Where have you spent your childhood? How would you describe your childhood in five words?
I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, before I moved to the US for college. My childhood was quiet, multicultural, sheltered, and typical but fun.
What was your relationship with books and writing growing up?
Unfortunately, we weren’t encouraged to read (outside of textbooks) much at schools in Indonesia. But I’ve always loved reading. I started with comic and Japanese manga books before moving on to YA mystery books like the Famous Five.
What was the first book you ever wrote and what was it titled? Was it ever published?
I started my first book over a decade ago. I dusted the manuscript and rewrote it a few years ago, and now it is published under the title “Echoing Hearts,” the first book in my romance series.
What characterizes a good book to you?
A good book should evoke emotions that transport the readers into the book, either through the story, characters, prose, or all together.
Why do you write romance? What first introduced you to the romance genre?
I love romance because of its happily-ever-after. As a reader, you go through the ups and downs of a romance, but you know that the couple will find happiness. It’s a great escape from daily reality.
I first read high-school romance books before I found historical romance and other romance sub-genres.
What was it that inspired the Echo series? Does Rae Allen hold a special place in your heart, seeing as though she’s one of the first characters you created in the series?
A song called “Echo” by my favorite band inspired the first book, “Echoing Hearts.” It is about being rescued by love.
All my characters hold a special place in my heart, but Rae’s friendship with Brandon Rossi helped me create the series. I started with one book to tell Rae’s and Dean’s love story, but they had such supportive friends that I had to write stories about their friends, too. So now we have book 2, His Forever Muse—Brandon’s story. Book 3, Unexpected Entanglement, will officially be released on April 19. It will follow the story of Chris Sullens, Dean’s best friend from book 1.
How important is physical appearance to you when creating a character for a suspense book?
For the suspense part of the book, I wouldn’t say physical appearance is important. The physical appearance of the characters is crucial to the romantic interest. I build the suspense through the feeling of the unknown and a special villain POV.
In what ways did Rae grow from book 1 to book 2 and how does that follow with your own growth personally and also as an author?
Rae is the heroine in book 1. She is the center of that story, and we mostly see her growth in that book from someone who avoids love to someone who embraces love despite her fear. But readers can still see Rae in book 2, but her role in that book is as the best friend who encourages and advises her friend in his quest for love.
Writing book 2 showed me what my writing voice is and my capabilities. I have Rae and Brandon to thank for that.
What is the “His Forever Muse” about?
His Forever Muse is the follow-up of Echoing Hearts, where the focus is on one of the supporting characters in the previous book. Brandon is Rae Allen’s best friend. He is a rock star and a visual artist, and he goes on a trip to find his muse. He finds his ever first muse during a stop in Morocco. They rekindled their teenage affections, but something dark lurking may jeopardize their reunion.
Do you prefer writing a series of standalones? Why or why not?
My series actually consists of interconnecting standalones. Each book can be read independently, but they are a part of one world about a group of close friends. I love writing this type of series because you can get to know the characters deeper, and I can give each character time to shine.
For how long have you been living in Durham?
My family moved to Durham in 2016 from Jakarta. Before our last stint in Jakarta, we lived in Kathmandu, Nepal, for three years.
What do you do when you get an idea for a book? Do you write it out immediately, or do you wait for it to incubate in your head for a while?
I will note it down and let it stew. It takes time to develop a compelling story.
Do you have a real life inspiration behind the character of Dean Rowland? What inspired you to write it?
Funny enough, the original Dean Rowland was inspired by one of my favorite musicians from decades back. But the character has evolved so much in the rewrite that I can’t say he was modeled on anyone in particular.
What has been the most enjoyable part of being a writer for you? How do you plan to sustain it?
The writing of stories I love is what I enjoy. I also love it when readers find enjoyment in my books. It is nerve-racking to share my work, but it feels rewarding when a reader tells me how much they enjoyed my books.
How did you come across AllAuthor and what made you sign up? What do you think of the website so far?
Fellow authors introduced me to AllAuthor cover contest. That was how I signed up. The site has helped make my books more visible to new groups of readers.
