Where were you born and where do you live now? Which place do you like better and why?
I was born in New Jersey, but basically raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. My husband and I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado and have been here for about ten years now. We absolutely love it. Every place has something about it that I love, but Colorado is so gorgeous I don't think I could live anywhere else.
Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you?
I was a late reader. I struggled with reading for a long, long time. The first book I remember being super impactful in my reading was Tamora Pierce, Protector of the Small. It introduced to me a fantasy, adventure world and female authors.
What did being an author mean to you as a child? What does it mean to you now?
I wasn't the child who wanted to be an author. I was an avid reader and had a lot of love and respect for those who created the stories I loved, but I didn't think much on what it was to be one.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
That everyone is your friend. A hard and sad lesson to learn.
How did you come up with the idea for your novel, Zalma: The Soldier?
Zalma: The Soldier is a second book in the series so I knew right away that Trab and Cece had to have their book. I wanted to explore the social differences between the miners and the soldiers and show how skewed the legal system is.
What is the significance of the title of your book, Matched?
Matched involves a race called the Hilians. The Hilians have markings on their bodies that look like tribal tattoos, when they find their soulmate, the markings start to 'dance' on their arms. They believe that their soul is bound to one person, hence where I came up with the title Matched. Because they are a match.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a spicy science fiction romance adventure?
Honestly, just have fun with it. Feel what your characters feel and let them have an adventure. Don't worry so much on following a rigid structure. I have the best time when I let my character have some movement.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
Endings. It will take me twice as long to write the end as it will the entire book. Settings are always so inspiring to me. I am always creating new worlds based on things I see or dream about.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I think that there are pros and cons to both types of publishing. I don't like or dislike one over another and both have benefits. I personally chose to self-publish. I wanted the creative freedom to have my stories the way I want them and I wanted to keep rolling. I don't like to have to wait and wait and wait trying to find a publisher or agent. I wanted to get on to the next stories.
How do you make sure to draw young readers into your stories?
Most of my books are meant for an adult audience. For my general audience books, I hope that having strong female leads is inspiring. I also have political intrigue and adventure.
Which is the best compliment or fan-mail you have received for your work?
I had a reviewer compare me to S.E. Smith, one of my favorite science fiction romance writers. That has stuck with me through these years.
How important do you think it is to spend time with yourself?
Very. Though I don't spend that much time alone or on myself.
What books are you writing currently, or plan to write in the future?
I am currently working on a piece for a collaboration and the third book in the Sanctuary Series, Helic.
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor? Is this a website you see yourself using for some time even in the future?
I do. I have been enjoying AllAuthor.
