Could you tell us a little about your childhood and the struggles you faced growing up, if any?
I was an only child with a huge imagination, so I was writing from a very young age. Since I read any and every book I could get my hands on, I had a lot of inspiration. However, when I was ten, my father became very ill. It was more and more difficult to write or even read since I had to become more independent and make my own meals and care more for myself than my peers did. My mother had to go back to work and our financial situation, plus my parents’ mental health, grew worse with each treatment my father needed.
During middle school, I did not read as much fiction, but I did find myself in love with folklore/mythology (that has stuck with me).
I gave up on writing for a while and just focused on surviving. I did not really start reading for fun or writing for my own mental health until I was in my early 20s.
Can you tell us more about your writing journey and how you transitioned from creating daily narratives for your husband to becoming an author?
I joke about the daily narratives for my husband because I would talk a lot about my story ideas and I am sure I overwhelmed him! As an engineer his language is very concise and to the point while I like to paint pictures with my words.
I started to write for fun again when I was working a desk job. I would tell my husband (then boyfriend) about my short stories and he was always encouraging about it. This continued on through me becoming a stay-at-home mom, just writing little stories here and there, until one day I decided to try to publish something I was writing.
How did you discover your passion for writing? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked it?
I actually was thinking one day how I wanted to read a story about Persephone running the Underworld instead of Hades. The thought grew and grew until I had written Shadows and Vines.
What genres do you enjoy writing in, and do you have a favorite genre to write within?
I love anything fantasy. I am open to writing/reading anything under that umbrella. Dystopian/UF are my go-tos. I am not sure why, but I enjoy writing those more than others.
You mention that your husband encouraged you to write stories to channel your imagination. How has his support influenced your writing career?
He is my biggest supporter and has been absolutely amazing. If I need to write, he will take the kids to the park so I can have uninterrupted time. He gives me daily encouragement and celebrates my little wins along the way.
Could you share some insights into your creative process? Do you have any unique writing rituals or habits?
Of course! I am a huge pantser, but I do have little habits to help inspire me. The first two things I have to do when writing are to create a playlist on Spotify and a vision board. I will use Pinterest for this.
As I write, I have a notebook for each series and will make notes as I go with my sharpie pen. (I LOVE the sharpie pens!)
Do you have a favorite character or story that you've written, and if so, what makes them special to you?
I would have to say Hera from Storms and Embers. As I wrote her character, I related to her in so many ways. A lot of my inner self came out through her arc. How I saw my husband was brought to life with Viktor. It was a very special, but difficult, book to write.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, "Prophecy of Gods and Crows"?
This was a book that changed course more than any book I’ve ever written. I did a DNA test at the beginning of writing since someone had gifted it to me for Christmas. My family origins were Celtic/Nordic across the board. I ended up writing Celtic Mythology mixed with some of the historical aspects of where I grew up.
What inspired you to write the "Blood of Saviors" series, and can you give us a brief overview of what readers can expect from the series?
This series has been in the works since the second book of the Reign of Goddesses was published. I knew certain secondary characters like Thanatos would have their own story one day, and so I decided to leave the main series to the sisters, and create a spin off series for Thanatos, Medusa, etc.
Is there a message or theme that you often find yourself returning to in your writing?
I guess the most reoccurring theme is family doesn’t always have to be blood related. It is who is standing next to you during the hardest times and the best of times equally.
When you're not writing, how do you like to unwind and recharge? Can you recommend any books, music, or other forms of entertainment that have particularly influenced you?
Obviously, reading is a huge way for me to unwind. Right now, I am enjoying Kelley Armstrong’s Casey Duncan series. I am listening to a lot of Sleep Token right now and I do enjoy playing video games.
Your two young children seem to have opinions about moving to colder climates. How do they feel about your writing career, and do they ever provide inspiration for your stories?
They love that I write stories and there are actual books that come from that. There are several characters that have had funny lines from actual conversations with my children.
Living in Texas, you mention that you haven't quite adapted to the heat. Has the climate or your surroundings ever inspired elements of your writing?
Yes! Prophecy of Gods and Crows was inspired by the heat during a Texas summer. Basically, just brutal heat from 9 am to 9 pm every day.
Can you share any upcoming projects or works in progress that your readers can look forward to?
I am working on book two of the Clan of Shadows series during NaNoWriMo and Reaper of Chaos is set to release December 5th!
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
To start, the amazing feedback and responses from other authors as well as the mockups for my book that I received via email. It makes marketing so much easier for me!
