1. What inspired you to start writing?
I've been writing as long as I can remember. Short little stories about made up animals in Grandma's kitchen. Pen-pal letters between two dogs that lived in Texas and Alaska. I wrote my first novel about my friends and I stumbled into another world.
2. How long have you been writing?
I think the first time I've really thought I was writing I was in 4th grade. I had written a pen-pal letter about dogs and planned to write a series but turned my attention to a book. We were taking a standardized test and everyone was told to bring a book. I felt like such a rebel because I brought a notebook to write my stories in.
So, I guess now I've been writing about 16 years. But I've considered myself a serious writer since I started working on this series in 2014, so 8 years now.
3. What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
Write. Even if your plot sounds silly and your characters are based on your friends, everyone has to start somewhere. And make writing a daily habit so you don't let it slip away.
4. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Pacing and dialogue. Your dialogue will make the book feel real. And pacing will keep your reader engaged.
5. What comes first, the plot or characters?
Characters. That way I know how they will react when things happen.
6. How do you develop your plot and characters?
Characters: I had a white board that filled the entire wall in my room. I divided it into nine sections and created an Xcel sheet then asked my characters a bunch of questions. What does your hair look like? What do you do for fun? Are you the type that needs a plan or can you go with the flow? What are family dynamics at home? They also each have a Meyers-Brigs personality type, but I actually didn't discover that until the third book.
Plot: For most of my books, I just write without any real plot. I was the characters and had no idea what was going to happen next. Sometimes, I do try to plot, but chances are, by the end of the book, I haven't followed my plot at all. I still get surprised about some of the major events I wasn't prepared for.
7. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
When I talk to my roommate or family about what is happening, I talk in first person. Like, "I'm in France and am looking for a tailor but have no idea what he looks like." Or "I just got shot! I can't believe I just got shot!"
8. When you're writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc.) scene, how do you get in the mood?
I just jump in. I become the character. The problem is, if I'm writing a scene where I'm grieving, I eat a lot of chocolate. If I'm writing a high intensity action scene, I become paranoid. If I'm writing a frustrating scene, I get annoyed at everything.