What is something that you really miss from your childhood?
Free time. These days I don’t have much time to relax since I work full time, parent, and volunteer. I love my job, my kids, and serving my community, but I do treasure moments when I can read, write, or get out and enjoy nature.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
I really wanted the superhuman ability to fly, but alas, that didn’t happen. Still have my fingers crossed for telekinesis though.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?
One of my best friends has been consistently supportive, reading my books and providing helpful feedback. I truly appreciate the support!
Do you remember the first book you read?
I don’t remember the first book I read as a child (probably One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss) but a book that significantly impacted my reading tastes was The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub. I read that in middle school, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I’ve published both traditionally and through self-publishing. There are advantages and challenges to both. The biggest advantage with traditional publishing is you can often reach more readers. With self-publishing, it’s that you have more creative control over your work. I’m not sure that’s any one right way to publish. The publishing industry is competitive and there’s a lot of rejection. It’s challenging to market books and find readers, no matter what route you take. The most important thing is to write the best story you can, set realistic goals for yourself, and be willing to adjust your idea of what success looks like. Not everyone is going to be a best seller. But you might be someone’s favorite author, and that is no small thing.
What inspired the plot of your young adult novel, Sunset Empire?
Sunset Empire is a love letter to the city of Astoria, Oregon. I wanted to combine real history (such as the labyrinth of tunnels under the town) with local legends (like Colossal Claude, a river monster inhabiting the mouth of the Columbia River. I also love a good ghost story, so of course I wrote about a ghost lurking in the tunnels under 12th Street, under the Liberty Theatre.
How did you come up with the character of Amelia in "Constellations of Scars"?
I live on the Oregon coast, and I’m fascinated by marine biology. I was thinking about oysters and wondered what it would be like if a human being were the one growing pearls. I also like fairy tales, and this book was partly inspired by The Goose that Laid Golden Eggs. That story is about possessing a treasure, and then losing the treasure because of greed. In Constellations of Scars, Amelia sees her ability to grow pearls as a curse, whereas her mother sees it as a blessing to get out of poverty. She also worries that Amelia will be abducted because of her gift, so she hides her daughter for years. When Amelia realizes her mother has become her captor, she plans her escape.
What is your ideal setting to write in?
Someplace where I can unplug from distractions and let go of responsibilities to have time to write and not feel guilty about it, haha. Maybe a deserted island? Really though, if I’m excited about a story, I can write anywhere—the waiting room of a dentist’s office, in line at a grocery store…anywhere I can steal a few moments to get my thoughts down. I’ve been known to write on the back of receipts or text myself if I’m somewhere and get an idea.
Did you expect your suspense novel, Pitcher Plant to win a 2018 Independent Publisher Book Award?
I never expect to win writing awards, but it’s a lovely surprise when I do. There are a lot of wonderful books out there, and to have my work acknowledged through an award is a gift. I am grateful Pitcher Plant won an IPPY.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
It’s usually evenings and weekends, in between other obligations, to be honest. When I do get time, I make the most of it.
How has your experience been of volunteering for your local wildlife center?
INCREDIBLE. I’m hooked. I’m there every Sunday morning working with our patients, most of whom are hawks, owls, or seabirds. Sometimes we work with mammals too, like otters and bats. This week I held a Great Horned Owl, its strong talons gripping my leather gloved fingers. It is absolutely thrilling to work with such a beautiful and powerful animal.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given as a writer?
Don’t worry about if you’ll be published, be a best seller, or win book awards. Just write the best story you can.
Are you a "re-reader" or are you a "read-it-once-and-I'm done" person?
I tend to remember what I’ve read, so I rarely re-read books unless it’s a favorite book.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Currently I’m writing a book about a monster hunter/reluctant member of a bridal party called The Bridesmaid’s Guide to Etiquette and Exorcism.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
Great! I especially appreciate the marketing support for Constellations of Scars through your site and Twitter.
