Can you tell us a bit about your book and what inspired you to write it?
The Raven Society started as my quest to find the links between current beliefs vs. myths and legends. It didn’t make sense to me that there were so many stories out there without a basis in reality. I wanted, no I needed, to find the truth behind the legends and the individual that they were based on. That need became an obsession, resulting in the creation of the Raven Society- a secret society tasked with uncovering the truth behind history's inconsistencies.
How did your experience in the U.S. Army influence your writing and your transition to becoming an author?
My military experience taught me a lot... mostly how to survive in extraordinary situations. However, it also taught me how to slow down and pay attention. My travels took me to a lot of countries, some that most people would never see, and those were the times when I was truly able to experience different cultures and beliefs. They had their own myths, legends, and fairy tales- rich in color and storylines, and they were beautiful. Sometimes you have to look beyond outside precipitation in order to find the true meaning of humanity.
As a historian, how do you incorporate historical elements into your writing? Do you have a favorite time period or historical event that you enjoy exploring in your work?
I started off with a focus on European history, which was frowned upon in an American Studies program for my MA. Thankfully, I had a fantastic professor who humored and encouraged me to find the link between American history and the rest of the world. It was through her that I started really looking at the 15th-17th century worldwide and finding connections between myths and legends. Why is this significant? Because when you write historical fantasy, there still needs to be a touch of reality. This will come from the small details that you can only discover by digging deep into the dusty archives and writing introductory emails to museums and historical societies. If you are lucky.... they may even respond. And sometimes they answer your questions. It's honestly a 50-50 chance. So you have to be flexible and tenacious.
You mentioned being a connoisseur of all things coffee. Does coffee play a role in your writing process? If so, how does it inspire or fuel your creativity?
Coffee has been my best friend since I was 18. Maybe even before that. I know that I had a relationship with it before drive-through coffee stands existed, which ages me greatly. Coffee warms me in winter, satisfies me on chilly autumn mornings, and keeps me awake during the long summer months. It is also how I judge when I need to get up to keep up with my Fitbit steps. When the coffee is low…. it's time to get another cup and stretch my legs.
With a family, pets, and various interests, how do you find the time and balance to write and pursue your other passions?
That is an excellent question! Sticky notes. I have A LOT of sticky notes. And I have created a self-imposed time for all my passions. From 415 in the morning until 8:30 at night, I have certain things I do at certain times, and it has become a habit. Owning two small businesses with my husband while both of us are still working full-time jobs- lists and sticky notes are the only way not to make mistakes.
As someone who helps others navigate self-publishing, what are some common challenges you see aspiring authors face, and what advice do you give them?
The most common challenges happen when an author types ‘The End’ for the first time. There is a sense of accomplishment and pride. We want the world to know we did it! We are writers! Hear us roar! But then we rush through the most critical part of the book- the details. There are so many things that need to happen all at once when self-publishing that we sometimes rush through them and miss key parts. By documenting all my failures, I hope I can help other authors avoid the same pitfalls. With a smile and a cup of coffee, I freely share these regrettable memories in my blogs and whenever anyone reaches out to me.
How does your love for Beat Saber, the virtual reality rhythm game, impact your creativity and writing process? Does it serve as a form of relaxation or inspiration for you?
I love Beat Saber! When working through a plot, I need to not think about it. Does this make sense? I can get stuck in my head and overthink plot points and character conversations. So when that happens, I put on my favorite song and fling my arms around, pretending I am good enough to be on TikTok. Within 20 minutes, I am exhausted because I am middle-aged and drink too much coffee, and can refocus on where the story needs to proceed next.
What led you to become a blogger, and how does it complement your writing and book promotion efforts?
I started blogging before writing The Writer and the Librarian because I really wanted to share my love of history. I had just retired, bored out of my mind, and trying to find out who I was outside of my uniform. Unfortunately, writing historical blogs has a very small niche and I was discouraged. Then one day I wrote a ‘what-if’ blog just because. And to my surprise, it was popular. That proved that my blogs didn’t need to be boring history lessons- they needed to be entertaining and engaging. My blog gives me an outlet for writing by allowing me to step away from my current book and think about something else.
How did you come up with the idea of your novel, The Myth and The Monster?
The History Channel. I had just finished my first novel and was lost in where to go next. Writing another book seemed so overwhelming, so I turned on the History Channel and watched an episode about Medusa. I was hooked within 20 minutes. I knew the overall story of the monster, but I had never questioned how she became one. That is what led my research into who she was as a person. Because of what I learned, I knew that I had to add Danae into the fold! They were never originally in the plan, but their story mingled so easily into the story that I had to write about them!
What advice do you have for aspiring authors who are considering self-publishing?
Google Read Out Loud is your best friend. I promise. When you are ready to edit, turn it on. It will help with misspellings and sentence structures. When you reread your own work, you will miss key elements because, in your mind, it sounds right. But, when you hear it from another voice, you can catch mistakes. A book is judged by its cover, so pay attention and don’t rush through the process. I highly recommend paying attention to the book's spine. Go to a bookstore or a library and look at what is shelved. Which one draws you in? Which one looks good? Which ones do you not like? Take it from someone who failed at her first cover- if you are writing a series make sure that the spines look good next to each other.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or books you're working on?
The Raven Society is on the road again! This time we will look at the history of necromancy in Europe and the Middle East. I will be touching again on two stories of real people whose story has been changed over the course of history. We will find the truth in the inconsistencies of their realities. It's going to be great! I promise!
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor and its services? Do you have any feedback?
So I found AllAuthor by accident and let me tell you- it saved me time and frustration. One of the most challenging parts of being a self-published author is overseeing everything. There is not enough time to promote, market, and stay engaged if you are also trying to write the next book or finish the laundry. AllAuthor has taken a piece of the pie off my plate and allowed me to focus on what I need to do as a writer, small business owner, mother, and wife.
