Tell me about yourself. What inspired you to write?
One of my favorite book series is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I had such an emotional reaction to it. I had started writing a book long before that, but put it aside after some time, I just wasn’t ready to write it. After reading those books, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to write a great fantasy adventure with characters that made you feel something, I wanted to evoke that same response from readers. I was so thrilled when those were the comments that I got back from readers. When inspiration finally struck for what my book would be, I was visiting my family ranch in San Diego, which itself feels like a magical place. There is a grouping of cliff rocks far to the east of their ranch. Close enough to see, but too far to really hike to. They always felt forbidden. I have grown up looking at them, wanting to go. I thought, what if I were drawn there for a reason much bigger than anything I could have guessed? The story evolved from there in a very big way.
Describe your desk / writing space.
I have two, one is my standing desk, which has crystals and a salt lamp, as well as various little charms I’m convinced bring me luck. I also have a light-up colorful mechanical keyboard which I adore. But sometimes I need to be mobile, so I write on my ipad with a keyboard cover, which also lights up with pretty colors, because everything has to be colorful for me.
Do you have a writing routine or do you write when inspired?
Both. I tend to write early in the mornings, when the house is quiet and I’m just waking from dreams. I find that kind of magical. I also write whenever I can, if I can find little pockets of time to make some progress, or if an idea strikes for what will happen next, I can’t help but think about it until I get it written. Once I have an idea like that, it kind of demands to be on the page.
What was the hardest scene for you to write? Which scene was your favorite to write?
There was a really dark cave scene which was so emotionally difficult for me. It was very much like the hero’s journey stage of death and rebirth , both for my character and for myself. I had to face a lot of my own past in order to finish it. My favorite scene to write was an epic battle, I had a flurry of creative ideas during that time, and the visuals turned out really stunning.
How do you come up with the title to your books?
With a lot of thought! And advice from those familiar with what I’m writing. I get a lot of feedback before I settle on a title. The title for my first novel changed three times.
What are you working on next?
I am just finishing up the draft for book 3 of the Vale Born series, July 1st I’ll be launching a novella set with my writing partner Laura L. Hohman. It’s going to be totally different from what we usually write: a set of three romantic Christmas novellas with a fantasy twist!
If you could live anywhere, in this world or fantasy, where would you live?
In this world, Austria, I absolutely love it there. Fantasy, I would love to live in Velaris, and write or paint by the shores of the Sidra (location from A Court of Mist and Fury)
What is your favorite meal?
Sushi: Baked Scallops with California rolls, it’s what I want to eat anytime I celebrate something!
Coffee or tea? Wine or beer?
Definitely coffee Red wine
Describe yourself in three words.
Prolific Creative Unicorn
