+ it is known that a lot of us are hidden in the closet. I've lost friends for coming out a second time and it stung. I lost some family along the way too. The themes are to help those who know that they do have friends, they can come out if they wish, and true love is out there you just need to find that right person who understands you. It is to show that we aren't alone in this world and we can grow from it even if it means coming out more than once in your life.
How do you balance writing both “clean” and “mature” romances while staying true to your audience?
Truthfully, I don't since writing between the two has cause some tension between my readers. My younger audience between 13-25 years old don't mind as much. It is the adult readers 26+ that don't like the flip from when I was writing sexual content to now barely any. Staying true to my audience is more of a battlefield to finding that balance of making readers happy and I don't believe in too much sexual content for a book it takes the story away. That has definitely changed my view as an Author and Reader.
You’ve also written with touches of fantasy—how does adding a fantastical element enhance your storytelling?
It was more to show that I could do it. It's a lesson of seeing what readers would like. Gothic Princess & Angel Series definitely has had a really raw story telling back in its early days. It helped grow to make Happily Ever After a bit more of a fantasy too. Fantasy is a genre that definitely grows on you for the impact when adding LGBTQIA+ it grabs the audience.
What do you hope readers take away from your stories about love and identity?
I hope they take it to heart and see that they aren't alone in finding their own identity and experiencing love in a brighter light. Granted, I know it can't be that easy. It is a matter that they find peace in their life after reading my books cause I know the world is cruel.
Do you have a particular writing routine or environment that helps you stay creative and focused?
I can't focus without my husband's speciality Iced Coffee that he brings home from work for me or we go out and go get it. It is the only thing that I will drink to keep myself productive. As for writing routine, it is Iced Coffee, Country Music, and Google Docs also Google Search as back up. As long as I'm not on Social Media or Gaming all hours of the day, I'm knee deep into my stories.
With so many writing projects on your list, how do you decide which story to work on next?
Honestly, it is what the audience wants from me. If they have been waiting on a certain book that will be the focus. It is what I promote too of which book will be the one that they want to read and wait for.
How much of your own life experiences or emotions find their way into your characters and plots?
A good chunk. I still face real life trauma from my teenage and adult years that I've never gone to get mental help for because I have other health issues that need addressed. I believe if I add in what goes on with me, mentally and sometimes physically that readers will see they aren't alone in this world.
What advice would you give to aspiring LGBTQ+ romance writers who are just starting their journey?
You are allowed to have mistakes in grammar and spelling, don't let readers tell you how to define your stories, and best advice don't let anyone write your books for you. You tell them how you want them to be told. Take your journey on the high road and be as successful as you want to be. Be the writer/author that you have dreams of being and bring it out to the world. Show the world those stories. This goes for all writers/authors in this world. Take the bull by the horns and release those stories.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
Besides the constant emails from spammers, it's been a delightful experience. I love meeting new authors, meeting new readers, and seeing those that love my books to email me about it or ask questions. That is my favorite part. I love the questions. I love knowing a reader's view and what they wish to see from me. AllAuthor will always be my treasured site to enjoy. The promotions, the gifs that are made and so much more. AllAuthor is worth the money for the spotlight's,
