-For readers just discovering you, how would you describe yourself as a writer—and what kinds of stories do you feel most drawn to telling?
I've always had a propensity for reading and writing. In high school I wrote my first chapter of a book inspired by Melissa De La Cruz’ The Au Pairs. Reading just naturally instills ideas and creative juices where you can imagine stories you might want to tell. I'm a hopeless romantic so most of my ideas are about two people who find each other in this crazy world of ours.
-What first inspired Caching Sunsets? Was there a moment, image, or emotion that sparked the story?
I absolutely love romantic suspense and having read amazing stories by authors like Catherine Cowles and Devney Perry, I knew deep down this could be something I could be good at as well. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I knew I wanted this story to take place along some pretty epicly beautiful terrains. Having the added element of a hunt with clues from our baddie across some of the most amazing places I wish I could visit was definitely something I wanted to incorporate. Sprinkling in some geocaching, treasure hunting and a killer on the loose brings in intrigue that I hope readers will fall into.
📖 About Caching Sunsets
-The title Caching Sunsets feels poetic and emotionally charged. What does it mean to you, and how does it connect to the story’s core?
The title is a play on our main character’s name, Sunnie Mitchell, and her passion for geocaching. She is also a vlogger, detailing her caching adventures on her blog titled Caching Sunsets with the help of her best friend and vlog editor, Colsen Lopez.
-Sunnie’s voice feels intimate and grounded from the opening chapter. How did you approach developing her perspective and inner world?
I love when characters really resonate with the reader and I wanted Sunnie to be someone readers could really connect to. She didn't have the easiest upbringing but her grampa, Lochaln Mitchell the treasure hunter, took her in, became her hero and someone she could really look up to. Using what he taught her about treasure hunting she incorporates that into her own passions and carries him with her since he has passed. My own grampa was a huge influence on me and I like to think I carry his lessons into my own life as well.
-What themes or questions felt most important for you to explore while writing this story?
Found family is a theme that I love to read and that I know others do as well. It is probably one of the most universal themes that you can encounter in story telling because it is so prominent in the real world. Sunnie and Colsen found each other when they need each other the most and have stuck by one another since they were children. Blood family can be amazing but finding your people in the world is a comfort like no other. Especially when like these characters, they didn't have much family to begin with.
🖋️ Writing Process
-What does your writing process look like for Caching Sunsets—are you a planner, a discovery writer, or somewhere in between?
I am definitely not a planner. I had this idea in my head and sat on it for a long time before finally opening up a Google doc on my phone and purging out the first few chapters. I know what I want to happen in the story and some of how I want to get there but it is an organic process.
-Has the story shifted or surprised you as you’ve continued writing it?
It has shifted slightly but in the best way. Getting and idea for a character and then actually writing them to be this realistic person with different traits and a personality as well as a back story, it's amazing how the character takes the reins and tells you who they are and how you should be writing them to do their story justice.
-How does sharing the story on Wattpad influence your pacing, structure, or creative choices?
My goal with sharing on Wattpad was to really just dip my toe into the author pool but also give me some accountability. I've made a goal to post a new chapter weekly so that means I need to get the writing done to meet those self inflicted deadlines. I'm hoping readers will be eager to find out what happens each week.
🛠️ Work in Progress (WIP)
-What has it been like writing Caching Sunsets as a work in progress rather than a completed project?
It is a very slow process because I'm a pretty busy person but I am excited to dive in and get some good words on the page at a more steady and regular pace.
-Do you enjoy releasing chapters as you go, or does it ever feel vulnerable sharing the story before it’s finished?
This is the first time I have ever shared my writing with the outside world so I feel extremely vulnerable, but I also think that taking it one step at a time and getting feedback as I go will turn me into a better writer.
-Has reader feedback or engagement influenced the direction of the story in any way?
Waiting to see 🙈
-How do you handle moments of doubt, writer’s block, or pressure while working on an ongoing story?
This happens a lot only because my confidence is not quite there yet. I find it best to take a step back and think through what I want to put on the page and come back to it later, fresh and ready to roll. Music is also a great motivator.
-Do you have a rough roadmap for where the story is headed, or are you discovering it alongside your readers?
Like mentioned above, I know roughly what will happen throughout and at the end of the story but a lot of it is developing as I write it. It's a fun experience seeing what will happen next with no expectations!
-What’s been the most unexpected challenge—or joy—of writing this story in real time?
Just the fact that I am actually doing it! I've always wanted to and just never could get up the nerve. I'm excited to see where this goes.
💬 Reader Connection
-What kind of emotional journey do you hope readers experience as they follow the story chapter by chapter?
I hope they can feel the development of Sunnie and Colsen’s relationship as they navigate this mystery together. I also hope that readers feel the draw of the suspense and want to know what the next clue is, where it leads, did something bad happen already? Who is the baddie? I want them to feel the way I do when reading a great romantic suspense.
-Have any reader comments, theories, or reactions stood out to you so far?
Not so far but I'm truly excited but nervous to hear what people think!
🌙 Atmosphere & Inspiration
-Setting and mood play a strong role in the story. How do you use atmosphere to deepen emotional impact?
Setting can change the mood of the story tremendously. I think we see that in the first chapter where we have the early morning sunny day on the mountain at the beginning but as Sunnie traverses the mysterious trail we start to see more dense trees and it alludes to some darkness and intrigue before she finds the lock box. As a reader you can feel the intensity and Sunnie inquisitiveness, curiosity and also hesitance.
-Are there personal experiences or emotions that helped shape the story, even if indirectly?
I mentioned my grampa earlier. I wanted Sunnie to have a strong relationship with her grampa because I miss mine so much and he was such an incredible person. I also enjoy the friends to lovers trope because I've experienced that and the feeling of home you get with the person you care for is unmatched.
🔮 Looking Ahead
-Do you envision Caching Sunsets as a standalone, or could this world or these characters continue beyond this story?
As of right now this will be a stand alone but as the story and characters pull me through this crazy adventure, who knows what will happen.
-What are you most excited for readers to experience in upcoming chapters?
Oh, the hunt aspect for sure. Sunnie is hunting the killer but is the killer hunting her?...
🖤 Just for Fun
-If Caching Sunsets had a soundtrack, what kind of songs or artists would be on it?
Probably all of the things I listen to while writing and while I'm not writing 🤣 My favorites right now are Arrows in Action and The Home Team (they are a PNW bad btw if you didn't know it!)
-Is there a small detail or moment you’ve written so far that feels especially meaningful to you?
Not yet but it's coming. I plan to do some flashback scenes with Sunnie and her grampa and also Sunnie and Colsen to really show the impact of these relationships and these characters.
-When readers eventually reach the final chapter, what feeling do you hope lingers with them the longest?
Shock, awe, satisfaction and that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when your heart strings are pulled.
-Is there a lesson you’ve learned as a writer that you wish you could go back and tell your reader-self?
I've heard countless authors talk about the process of writing and how exhausted but exhilarating it can be and I truly get that now. I've read and edited my chapters SO many times, even after uploading to Wattpad. It's like a never ending process because you just want it to be perfect. Having grace with yourself is hugely important.
How has your experience as a writer differed from your experience as a reader when it comes to storytelling?
I am not sure it has differed as I am writing what I love to read 😊
