Ask the Author
*howls* What’s up, Wolfe Pack? So, I did an interview a while ago where I was given a whole slew of questions to pick from. Since I couldn’t do them all, I decided to keep hold of the more interesting ones and answer them later on. Without further ado…
What’s your writing process like? Are you a planner or do you fly by the seat of your pants? A little bit of both?
I guess it’s a combo platter. I like to write out bios and jot down any kind of plot I have into an outline. This all grows and changes as I get further into the story. Some things you just never plan for; it all happens on its own.
How much research do you put into your writing? At what point in your process do you incorporate it?
It depends on what I’m writing. I’ll likely do some prep work on it to help with outlining. There are always random things to look-up on the fly. Thank goodness for Google.
What kind of settings are you drawn to when you write?
I’m mostly a paranormal and historical genre writer/reader, so I love a variety of historical places, and for paranormal I tend to be drawn to modern era.
How tactile/sensory is your writing? How focused are you on sensory details vs. emotional/intellectual details?
I like to think I balance all of that fairly well. For me, part of the experience of a story is the sensory information, which I think can be left out a lot – especially smell, for some reason.
Do you write anything other than novels/novellas?
I love writing fanfiction. Seriously, talk fandom to me.
How did you choose Ninestar Press?
It was still in their first year, and I ended up reading one of their books (Finding You, Finding Me, by Bailey Queen). That led me to their site, and I was really impressed that in such a short time, they had such a great line-up of books and authors. I wanted to be apart of that.
What times of the day are best for writing for you, personally?
Late night, into morning.
What from your past inspires you?
I think we all, as authors, carry our life experiences into our stories in some shape or form. I’m no exception. Typically, that tends to be events that are particularly emotional – good or bad. I have random fond memories that make it into stories that add to a character’s life and make it feel more real – such as some holiday traditions that slipped into One Bullet. Or I’ll find certain characters taking on traits of people I know – again, for good or bad. There have even been very specific events that have been immortalized in my writing.
Do you write to a playlist? Do specific stories/books have specific playlists? Do characters?
I make playlists for all my books, with all different kinds of music. I also have general “mood playlists” if I’m just trying to get a certain atmosphere to work with.
Do your characters have signature alcoholic drinks?
They do not, but I did create custom tea blends for the main cast of One Bullet. I may have to try and come up with some drinks now. Might I start off by suggesting a real life version of a Galaxy Shot from my soon-to-be-released series, Inquisition Trilogy?
Who supported your writing first?
My mom. She has always encouraged me with everything I do, and that included writing. While I’ve always been nervous to show other people my work, she has been on that small list of people I could trust. I know she won’t just tell me what I want to hear. She’s a great proofreader, and I’m able to bounce ideas off of her.
How emotionally entangled do you get in your writing?
I have been known to cry with my characters. I become highly invested with their lives, and I think the obsession shows.
What types of stories do you want to tell?
Stories that resonate with people, that feel real. I want to tell the stories that I, as a reader, am looking for – and often have trouble finding.
