Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
Born in Vancouver and my formative childhood years in Port Coquitlam (Poco). At the time it was a small city with no shopping malls, one tiny grocery store, and was best known for being the birthplace of our hometown hero, Terry Fox. Even in the 90s, the kids ran wild through the neighborhoods looking for ways to entertain themselves. I rough and tumbled with the boys on the playgrounds, and when I was older and size made me not a match for them, I played video games.
Do you remember the first video game you ever played?
Probably something on the NES when one of my friends' older brothers wasn't looking. Though what made me fall in love with gaming was Donkey Kong Country 2 and Tetris Attack, both for the SNES. One of them is still considered the upper echelon of game design and a great introduction to video games at a time when most girls didn't play them.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
Pokemon, started getting into it when I was 12 and carried me until the end of high school. Had an unhealthy love affair with my N64 and Gamecube as well.
What are some books that are a must read for all avid readers?
When I was younger, I owned the Animorphs, Goosebumps, and Redwall series. I was a late and reluctant reader, and those books got me into reading and into writing as well.
What challenges did you face while writing your debut novel, 'One Aon Fatality?'
Facing the reality of editing. I didn't know what I was doing in terms of development editing and needed far more guidance than I anticipated.
How has been your experience of working on videos games as a QA and designer for several years?
For context, I went to gamer school (certificate in Video Game Art and Design) and my QA, game developer, and game artist experiences are a mix between Electronic Arts (EA) and indies. The industry is incredibly fast paced an innovative, but it is also overwhelming and psychologically exhausting. I've done 80-hour work weeks, had McChicken burgers for Thanksgiving dinner, but also had the privilege of designing mini games for FIFA and working with their art team. Despite the renowned ruthlessness of the industry, some days I yearn to go back and revisit the dynamic environment.
How did you come up with the concept of Aon, Fatality?
Back to Pokemon, (very) loosely inspired by Mewtwo which was my first encounter with artificially constructed, alien-looking lifeforms. There are other medias, but I found out about those later. I like the sci-fi nature of customized biology and the results it produces. Fish out of water, except the fish has legs.
What is your ideal setting to write in?
At my ergonomic desk, though I tend to muse best while overlooking the bays of British Columbia.
If there was anything you could say to your younger self, what would you say?
Younger me was stubborn and was told by plenty of people that I had no art skills and my writing capabilities were poor. I'd tell her to, "Stick to the path and don't be deterred by other's negative assessments of you." They were wrong.
What percentage of your daily writing do you end up not using in published works?
Likely a decent amount. I work on the same document because if I don't think it deserves to be kept in the story, it gets cut and isn't worth saving. Some writers would screech at this.
Do you prefer writing on a notepad first or you directly start writing on your computer?
I'm what's called a "plotter," which is a writer it outlines their plot points. These are written into duotangs on loose-leaf paper to help align my thoughts. Very few things I have written are straight to the PC, and the ones that are tend to be garbage.
What is it like to work at EA Sports?
Strangely enjoyed parts of the EA Sports experience despite not being sporty. Was assigned to NBA and FIFA and learned to enjoy the work rather than the nature of what I was working on. Many people spend a lifetime trying to find their passion. Trick is, to find passion in what you have. Had fun, learnt a lot, still not a football fan but wouldn't mind joining the FIFA team again.
Is gig work worthwhile? What is more important, flexibility or pay?
I did art commissions predominately when I was working as tech support. Was how I filled time between calls. The flexibility and side income was equal at the time, just as it is now. Generally, I'm not a fan of gig work and may take a few commissions a year to fill time.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
One Aon Fatality is followed by Duality of Forces. The intention is for it to be a series, though the novels are written without cliffhangers in case the industry changes its mind about the publication of the series.
How long have you been with AllAuthor now and how have you been enjoying it?
Joined AllAuthor in May 2021, and amused by the 3D renderings the most. Saves me the trouble of CGing them myself, and they look chic!
