I like to change it up between candied pecans, or spicy chips.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to crochet! I find it very relaxing. I’ve been doing it for 26 years and have made a wide range of items from blankets, baby clothes, mug cozy’s, princess dolls, Bluey dolls, trick-or-treat bags, and holiday decor.
Do you have a secret talent?
Not a lot of people know that I sing. I was in a variety of choir groups growing up and in high school, and I performed in a few talent shows. I’d love to get into local musicals some day, but for now I participate in my church choir.
What are your favorite books to read?
Fantasy is always a go-to for me, but I’ve recently gotten into cozy mysteries and have really enjoyed them.
What authors inspire you?
It’s hard to pick just one author! Authors from my childhood, who first sparked my love of books, like Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and Barbara Park will forever hold a special place in my heart.
What genre do you primarily write?
Cozy Fantasy
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always loved storytelling; writing prompts in English class were a welcomed sight. I love the idea of creating a new world and making it whatever I want it to be. There’s a feeling of creativity without limits that comes with writing.
When do you write?
Evenings
Do you consider yourself a Plotter or a Panster?
Something in the middle
How do you go about world building for your writing?
I have an idea in mind of the style of world, and then I develop it more as I write.
What is your writing routine?
I make sure I’m in comfortable clothing, and there’s usually a blanket on my lap. I turn out the office light, leaving only the fun colored lights trimmed around the closet that I usually switch to pink. I grab a snack and a drink, then turn on my lyrical music(sometimes lyrical music with nature sounds), and away I go into the writing zone!
What is the most rewarding part of writing for you?
When someone comes up to me, with a light in their eyes and shares how much they deeply enjoyed the story, that’s what brings me the most joy. When someone resonates with the main character and loves their journey throughout my book, it helps me feel that it was all worth it. To produce something from my heart that brought someone else joy is indescribable.
What’s your favorite part about being an author?
Ok, I secretly really love it when someone brings me a copy of my book to sign for them. It’s so fun!!
How have your life experiences shaped your writing?
The people I’ve met, and the places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit have molded my stories into what they are now. They are greatly influenced by my surroundings and experiences throughout my life.
Who is your favorite character in your short story?
Even though she plays a smaller role, I absolutely love Kole’s little sister Jasmine. She has a slightly bigger role in my book Lythreal, but I love her young, care-free, life-loving style. She adds a layer of child-like innocence that brings you back to your childhood, when things were simpler and your biggest worry was which toy to play with that day.
What are you most excited about with being part of this anthology?
I’m excited to be working with a group of authors and the experience I’m gaining. I’m learning so much about different publishing styles and techniques, as well as advertising ideas and strategies.
How did you come up with the idea for your short story?
One of the characters from my book, Lythreal, has a hidden talent with fire. I decided to turn this short story into his backstory leading up to his story in my book.
Is your story in the anthology a standalone short, or is it part of a series?
I’ve made it into a novella for my Lythreal Duology.
Do you have other books out that you’d like to let readers know about?
I have one book published, Lythreal, that is available on Amazon.
Any final things you want readers to know?
You’re awesome! Keeping reading and supporting authors that you love, it means more than you know. And if you’ve ever thought about writing a book, DO IT! The world needs your stories, and who knows, maybe you are the one who will inspire someone else to start writing their stories.
