Where were you born? Since how long have you living at the foot of the Rockies in Littleton, Colorado?
I was born in Boulder, Colorado, and I have spent the majority of my life living on the front range. I moved to the Littleton area when I was 10, and after a brief stint in Omaha for college, my husband and I moved to back to the area we live in now in 2006.
Who is your favorite character that you became friends with during your childhood?
My favorite characters growing up were the girls in The Babysitters Club, by Ann M. Martin. I just knew I'd fit right in with that group! Then, as I became a teen, I really enjoyed reading about Christy Miller in the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. I think Christy and I were a lot alike.
Did you have any heroes growing up? If so, who were they?
My heroes were definitely other authors. I knew I wanted to do what they did.
Who all are a part of your family? Do they give you any story ideas or plots to work on?
I have two sisters and a brother, and I have definitely patterned some characters after them! I also use my parents and my daughters as basis for characters. They don't necessarily give me story ideas, but they do help me visualize how characters would respond to the plots that appear in my head.
How did you begin writing the Choir Girls series?
I began the Choir Girls series in 2010, while doing an assignment for the Institute of Children's LIterature. When I finally worked up the nerve to send out the first story, Soprano Trouble, in 2016, another story about the friends popped in my head, and Alto Secrets was born. Then Harmony Blues, then Solo Disaster. I didn't set out to write a series, but it just came to me as each story was done.
Being a fantasy author, how do you make your stories relatable and believable for your readers?
I'm actually not a fantasy writer...I prefer comtemporary fiction! :)
The Main Dish explores the bond of sisters and the pull of fame. What gave you the idea for this book and how were you able to capture the emotions so accurately?
I am a big fan of the show Master Chef Junior, and I always wonder about the real lives of those little kids. So a story from the point of view of an older sister of one of the contestants came easily. I've never forgotten what it was like to be a teenage girl who just wants friends and wants to be noticed for something, so I just channel my teenage self when writing about their emotions.
What is "Harmony Blues" about and how did you come up with the idea for this book?
Harmony Blues is about Brittany, one of the Choir Girls. In the first two books, Brittany seems to be an enabler for the bully Cammie. But there is more to her story, and Harmony Blues shows her life and a bit about why she's made the choices she has.
Who inspired the character of Cammie Dunn in "Solo Disaster"?
Thankfully no one in particular! She's really a compilation of a lot of mean girls that everyone faces in middle school.
What is the one thing that has changed after being an author? Do you miss anything?
The only thing that has changed is my desire to write. Once you see your book in print, it's pretty compelling to want to try it again.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Find a group of writing friends! They understand the struggles, and they can be key to your writing as you let them critique you.
What is your take on the importance of a good cover and title? Have you ever designed any book cover?
It's important to just accept that a lot of people choose books based on the titles and covers. I had a wonderful team at Morgan James Publishing who put together several concepts for The Main Dish, and I was able to choose one I loved. I think it's crucial to get as much input on the title and book cover design as you can.
Do you ever leave book reviews on other author's books? What do reviews mean to you?
Yes, I love reviewing other authors' books! That's because I know how important reviews are for me. The truth is, every author needs help selling their book, and reviews are the foundation. Not only do the reviewers help by telling their friends, but booksellers look at how many reviews there are when deciding to sell the books in their bookstores. Getting a review posted is almost better than just hearing that someone loved my book.
Is there anything new that you're working on? When can we expect the next book to come out?
My work in progress is a bit different than my current books. It's set in 2075, and a hurricane has been parked over Florida for the past 50 years. My main character's dad went missing in that hurricane about ten years before the start of my story, and her mom just announced that she's going to start dating, but my main character just KNOWS her dad is still alive... :) I don't have a timeline on when that one will come out, but hopefully by 2021! The Main Dish is still set to release on July 7, 2020, so that will be my newest book.
How were you first introduced to AllAuthor? Do you have any feedback?
I think I heard about it in one of my many writer groups! I've been thankful for them so far!
