Tell us about yourself.:
I am an award-winning YA sci-fi/fantasy and self-help book author, a military veteran, a wife of 20+ years, and a mom to two teens.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I was a scrappy apartment kid who joined the military right after high school. I was fortunate enough to have some amazing teachers and adults influence my life along the way. My writing reflects this from the characters to their surroundings. I love to write about a normal person who goes through extraordinary circumstances.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can't write without my dog. My dog loves to cuddle my ankles while I write. I don't know who started it, but to this day, I can't really focus on anything unless I have my furry cuddle buddy.

What authors have influenced you?
I was a scrappy apartment kid who joined the military right after high school. I was fortunate enough to have some amazing teachers and adults influence my life along the way. My writing reflects this from the characters to their surroundings. I love to write about a normal person who goes through extraordinary circumstances.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't ever give up. Believe in yourself and in your potential, and no matter what, keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"From here on out, it's sink or swim. Decide what YOU'RE going to do."

What are you reading now?
Ikigai

What’s your biggest weakness?
Charcuterie! And chocolate. All the chocolate.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Stand by Stephen King
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Intensity by Dean Koontz

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Spending time with my family and doing fun things together.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I remember reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott when I was six or seven. It was my first full-blown book, and it catapulted me into a love of literature. I wanted to be Jo, she was so cool!

What has inspired you and your writing style?
My military experience and growing up the way I did.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a second book in the Evol-Human Chronicles world – a 2nd book after Shadowed Skies. It takes place both on land and in an underwater village. I'm having fun with it.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Instagram and blog tours are the easiest. When it comes to marketing I much prefer to just write my head off, but I like being able to interact with readers, so if it's not an in-person book signing or a workshop, I love seeing everyone's comments and hearing what they have to say.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue writing YA books for the foreseeable future.

How well do you work under pressure?
One of my strengths is I deal very well with stress. I try to help others in stressful situations. I'm grateful for my military experience for that.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I ask myself if the emotional actions are honest and gauge the age, self-awareness, and environment of the characters. If the action or tone is appropriate for their situation, then that's what I go with. If not, there's always the old editing cutting board!

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Nothing you ever do with your imagination is wasted. Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet began as a few lines scrawled onto a Post-It Note. So if you've got a dream, no matter how ridiculous or weird or small it might seem, believe in yourself and pursue it with all your heart.

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