Have you lived in Canada all your life? What or who were some major influences for you as a kid?
Yes, I have. I’m Canadian born and raised. If you know anything about Canada, you know everything revolves around weather. I grew up in a small town on the shores of Lake Huron and spent much of my time outside as a child. Some of my favorite things to do were: swimming in the lake, canoeing, kayaking, climbing trees and building forts in the summer. In the winter, I spend just as much time outdoors, skiing, skating, snowmobiling, playing hockey, and tunneling into the huge snow drifts that blew off the lake behind my house. During those times, my brothers and I only ever came home when my Mom yelled out the patio door for us to come in for a meal or when it was time for bed.
Hockey was a big deal in my house. When I wasn’t practicing and playing with my team at an arena, my friends and I spent a lot of time playing road hockey on the street. I loved growing up in a small town. The world was my oyster and friends were never far away.
As a child, what were you always getting in trouble for? When is the last time you've gotten in serious trouble?
I never got in much trouble as a kid. I was too busy playing sports and making up new games in the forest across from my childhood home. Getting into trouble was always a challenge in my neighbourhood as both sets of my grandparents along with my aunt and uncle lived on same the street – just two or three houses away. So we were not only well supervised, but also very well feed. My Grandmas always made the best snacks!
How did you first discover the joy of writing? Or how did it discover you?
I was 8 years old. Pretty specific, right? I remember having to write an essay/story in school, but the kicker was that each student also had to memorize it and stand up and present it in the front of the class. It was an annual competition, and only the best three presenters (grades four through eight) would then be selected to deliver their monologue on stage to the rest of the school.
Much to my surprise, I won. In that moment, I realized the power of the written word and how impactful a great story can be.
What has been the most trying part in your journey as an author? How have you gotten through it?
Oh, wow…what a difficult question. I think all authors have struggles and find the writing journey frustrating sometimes. For me, the last year has been the most challenging. With three active girls romping around the house (and all the driving I do to practices, games, concerts etc.), it’s sometimes difficult to carve out enough time to accomplish everything I want to get done in a day. Balancing the business of raising a family with my creative side is a struggle I deal with daily. It’s a ton of fun and completely fulfilling, but a bit crazy as well.
Between "Fury of Fire" and "Knight Awakened", which one do you think you would enjoy more if you didn't write them?
I love the fantasy genre, so it’s hard for me to pick between Fury of Fire and Knight Awakened. Both books are fast paced with a lot of action. Those are the kind of books I enjoy reading, which is no doubt why I write them.
Which part of the book "Warrior's Revenge" was the most fun to write? What is the most intense scene you've ever written?
Warrior’s Revenge was the first book I ever wrote. I had so much fun writing Brigham and Aurora from start to finish that it’s hard for me to pick a single part of the book as my favorite. I will say, though, that I loved writing the scene in which they first meet. Aurora isn’t a pushover and ends up not only surprising Brigham, but also getting the better of him…which was fantastic to write.
I written a lot of intense scenes, but the one that stands out in my mind is one in Knight Avenged (Book 2 in the Circle of Seven Series). Shay’s horse is badly injured and he has no choice but to end his stallion’s life. I cried while I wrote that scene, because Shay’s emotion came through loud and clear. His heart broke that day, and mine along with his.
Would you say that you're a planner or a pantser?
I’d say I’m a hybrid. I plan a little before beginning a new book, just enough to set the story’s foundation and solidify a couple of turning points in my mind. After that, I fall headlong into being a pantser, allowing the story to develop organically on the page and the characters to drive the plot as I write the book.
What was most memorable about writing the Dragonfury Series? Why did you write this series?
The Dragonfury Series grew naturally out of Knight Awakened, Book 1 in the Circle of Seven Series. In the middle of writing Knight Awakened three dragons showed up. I hadn’t expected them. Didn’t plan for them. But there they were in all their scaly glory. Which led me to start asking questions, things like: who they were, how was it possible they existed, where had they come from? The digger I dug, the more concrete the idea of Fury of Fire, the first book in the Dragonfury Series, became.
What is the oddest way you've found inspiration for a story?
Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes—from odd places and at the strangest times. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’ve been inspired until a month or two later when a specific scenario ends up in a scene I am writing or an idea for a completely new story pops into my head.
How long does it usually take you to write a book? Are you a fan of cliff hangers?
An idea for a story might bubble in the back of my brain for six months to a year (maybe even longer), but when I’m ready to start writing the book, it’ll usually take me three to four months from word one to The End.
Do you think you would get along with the characters you create? If you had to choose between Afina Lazar (Knight Awakened) and J.J. Solares (Fury of Desire) as your BFF, who would you pick and why?
Absolutely! I think I would get along with all of the characters I create, maybe because I get to know them so well while I write their stories. And honestly, I can’t choose been two of my own characters. I love them all equally!
Are you working on anything currently?
I am, although it’s a bit of a departure for me. Although, I continue to work on the Dragonfury Series books, I’m in the process of plotting and writing a thriller. I’m really excited about the new characters that have invaded my writing lair and am enjoying getting to know them better.
