1. For readers discovering you for the first time, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into becoming an author?

 I think since I was about 14 I have always loved writing. At one point during that time I was in therapy and my therapist told me to write down what I was feeling or thinking when I would get depressed and after that It turned into writing poetry and stories. 

2. You balance being a mom of three teens, working full-time, and writing—how do you manage to make time for your creative work? 

I usually take a few hours before bed to work on my writing or spend a day on the weekend just working on that. My oldest daughter is actually at WKU and my son lives with me still but he knows to leave mom alone when she's got her headphones on and in front of the computer. My youngest daughter will usually plan out our weekends so that gives me an idea of what time i have to myself to write. 

3. Your book Ashes of Eden blends fantasy, romance, and mystery. What can readers expect from the story?

 A timeless love story 

4. What originally inspired the idea behind Ashes of Eden? 

So about 8 years ago I got this idea for a book and wrote down notes everywhere in journals but never got around to putting something together. My husband always said I needed to get back into writing because I was really good at it. I thought, “I should write a book about mine and my husband’s crazy love for each other” and that’s how I came up with the storyline of Ashes of Eden. We have been on this crazy roller coaster for the past 8 years and no matter how many times we say we are done, we just seem to always find our way back to each other and that is the concept of the story in the book. 

5. You mentioned loving dark fantasy and dark romance. What draws you to stories with darker themes?

 I think the fact that you can read these books and escape reality even just for a few hours. Growing up I was always fascinated with Dracula and Merlin and just wanted to live in those stories. As an adult now the books have gotten so much better and I just love these stories that make you feel like you are in the book. 

6. How do you balance darker elements with emotional storytelling in your books?

 It’s not easy at times but I think having been through trauma as a child and then in my adult years helps with that part of the writing. I can take what has happened to me and write about it all while crying or smiling about it. 

7. Do you have a favorite character in Ashes of Eden?

 I will say I do love that Cam Rose and Madelyn are based on all my kids so I guess you can say I have 3 favorites. 

8. What was the most exciting or memorable scene for you to write?

 The masquerade ball scene. I think I rewrote that a few times till I got it right.

9. Many readers love romance mixed with fantasy. What do you enjoy most about writing that combination?

 I think that I can take a vampire and have him fall in love with a human who then finds out she has god-like powers is fun. 

10. When you begin a new story, do you usually start with characters, worldbuilding, or the central plot idea? 

The plot idea, I can think of a story while driving and then when I start writing about it that’s when I come up with the characters and the names, the storyline and everything else. 

11. What does your typical writing routine look like?

 Lots of notes, lots of rough drafts 

12. Are you more of a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?

 Probability somewhere in between 

13. What part of writing do you enjoy the most? 

Making up the worlds and the characters that will be in my stories. It’s like I can imagine them in my head and can write it down and bring it to life on paper. 

14. What part of the writing process tends to challenge you the most? 

Spelling and word count. I don’t know why but those always tend to stop me in my tracks. 

15. As a big fan of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and fantasy worlds, how have those fandoms influenced your storytelling?

 I guess since I was a kid I have always wanted to be a character in these movies in the books I read and now that I am writing these types of stories I feel like I am living out my childhood dream. When most girls were playing with dolls I was running around with the boys pretending to be a power ranger or Darth Vader. 

16. Are there particular characters or stories from those franchises that inspired you as a writer? 

Lord of the rings was when I got the inspiration to get into fantasy writing. 

17. What authors or books have influenced your writing the most?

 Anne Rice has always been a big inspiration to me. I think the first book I read of hers was an interview with the vampire and l just fell in love with that world. 

18. What do you hope readers feel or take away after finishing Ashes of Eden? 

That no matter the time or distance, If you love someone you will always find each other. Never give up on love. 

19. What has been the most rewarding moment of your author journey so far? 

Taking my book to a local bookstore for the first time and signing copies. 

20. Are you currently working on any new books or future stories?

 I am actually, this one has more mystical creatures and mythology characters. This next book will hopefully turn into a series. 

21. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are balancing work, family, and creative projects? 

Balancing life can be hard but don’t ever put your dreams or goals on the back burner

because you think everyone else comes first. If you want to write that book, Go for it. Make a calendar and set days that are just for you to write. 

22. What surprised you the most about becoming a published author?

 All the social media and promoting you have to do. 

23. What are you most excited about for the future of your writing career? 

I hope that I can make it onto the New York Times best sellers list one day so I can quit my job and write full time for the rest of my life. 

24. What do you enjoy most about being part of the book community?

 Meeting new people and finding out about all these amazing authors like me. 

25. Where can readers connect with you and keep up with your books? 

TikTok, insta and I have a site that i am on called Indies&Ink 

Rapid Fire Fun �� 

26. Coffee or tea while writing? Sometimes coffee and sometimes Alani 

27. Morning writer or night writer? Night writer 

28. Favorite fantasy creature? Vampire 

29. Paperback, ebook, or audiobook? paperback 

30. Favorite place to read? My bed 

31. One word to describe Ashes of Eden? Everlasting 

32. Favorite writing snack? Chocolate 

33. Music while writing or silence? Yes and mostly its Sleep Token 

34. Star Wars or Harry Potter? Star Wars 

35. One thing readers might be surprised to learn about you? I love watching secret lives of Mormon wives.