Where in the state of Utah do you reside? Did you also grow up there?
I live in Syracuse, UT.
No. My father was in the military so I lived all over the United States, including Guam.
What were some of your hobbies as a child? Do you still enjoy the same things or have your tastes evolved since then?
Reading. Writing in my journal. Playing the piano and the violin. Cheerleading and dance.
I still play the piano and will occasionally play the violin. The cool thing is I passed my love of music on to my kids. I still love to read, journal, and dance. So, yeah, I guess I do still enjoy the same things. Now, I also enjoy baking cookies and eating them. That’s my favorite hobby!
Were you a big reader as a kid too? If so, what were some of your favourite books then?
Definitely. My mom would take us to the library and we would spend hours there. Even in college, the library there was my happy place.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. All of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. The Shannara books by Terry Brooks. What is your work schedule like when you are writing? I prefer to write in the afternoons and evenings. That’s when my creativity really starts to flow.
What themes does the BLOOD AND SNOW series center upon?
The series title has been changed to the SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY and there are more than 21 books in this world. Probably the biggest theme in my books is redemption. Another is that we all have a choice despite how we were raised or what others expect from us.
When you wrote the first book in the Blood and Snow series, did you expect to sell more than a million copies worldwide?
Definitely not. The first three books, or Snow White’s story came from a conversation with my two oldest children about what would happen if Snow White woke from that glass case at the end of the movie as a vampire.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
Marketing, probably. Followed closely by social media.
Music. Always music. It can lift me out of a funk, inspire a scene, or encourage me on.
What challenges did you face while writing your book, Eternally Entangled: A Rapunzel Reimagining told in the Seven Magics Academy World?
My biggest challenge was reigning in all the memories it inspired. ;) I never had magical jungle juice but my first year of college opened my eyes in ways I’ll never forget.
What inspired the twist in "A Beauty So Beastly" of swapping roles and making the female protagonist the beast instead of the guy?
The idea came to me in the shower. Haha. It’s where a lot of my early ideas were formulated. I knew I wanted to write a Beauty and the Beast reimagining but I wanted something completely different. The idea that she was the beast but so much more developed into what I wrote. In what ways did this change the feel of the story?
What is a rookie mistake that many first authors make and how do you advice to avoid or remedy it?
I think the biggest mistake new authors make is not believing in themselves. It takes a lot to write a story, especially one with a beginning, middle, and end. To do so is a great accomplishment. Many, many people try. Before I took a writing class in 2003, I’d written a bunch of story beginnings but never could get past the first few pages. It’s tough. So, believe in yourself first. After that, just get the story down.
Which is your most famous taco recipe?
Hmmm, I mean what I love about tacos is they are great with any meat. I love to add guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and salsa as well as some lettuce and tomato. If I could share one secret, it’s to take a pile of shredded cheese and cook it by itself in the pan until it gets golden brown. Flip it and cook that side. Then, after the soft corn or flour tortilla is warm, put the crispy cheese on top. It adds crunch and is delicious.
How does it feel to be an international bestselling author of science fiction and romantic suspense?
Sometimes I forget. Like with any job you have to keep striving, keep growing, and continue to get better at your craft. That’s what I do.
What are your plans for the future as a writer? Are you working on anything new?
Keep writing stories that hopefully people love to read.
Always.
How did you come to know about AllAuthor and when did you first sign up? Has the website met all your expectations?
A writing friend told me about it.
Yes. AllAuthor is great!
