You describe your writing as dark, dirty, and a little bit nerdy. How did you develop that unique storytelling style?
I've always been nerdy and dark. I've always felt drawn to the creepy and unsettling to most. It doesn't bother me, hence being able to write about some messed up topics.
As a teenager, you were fascinated by horror and the works of Stephen King. How has that early influence shaped the stories you write today?
I'm able to write very dark torture scenes without it bothering me. I can talk about and research very macabre topics as well.
You started by writing dark poetry and stories. How did that creative foundation prepare you for writing novels?
It didn't. I gave up on that stuff when I was a lot younger, like 14. It wasn't until I was 29 that I started writing for real.
Your debut novel, "Roll For Initiative," began as a dare from a friend. What was your initial reaction when that challenge was presented to you?
I never back down from a dare but I had just had a child so I was nervous and very preoccupied.
At what point did you realize that "Roll For Initiative" had evolved from a fun challenge into a serious publishing project?
When I decided to take a chance and do a kickstarter and it hit it's within the first couple days of it being live.
Your characters are often described as people readers hate to love and love to hate. What draws you to writing morally complex characters?
I have almost a complete bachelors in psychology, specializing in human sexuality. I can go deep into the minds of my characters.
How do you balance dark themes, romance, humor, and emotional depth within the same story?
I personally make sure everything has a purpose. I don't just throw smut in there for the sake of smut.
What role does the "nerdy" side of your personality play in shaping your plots, characters, and world-building?
I have a lot of witty banter in my books. Pop culture references throughout as well.
Readers often mention the emotional rollercoaster your books take them on. How do you craft those highs and lows so effectively?
I've always been able to see scenes in my head. I want to make the reader feel immersed in the scene as much as I can. Many readers have felt very attached to the characters and have told me they often cry and scream and laugh along with them in the books.
Were there any unexpected challenges you faced while writing and publishing your debut novel?
Surprisingly no. I kind of just winged it like with the rest of my life. I didn't have a plan. I didn't outline or have a set direction. I just wrote.
How has your writing process changed since completing "Roll For Initiative"?
Yes. With the latest one, a lot of people who have read my work from the beginning say they think I finally found my voice and my niche.
Do you find yourself drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, or do your ideas tend to come from imagination and "what if" scenarios?
Both. I tend to take situations I've experienced or that people I know have experienced and twist them with some what if scenarios.
What do you hope readers feel when they reach the final page of one of your books?
I hope readers feel like the bad guy got what they deserved. I'm very much a firm believer in the bad guy always getting what they deserve. There are multiple torture scenes throughout my works that can showcase this. My stuff is not for the weak. So when they reach that final page I want them to feel relief that justice happened. I want them to be satisfied with the story told but also maybe wanting a bit more of the future of the couples in my books (hence why there are usually epilogues and bonus epilogues lol)
Can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming projects or stories you're currently working on?
Right now I am planning on taking a small break for 2027. We are expecting our second child and I want to focus everything on my family.
What has your experience been like working with AllAuthor, and how has the platform supported your journey as an author?
I've loved working with AllAuthor. It's been easy to use the site, helpful at getting my name out there more, and cost friendly especially for indie authors.
