What is the name of your hometown and what do you think is the best thing about the place?
I’m originally from Varina, the backwoods of Richmond, VA. Born and raised in the country, I loved being a bit far from civilization, giving me the freedom to explore the woods behind my house and run around the field.
Did you always want to be a writer? What was the first story you ever wrote about?
Around high school was when I realized I wanted to write for a living. Being that I went to a private Baptist high school, my first piece was centered around demons and angels, but with a unique twist. However, it was very PG considering the type of things I write now. I’m actually working on rewriting it as a YA book, but I’ve had to put it on hold for now.
How has holding a master’s degree in English has helped you in your writing career?
Spending two years earning my master’s degree really gave me the time I needed to further my research into Celtic/Religious mythology and expand the Dead Dreamer universe. My professors taught me different tricks of the trade when it comes to research which has proven invaluable to me.
How would you describe your experience of continuing your Celtic mythology research and Gaelic studies?
I love it! I’m obsessed and it allowed me to finally follow through with a dream of mine and travel to Ireland. I’m hoping I can return one day to continue my research, but first I need the time and funds.
Why did you choose to write Supernatural Suspense? How do you make sure to throw in some thriller or mystery?
Growing up in Varina, my house was built on top of an old Civil War battleground. To be exact, the Seven Days Battle. Because of this, my house contained some supernatural guests who I pretty much grew up with. Having been around ghosts my entire life, you could say it bled into every part of my life.
Who inspired the character of Eighteen-year-old Brenna in "To Dream Is To Die"?
Technically, Brenna is based off my own personality. I found it difficult finding main characters with whom I could relate, as I’m very independent and not in need of a romance. Brenna is the same and just as blunt as me, which gets her into trouble. Many call her mean, but sometimes people forget there are others like that in the world.
How did you begin writing The Dead Dreamer Series? When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
About 11 years ago, I was lying on the ground, staring at my ceiling fan, listening to the whispers of the spirits within my home as they faded in and out. A random thought entered my mind: What would they do if I fell asleep and walked into their world? From that thought came the idea of a Dead Dreamer: A human who can fall asleep and enter the Fade; a being with the inability to dream.
When it comes to keeping things “fresh,” it’s more of just keeping consistent to the lore. For me, the lore behind the series is the most important thing. There is so much I’ve written for the lore and laws of Dead Dreamer that haven’t even made it into the series yet, so I LOVE revealing little facts like that.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Stop listening to what others want and what others think. Follow your instincts because most of the time, they’re right. Don’t let the world censor you.
What is the #1 mistake that you see first-time authors make? What mistakes did you make on your road to becoming an author?
Probably the same mistake I did. I signed with the first “publishing” company that would take my series without doing the proper research. This publishing house that I first used to distribute the DEAD DREAMER series was TERRIBLE. I was stuck with them for years, stunting my own growth as a writer. When the opportunity to buy my rights back came about, I pounced on it right away.
Always do your research!!
What does literary success look like to you? Do you think you have achieved it?
Personally, literary success comes from people reading your books and using them to think. Think about their life, dig deep into the big questions, etc. I don’t think I’ve personally achieved it yet, but I hope to. I’ve hidden themes and strong characters within my series that I hope will encourage others to research and learn about the world around them.
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
I’d say it’s more difficult writing the subsequent novels. My goal is to always make my next book better than the last. Writing a sequel is always nerve wracking because you want to raise the standards, which can cause some writers to fall off the track.
According to you, what elements grab the attention of readers from the first page to the last page of your books?
The first line grabs your reader. Although difficult, that first line needs to be enticing, ready to pull the reader in instantly.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I’m currently working on the third book of my DEAD DREAMER series: TO REAP THE SPIRIT (Dead Dreamer Book 3). I’ve just sent it to the editor, so now I’m working on the audiobooks for the first two books while I wait.
What were some of the challenges you faced on the road to publication?
There are so many challenges, it’s hard to pinpoint only a few. The market is saturated with so many talented writers and fantastic books that it’s hard to get your own voice out there. I’ve been forced out of my comfort zone when it comes to social media to force my voice to be heard. It’s working but it’s been a hard road.
How has been your experience working with AllAuthor?
AllAuthor has helped me explore different avenues when it comes to marketing but opened my eyes in so many ways in what I could be doing to grow my readership. It’s been a journey that has been stressful, but I love it all at the same time.
