Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Southern California. I’m the oldest of seven kids. Seven. My house was always loud and with little to no privacy. It was nice, though, in the long long. Because we were in somewhat tight quarters, I developed close relationships with my siblings. We’re all still really close today, even though not all of us live in the same state.
I started writing stories as soon as I learned how to hold a pencil. I loved to make up characters and grand adventures. Well, grand to my seven-year-old self. My first series was fiction. I wrote them when I was around seven or eight, and titled them “The Slena Stories.” I don’t remember much about them – just a girl named Slena who would go see exotic lands. Those little one-page novellas were the start of my writing career, though.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Entwined Paths.” It is the second installment in my Swift Shadows series. It was inspired by about a hundred other books. Whenever I read a new book and like what happens, or even dislike, I take what someone else wrote and twist it into something that works for me, or something even better than what I read before. Without other authors, I’m not sure any of my own works would exist.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write everything out by hand first. When I write the outline, the paragraph blips, and then the official first bit of actual storytelling. All done by hand. I can’t think as well when I’m staring at a computer screen. It used to make writing take twice as long until I found an amazing app for my iPad. The app lets me write out everything I want by hand and then a quick double-tap of my finger turns my handwritten words into typed out pages ready for exporting to a word docx. My iPad is my lifesaver.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors have inspired me! My absolute favorites, though, are Madeleine L’Engle, Gerald N. Lund, Sarah J. Maas, Victoria Hanley, and Gerald Morris. Each one wrote books that have become a part of me and drove me to write better. Madeleine L’Engle introduced me into the world of fantasy when I was eight or nine. From then on, I devoured books with magic and dragons and feats of courage. I hold my love of fantasy largely because of her.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Book 3 of my Swift Shadows series. It will be titled, “A Pair of Silver & Teal.” This should be the final book in the series. I’ll most likely write some side novellas about supporting characters in the series, but APOSAT will be the end of following Emry and Declan.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookstagram! If you’re not on Bookstagram, you should be. It’s a phenomenal community of book bloggers, authors, and average readers all sharing what we love most: books! I’ve met some amazing people on there. It’s such a positive, wonderful place.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and write. Every day. Reading helps your writing as you discover the different styles and flows of other authors. Writing every day is just good practice. Like riding a bike, it takes practice to become a good writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was actually in a poem by Robert Service. The poem is called “Carry On” and I think it was written after WWI. The whole thing is truly inspiring, but the best advice I’ve ever had was in those opening lines: “It’s easy to fight when everything’s right, and you’re mad with the thrill and the glory.” Those words remind me to keep going, even when everything seems hard and impossible. Life is work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be rewarding.
What are you reading now?
I actually just finished a book last night. I read “The Forgotten Book” by Mechthild Gläser. I read it in one day, so it’s a quick read. I really liked it, though. The story was great and the cover is gorgeous!
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. It’s my life. I have plenty more stories within my head in need of sharing. I think I’ll be writing until I die.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Easy. I’d bring the ACOTAR series, The Seer & the Sword, The Squire’s Tales, and my own books – because the characters within them are my friends and I’d want them to keep my company on this desert island.
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