Where are you from?
I was born and raised in a small town in Southern Illinois, but I have also lived in Indiana, Georgia, Chicago, Colorado, Haiti, New Zealand and Portland, Oregon.
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing at the age of thirteen as a way of processing the grief of losing my mother to cancer.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Probably a book called Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman, but also all the amazing fantasy and sci-fiction female greats such as Ursula LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Juliet Marillier, Octavia Butler, Anne McCaffrey and Lois McMaster Bujold.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Probably Juliet Marillier. I read her mythology/fantasy Seven Waters series when I was a teen. Then, a few years ago, I met her at a Con and sat on a panel with her, and she found my ideas and my writing interesting. I also got to be in an anthology with her where my story was the first in the book and hers was the last, like bookends. That was so awesome.
What book are you reading now?
I just finished Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis. It is a YA paranormal and I really enjoyed it.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Mary Holland is an amazing unknown fantasy author. Her book The Bone Road is one of my favorite books of all time.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I like so many authors, I could never pick just one. But what tends to strike me is honesty, humor, and a realistic bit of darkness. I don't like perfect characters or perfect endings, but there always needs to be a glimmer of hope.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Well, my first book took me three years to write, so probably just the huge amount of time expended. Mind you, I also moved overseas and back during that time and survived two major earthquakes in New Zealand. And the second book of my series only took me a little over six months. So, it does get easier.
Have you been an avid reader your entire life? (since you could read)
Yes. I would and did read almost anything I could get my hands on as a child, including encyclopedias and dictionaries.
What character in your books do you relate to most?
Olivia Black, my main character, for sure. She is dealing with the loss of a parent, is an introvert, and is different than everyone else, but she is still a strong, smart, snarky, young woman.
What is your favorite sport to watch and or play?
I'm not a big sports fan, but growing up I enjoyed playing volleyball and watching football. Now, I don't watch sports at all, but I have a love for any reality show with a competitive element. So, I guess my favorite sport is reality:)
Favorite Movie?
Stranger then Fiction and ANYTHING by Hayao Miyazaki.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla with chocolate sauce.
Puppy's or Kittens?
Both
Beach or Mountains?
Mountains
If you could be a color, what color would you be?
Deep Red
Favorite Dessert?
Blueberry Pie or Root beer floats
If you could be a book character, what character would you be?
Probably Olivia Black. I think that's why I wrote her. Plus, who wouldn't want to have a ghost hand?
