Dazzled by Books

1. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I love the saying, “Be kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”  That’s basically the theme I wrote LIFE UNAWARE around. Everyone is fighting. Everyone is in some sort of pain. No matter how they seem on the outside.

2. If you could collaborate with an author (dead or alive), who would you choose?

Without question, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). I love his wit, humor, and we share a passion for dogs.

3. What was the hardest part about writing your book?

Regan, the main character, suffers from anxiety. I suffer from anxiety. The hardest part for me was reenacting my own struggles with panic attacks both inwardly and outwardly on the page. It was triggering, but at the same time, healing. So while it was hard, it was beneficial in the long run.

4. How does writing contemporary differ from your paranormal and fantasy writing?

When I was seventeen, I was kicked out of my house. Homeless, I spent several months living out of my car. This was before the dawn of cell phones, so for entertainment I went to the library and checked out stacks of books to read by flashlight in my car. The books I chose to read were all fantasy, because I needed a break from the reality of my situation.

Because of this, I modeled my own fantasy novels after books I would have enjoyed during that time. Funny. Exciting. Escapism. I did (and still do!) read a lot of comics as well. And my goal with my KATANA series was to write a comic book in novel form.

With my contemporaries, however, I decided to go in a different direction. I’ve reached the point in my life where it’s finally time to confront my personal demons—things like my past and my struggles with anxiety. I decided the best way to do just that was through my writing. I think my contemporary books will definitely reflect that.

5. Do you have any other projects currently in the works?

I do! I have a new adult contemporary releasing in July. As far as young adult, I’m currently working on a Jane Austin/Perks of Being a Wallflower mashup/hybrid. I’m super excited about it.

6. What is the best part about being an author?

I love it all! From the creative outlet, to the coffee consumption, pajama dress code, and doggy writing partners! But if I have to pick only one, my favorite part is when readers reach out to me because they connected with something in one of my books. For me, there’s no greater thing.