Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
When I set out to write Chasing
Wild Horses, as well as the rest of the series, there were two big
themes I wanted to explore. The first being that sometimes love can be found in
the most unexpected places. It’s really what is at the core of the two main
romances we see throughout the book. With Chase and Samara gravitating together
each other, but also in the past with Bucky and Bunny’s connection. Both unlikely,
unexpected romances that ended up becoming the greatest love of their lives.
The second theme more so deals with family and generational
curses. This is something I’ve explored in my writing before, but with Chasing Wild Horses, it’s
again present in how the characters are trying to overcome the past. There’s a
lot of juxtaposition between past and present with Samara/Bunny and Chase/Bucky
(though these two are not blood-related). Chase and Samara both come from
troubled families, though their upbringings are very different. Samara’s
background is a little more affluent, whereas Chase was dirt poor. Both grew up
convincing themselves they would do no better, but also trying to do better and
prove they are not who their parents were.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I’m a pantser, which is a
lot of fun most of the time, but it poses its own challenges here and there.
Probably the biggest frustration can be when I discover a plot hole or realize
the direction I’m going in is all wrong. With plotters, they have an outline to
anchor themselves. Pantsers are kind of just digging in with no guide, discovering
the story as we go, so I would definitely say that can be a downside. It can make
the editing process that much more grueling.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have been writing all my life, which has
translated to dozens upon dozens of stories, but if we’re talking actual completed
manuscripts turned into published books, currently I’m at three. It’s difficult
to pick a favorite because each book baby is such a personal project and there’s
different things you love about them. But if I had to choose my current
favorite, it’s probably my upcoming book, Black Witch Magic. It releases
in October and I had sooo much fun writing two bookworm leads. They’re
definitely not your stereotypical hero and heroine, which is why I think I
loved writing them.
If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
It’s funny because I usually base the looks of my
characters on random models or stock images I come across, not really any
famous actors, ha ha. But for Samara, I think the actress Kiki Layne would be a
great fit. For Chase, I envision a young Chris Pine working. He definitely has
the overall features of what Chase looks like.
When did you begin writing?
I’ve been creating stories
since I learned to write. I have distinct memories of being a small girl
creating storybooks to read my parents. I used to draw the pictures and write a
couple sentences, then staple it all together and act like it was a
full-fledged published book, ha ha. My parents definitely humored me and played
along.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
Strangely enough, I finished my debut novel, Love’s
Recipe, in about three weeks. I was definitely on a roll when I wrote it. I
haven’t finished anything as quickly since.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
Not one in particular,
though there are many writers who I admire.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
It’s hard to say, but now that I’m a published author, it’s quickly
becoming the finished product itself. It still shocks me when I look at my published
book and realize I wrote every word and put it all together to create an actual
book. As a huge book lover myself, it’s just crazy to think about.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Four words is difficult, how about five? Love
exists in unexpected places.
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the
future for your writing?
I’m wrapping up my next book called Black Witch Magic. It’s
coming out this October (just in time for Halloween), and tells the story of a
bookworm witch and the prickly paranormal investigator that comes into her
life. I’m excited to share it!
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