How did your experiences living on both sides of the Atlantic influence your writing?
Living in both the UK and the US has given me a unique perspective on culture, language, and storytelling. I've been exposed to a wide variety of narrative traditions, which has broadened my understanding of different storytelling techniques and character development. The contrasts between the two cultures have also allowed me to create more diverse and relatable characters and settings, as well as identify and create characters that don’t feel they belong in one particular place. It's been fascinating to see how readers in different parts of the world interpret my stories, and this dual experience has certainly influenced the way I write and connect with my audience.
What inspired you to write your first novel, "The Shadow Keepers"?
"The Shadow Keepers" was inspired by my own struggles with mental health, specifically anxiety and PTSD. I wanted to create a story that reflected the inner battles so many of us face, especially during our formative years. By personifying these struggles through supernatural elements, I aimed to give readers a visceral understanding of the invisible wars waged within. It was important to me to provide a narrative that showed young people they're not alone in their struggles and that there is hope, even in the darkest of times. And that anxiety isn’t something to fight against, but to learn to live around.
Can you share how you balance writing middle grade and young adult fiction with your role as a mentor for aspiring authors?
Balancing writing with mentoring is all about time management and passion. I set aside specific times for writing and keep those sacred, while also dedicating time to my mentees. Mentoring is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to give back to the writing community and help emerging writers find their voice. Writing for different age groups requires shifting mindsets, but it's a welcome challenge that keeps my creativity fresh. The key is to stay organized and to remember that both writing and mentoring are driven by a love of storytelling and a desire to connect with others.
In "The Unadjusteds," you explore themes of mental health. What was your approach to handling this topic in a way that resonates with young readers?
When writing "The Unadjusteds," I wanted to address mental health in a way that was both authentic and accessible. I focused on creating characters who felt real and whose struggles were relatable. By weaving these themes into a dystopian narrative, I was able to explore the impact of societal pressures on mental health in a way that was engaging and thought-provoking. I believe it's crucial to handle these topics with sensitivity, ensuring that readers feel seen and understood without being overwhelmed, and to show them that they have an inner strength, no matter how “weak” the may feel at the time.
"The Mermaid Chronicles" has a strong fantasy element. How did you develop the world of mermaids, and what inspired this series?
The inspiration for "The Mermaid Chronicles" came from my love of the ocean and fascination with its mysteries. As a swimmer, I often imagined what it would be like to explore the depths as a mermaid, living in a world so different from our own. Developing this world involved a lot of research into marine life and myths about mermaids from different cultures. I wanted to create a world that was both fantastical and grounded in reality, where the ocean is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing entity. The series allowed me to explore themes of identity, belonging, love, and the environment, all wrapped up in an underwater adventure.
How do you approach creating relatable characters for your audience in the science fiction and fantasy genres?
Creating relatable characters in science fiction and fantasy involves grounding them in real emotions and experiences. No matter how fantastical the setting, readers connect with characters who face challenges, experience growth, and navigate relationships in ways that feel authentic. And this is often why I include mental health aspects in my books. I spend a lot of time developing my characters' backstories, motivations, and personal struggles to ensure they resonate with my audience. By giving them flaws, strengths, and a clear sense of purpose, I hope to create characters that readers see themselves in, regardless of the genre.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing "The Rise of the Altereds," and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in writing "The Rise of the Altereds" was maintaining the balance between action and character development. In a series that's heavily plot-driven, it's easy to lose sight of the characters' internal journeys. To overcome this, I made sure to weave character arcs into the action sequences, ensuring that every challenge they faced pushed them to grow and change. I also relied on feedback from beta readers to ensure the pacing felt right and that the characters' emotional journeys were compelling. It was a delicate balance, but one that ultimately enriched the story.
As a mentor for the Write Mentor program, what advice do you give to new authors starting out in the MG and YA genres?
My main advice to new authors is to read widely in the genre they want to write. Understanding the landscape of MG and YA is crucial for crafting stories that are both fresh and engaging. Perseverance is key. No one will write the book for you and if you give up, then it will never happen. So laugh in the face of rejection and keep on trucking. And also, find your writing tribe – find other authors at the same stage as you who can support you! My writing group have been together for years now and every time one of us gets a rejection we send a fart gif to make them laugh.
Do you have any particular routines or rituals that help you get into the writing zone?
Tea. Silence. And a spreadsheet! Once I’m excited about a story I’m like a dog with a bone and it’s hard to tear me away! If only my fingers could type faster! I often have my diffuser going with some drops of Siberian Fir, Cedar Wood and geranium. I love foresty and woody smells and they seem to ground me while I’m writing.
Can you describe a moment in your writing career that made you realize you were truly an author?
The first time I signed with an agent was validation! It confirmed I could do it and that I did have talent! Another moment that stands out to me was when I held a printed copy of my first novel, "The Shadow Keepers," in my hands for the first time. Seeing my name on the cover and realizing that my story was out there in the world was incredibly surreal. Another defining moment was receiving messages from readers who connected deeply with my characters and stories. Knowing that my writing had an impact on someone else's life solidified my identity as an author and gave me a tone of warm and squishy feelings.
Swimming and imagining yourself as a mermaid sounds fascinating. How does this creative hobby influence your writing?
Swimming has always been a meditative practice for me, allowing my mind to wander and imagine new worlds, as well as a way to sort through problems without letting them overwhelm me. Imagining myself as a mermaid helps me tap into the fantasy elements of my stories and consider what it would be like to live underwater. This hobby has inspired the vivid descriptions of oceanic settings in "The Mermaid Chronicles," and it helps me connect with my characters on a deeper level. The sensation of being in water—weightlessness, the muffled sounds—feeds directly into my creative process and enriches my storytelling.
Do you have a favorite setting or location that frequently appears in your novels?
I find myself often returning to settings that are secluded or isolated in some way, like remote islands, dense forests, or underwater realms. These settings allow my characters to explore their internal conflicts and grow without the distractions of the outside world. They also provide a rich backdrop for the fantastical elements of my stories. I love creating immersive worlds where readers can lose themselves and experience the thrill of adventure and discovery alongside the characters. Specifically though, the cave in The Unadjusteds, Atlantis in The Mermaid Chronicles, and the forest in The Unraveling of Luna Forest all have special places in my heart.
How do you handle writer's block or creative obstacles?
When I encounter writer's block, I try to step back and take a break. Often, going for a swim or a walk helps clear my mind and allows ideas to flow more freely. I also find it helpful to revisit my outlines and character notes to reconnect with the core of the story. Sometimes, I’ll get my writing friends to help my brainstorm and that usually does the trick.
What can readers expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or new genres you’re exploring?
ALL The THINGS! I’m currently working on the last two books (book 6&7) in The Mermaid Chronicles. I am querying for a new agent with 3 different books – Camp Nowhere is a YA horror about six teens on their gold DofE hike who get stuck in a time loop with a serial killer. When Mina Murray Met Drake Stoker is a YA modern day Dracula retelling told through social media. I wanted Dracula to have his own love story. And Hunting Humanity is an NA vampire romantasy perfect for fans of Fourth Wing. I need to write the reaming two books in the trilogy and IU have two new series I want to start working on! So, yeah…ALL THE THINGS!!!!
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?
I first discovered AllAuthor through social media and recommendations from fellow authors. I appreciate how the platform provides a space for authors to connect with readers and showcase their work. The ability to participate in promotional activities and utilize their marketing tools is incredibly useful for reaching a wider audience. I adore the mockups for covers! However, I think there could be more options for personalizing author profiles to better reflect individual branding. Overall, it's been a helpful resource in my author journey.
