What are some memories from your childhood that stand out most to you? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the rural area of Dover, Arkansas. My days consisted of trees, creeks, and beautiful blue-sky days – that is until it became to unbearable to stay outdoors and all the creeks were dry. Then it was time to curl up and read.
My fondest memories are of me and my grandmother reading together outside. She was a Louis L’Amour fan, while I tended to read ghost stories or something more fantasy. We hardly ever agreed on genre taste, but man did we love keeping each other company with some cold lemonade as we escaped into our stories. Sadly, she passed away when I was 13. Oh, how I’ve wished for one more book to read with her.
At what age, exactly, did you start writing books? What was your first story about and do you plan on ever incorporating those early ideas into a published book in the future?
My imagination was wild as a kid, again I thank my grandmother for that. At the age of 7, I wrote my first children’s book about a boy and his pet alligator named Sam. It was bit of a spin off from Clifford but with an alligator. The boy (who I never named) and Sam would go on all sorts of adventures but most of the time Sam would get into trouble.
I don’t know that I will ever publish these stories, but I have typed them up and formatted them for my own children.
What inspired you to become a writer of urban fantasy and paranormal books?
I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal. I can blame that on my Aunt Penny. She was a reader like my grandmother, one out of five kids. Of course, she read Anne Rice and Stephen King to which my grandmother frowned upon, but hey, she was a reader.
I’ve also got to give credit to my grandfather Gerald (my mom’s dad). Though my other grandma frowned upon a lot of things, he would often tell me urban legends from around our area. He was the one to tell me about the Dover Lights, which I would become fascinated about (still am) and would later write DEEP IN THE HOLLOW.
A reader from a young age, who was your favorite author? Did you grow up reading supernatural suspenses?
I enjoyed L.J. Smith (though I’m a little irked she never finished one series I was obsessed with), Anne Rice, R.L. Stine, and whatever good paranormal/fantasy/thriller book I could get my hands on.
What do you love the most about folklore and stories of beings that go bump in the night? Choose your favorite- Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, or Star Wars?
I love the mystery of it. The unknown. It leaves you guessing and lets your imagination run wild. Is it true or not?
Oh gosh, I’m probably going to get hung for this but Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit. I love Middle Earth and want to live there so bad! My husband is the Star Wars fan and my son Jace is the Harry Potter fan. All the bases are covered in our house.
Who was the inspiration behind the character Jo Moss in "Deep in the Hollow"? Do you think a lot of women have felt the way Jo Moss did at some point in their lives?
I see a lot of teenage self in Jo. She’s closed-off when things become too personal and she does a lot of the blame game. I was that girl. Keep them at arm’s length and you won’t get hurt. It’s how Jo thinks and it’s how I often thought in my teen’s, especially after the passing of my grandmother.
I do feel like a lot of women have felt the way Jo does. She’s confused and wants answer, but also doesn’t want to get close to anyone. Her trust was broken, which happens a lot. Jo learns, though, that there are some who are trustworthy, and she begins to rebuild her confidence in herself and the world around her now that she has different looking glass.
Which was your favourite book to write in the "Spiritual Discord" series? What are some emotions that you felt when you finished writing the final chapter of "Beath of Life?"
My favorite was Darkest Reaches. It was interesting writing about the Underworld and some of the creatures there. My favorite were the Sprites. They are sarcastic little beasts.
When I finished Breath of Life, I felt sad and happy at the same time. Sabrina was getting her answers, finally, but it all came at a cost. It was a very emotional book that left many tears stains on my cheeks.
What were some of the harder aspects of depicting the relationship between Cooper and Jada in "Buried in the Bayou?" What about the book do you love and hate the most?
Jada and Cooper’s relationship is rough. Their brother and sister and come from the same hunting background, however, their stories are very different. Jada went through a lot more emotionally, which readers discover in WHISPER IN THE LAKE. It’s hard for her to take a breath and be okay with someone comforting her, even her brother. The most emotion they show one another is a head nod.
I loved the atmosphere of the book. While writing it, I drove down to Louisiana to get a better feel for the book and it helped me add so much character to the scenes. I hated Jo and Cooper’s struggle when she comes down to visit. I wanted it to be all lovey dovey lets find some ghosts and lay them to rest. However, that wouldn’t fit the true story or show the conflict raging inside of them both.
Which of your characters do you relate most to and why? What would you say to them if you met them in real life?
Out of all the characters I have written, I relate to Racquel from The Shadow World and Jo from Deep in the Hollow the most. They are both independent and strong-willed, but they keep everyone at a distance. It isn’t until they start discovering themselves that they come out of their shells that they discover who they really are and what they want. It’s then that they also create lasting relationship.
Broken Faith is YA Paranormal with an angels vs. demons twist. What made you decide to create a story where Heaven and Hell would clash?
I had always wanted to write a story about fallen angels. I’d been brainstorming over the idea for some time, but never came up with something concrete. It wasn’t until me and my husband to a trip to upstate New York that the 1,200 mile trip would spark the idea. The idea was for the fallen angel to find a way to save those who had been turned against their will, though many believed it couldn’t be done. Sparkle in some vampires and witches who have hope in him, and you’ve got Broken Faith.
Who is one Supernatural Suspense author that you would love to do a collaboration with?
Wendy Webb. I love her work.
A lot of authors have a distinct writing style that sets them apart from the rest. What would you say characterizes your writing?
Hmmm… I’m not really sure. I believe every writer has their own voice and that we do our best to let that voice shine. I’m not sure what I do to standout amongst the rest, but my hope is that it’s enough to make the story unique enough for readers they remember the characters tale.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
Currently, I’m getting ready to release my YA Mystery MURDER IS A DEBATE. It’s the story of three unlikely friends who come together in an online chat room to form the Murder Mystery Club. It was supposed to be fun, not deadly. Now the question stands, was one too curious? It will release March 28, 2019
