When did you realize that you wanted to become a writer?
I think I officially decided I was going to be a writer at age 10. I started writing and illustrating books at that time and kept it up through college – I have a stack of over 20 books (I even bound them with hard covers and made dust jackets – I’m telling you, I took this stuff seriously!) The stories ranged from sci-fi and fantasy “epics” to silly books like - what would the Olympics look like if all the competitors were animals?
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
I love being an author!!! I’ve been writing for TV, Film, and Graphic novels for – yikes! – almost 10 years. Writing for TV and film can be both rewarding and frustrating – one of the hardest things about it is that often you come up with an idea you love, and you write it and pitch it and take meetings on it and ultimately no one buys it to produce it – which means it never finds its audience. As an author, I know that all the time and energy I invest creating the characters, the world, the mythology – it’s all going to mean something. The best thing about it is getting the stories I love out to audiences who enjoy them. The worst thing? Can I say marketing? ;)
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
The first book I ever wrote (age 10) was a picture book called “Earth Angel” about an angel who gets hit by an airplane and falls to earth, then spends the book helping people until she can get back up to the clouds, because – of course – that’s where angels live.
What made you create the Daughters of Lilith series? How did it come to you?
I first wrote Thrall as a TV pilot, but when it didn’t find a home I couldn’t just abandon the story. So (after talking with my incredibly supportive manager!) I decided to start on this new adventure, writing YA novels. As far as how it came to me – I’ve always been fascinated by taking old legends or mythologies and exploring what they would look like in present day.
Who is your literary hero?
Wow. Probably Tanith Lee and Orson Scott Card. They’ve both written books that are so good I return to them over and over and over. I think I’ve read “Silver Metal Lover” by Tanith Lee over 30 times – once I read it twice in 2 days. And “Ender’s Game” has been my favorite book since I was 12.
How much of your characters are based on your traits or someone you know personally?
That would be telling... :) Actually, my main characters are usually unique individuals, not based on anyone I’ve known. It’s the supporting characters who take on traits of my acquaintances. And of all the characters in the Daughters of Lilith series, I’m probably most like Cassie.
Describe your main character in six words.
Reluctant heroine destined for great things.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Hold on tight, demons are real.
What scene was your favorite to write?
I loved writing the scene when Karayan comes to Braedyn in her car outside Parker’s house – and makes her that tempting offer that Braedyn knows she shouldn’t accept...
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
Probably the dream confrontation with Parker.
What are you working on now?
Just released book 3 of the Daughters of Lilith series, “Sacrifice,” and now I’m off to write a TV pilot to gear up for this year’s staffing and pilot seasons... while outlining books 4 and 5, the final two books of the Daughters series.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
Goals – keep writing! I’ve got so many ideas that I want to explore in novel form. Daughters will be 5 books long, but I’m warring with myself on which series I want to write after this one.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
“Silver Metal Lover” by Tanith Lee
“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card
“Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
I make costumes – mostly Elizabethan gowns and doublets and things. I also still write and illustrate kid’s picture books under a pen name (wait, does that count as writing?). Also love gardening, drinking wine, and hanging out with my husband and son.
