Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a writer and artist?
For as long as I can remember, I've been creative. I started taking my artwork seriously in my preteen years. I remember, at the age of about thirteen, drawing Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian and being shocked when they actually looked like them. I mean, proper likenesses! I was off like a rocket after that, drawing constantly. At maybe fifteen or sixteen, I started writing stories. Over the years, I wrote all kinds of things, from fan fiction to original tales and poetry, and I even fiddled around with screenplays. But I rarely shared my work outside of close friends or family, and even then, I kept most of my writing to myself.
You have a diverse range of interests, from music and movies to miniatures and anime. How do these interests influence your writing and art?
Music is one of my most significant influences on writing. Lyrics, the mood of a song, the power of the music, and how it moves me all spark ideas! It's the same for all kinds of entertainment. I've had long and epic story ideas grow from staring at a single photograph. Anime is a newer influence. I only discovered it about ten years ago. It's refreshing to experience storytelling from other parts of the world. It takes you out of the expected Western tropes, helps you to think differently, and sparks new and random ideas. When it comes to miniatures, that's something I enjoy when I need a break from other creative endeavors.
What draws you to the genres of sci-fi, adventure, fantasy, and the paranormal?
All of those genres are escapism. Everyone has to deal with mundane life—the trials and tribulations of everyday things. I have always loved the fantastic! Whether it is spooky stories, tales from the depths of outer space, or stories that sweep me off on a grand adventure! I love mixing those genres up in my writing, which can make categorizing my books rather tricky. But I won't limit myself. If my story has elements of most, or all these genres, which most will, I won't force it into one.
What was the turning point that encouraged you to publish your work after writing stories privately for so many years?
I wrote a long and involved fan fiction story in just a few months that ended up being the length of a novel, which made me realize that I could actually finish my stories if I put my mind to it. Having always written casually, only for myself, I felt no real urge to finalize the tales. Also, I finally discovered a process that worked for me, so whenever I opened those big files, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by them.
After receiving a positive response to the fan fiction and encouragement from my sister, as well as from my best friend and long-time author, RL Davis Hays, I decided to finish my original stories and publish them. I had several stories that simply needed completion, so with a new confidence, I set my mind to it and finished Codex Sohrakia first, then moved right into The Devil's Conquest.
Putting the stories out there for the public to read was like diving off a cliff for me. It was scary and exciting. I wasn’t sure how Codex Sohrakia would be received, since it’s such an unusual book. But the reception, again, has been marvelous! I've learned so much and continue to learn more each day.
How did it feel to receive rave reviews for your debut novel, "Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark"?
I was pleasantly surprised. Not that I am not proud of my work, but I was so happy that it seemed to click with readers. Codex Sohrakia is unusual. I wasn't sure how it would be received. As hard as I worked to make it feel otherworldly, ancient, and classic, I still felt it was a strange story that might not be something other people would like. Apparently, I was wrong, and that's marvelous!
Can you share a bit about your experience with AO3 and how writing fan fiction has influenced your development as a writer?
Fan fiction is a great way to practice! In the past, I would read my favorite authors and then write stories in their style simply to learn how their minds worked. Doing so helped me to find my own style, which seemed to grow out of these various exercises. AO3 has been an excellent way to share and find readers. I don't post a lot over there, especially now that I'm concentrating more on my original works, but I am grateful to have utilized it and that it played a part in my writing journey.
"Codex Sohrakia: The Gifted Dark" has been well-received. Can you give us a brief overview of the story and its main themes?
It's been tricky sharing brief information about Codex Sohrakia without giving away details I want new readers to discover as they read. It's a tale that is both intimate and sweeping. It sets up worlds and dimensions—a kind of new mythology or philosophy. It explores duality, curiosity, creativity, love, and redemption. It's both intimate and sweeping. There are "gods," "angels," "demons," and a myriad of other beings. But it puts a spin on light-versus-darkness, good-versus-evil. It's an emotional and fantastical journey written in an old-world, poetic style. That said, it's a fast read. It's not bogged down, yet remains highly descriptive.
How do you approach character development in your novels? Are any of your characters inspired by real people or personal experiences?
To be frank, my characters write themselves. Sometimes, it can take a long time to write a story because I have to wait for the characters to "speak" to me. And I mean that quite literally. No, not that I hear "voices in my head," but when I write, I do hear their distinct voices in their dialogue or their unique thought process in the prose. Sometimes, I do base certain characters on people I know. Sometimes I'm influenced by an actor or even other fictional characters. Sometimes I dream a character, vivid, lucid dreams that leave such a strong impression I must write them! I don't use any kind of guides, charts, or plans to develop a character. I simply let them guide me as I write.
Your second novel, "The Devil’s Conquest," is also available on Amazon. How does it differ from your debut novel in terms of themes, style, and story?
The Devil's Conquest is quite different, and yet there are parts of it, especially in the second half of the book, when a bit of the supernatural begins to play a part, that might feel a bit like Codex Sohrakia. Overall, it's more of a straightforward historical, romantic, adventure tale. Again, it's an intimate story of a pirate and his love, with the dangerous baddie and a mystery that actually connects it to Codex, if the reader has read both books and pays close attention. No, the connection is not obvious and it's not necessary to read Codex to enjoy The Devil's Conquest.
Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you stay productive?
The best way for me to keep writing is to read. And not just to read anything, but to read those authors who awaken my own writing voice. Whenever my writing mind quiets, I can awaken it by reading Brian Lumley, Anne Rice, Edgar Rice Burroughs, HP Lovecraft, and a few others. Even reading my own work gets me into editing mode, which also gets my creative juices flowing again.
How do you handle writer’s block or periods of low creativity?
When I feel "switched off," I let myself rest a bit. Sometimes, that's all I need. Then my brain begins to write again as if I'm narrating my own life, and I know the words are ready to flow. Other times, I'll simply open one of my unfinished works and dive into it. As mentioned above, once I get into editing mode, the writing begins to flow again.
What are your long-term goals as a writer and artist? Do you have any dream projects you'd like to work on?
At this point I simply want to finish my unfinished works and publish those that I feel are worthy to be published. I want to carry on with the Codex Sohrakia series, but I also have a few stand-alone stories/novels I'm working on, and a few ideas percolating that I will tackle at some point.
Are there any other genres or styles you’d like to explore in your future works?
I want to tackle science fiction/psychology. I've not written much in sci-fi, and I have some ideas that I'd love to explore. Psychology plays a huge part in everything I write. It utterly fascinates me, and now, with AI coming into the forefront...well, even before all the latest news and debate over it, I was formulating a concept I look forward to delving into.
What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind after a long day of writing and creating?
I enjoy listening to music, watching YouTube (chateau and other renovations, paranormal clips, etc.), catching up on anime or other shows that are pure entertainment, and reading every night before bed, which helps to relax and keep my writing voice alive.
When did you join AllAuthor? What do you think of the experience so far? Do you have any feedback?
AllAuthor has been my favorite site for book promo so far. I've enjoyed all the options it offers, including the great auto-tweets and the ability to create excellent book photos, blurb images, and review gifs—always aiding in having something new to share. The website is well-designed and easy to use. I've recommended it to other authors and will continue to do so.
