Interview

Hello Anne! Thank you again for joining us today. I hope that you are well! I am going to push right into what your fans are really dying to know…things about you and how awesome you are. So, let’s get on with it…

Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, What made you choose to do so?

Nope. In fact, I dreaded any kind of creative writing assignment in school. I didn’t start writing until I was 35…before then, it didn’t actually occur to me that I was allowed to write down the stories that had been rattling around inside my head. In late 2016, my husband deployed, and I had a lot of free time, so I decided to write a book!

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or write the subsequent novels?

I’ve only got the one series, but the sequels have definitely been tougher in some ways. That first book is usually the one your heart needs to tell, and for me, Asrian Skies just kind of spilled out. With sequels, you need to think harder about a plot—plus you’ve got characters who are set in their ways and a firmly built world in place. There’s just not as much room for playing with a lot of new ideas. On the other hand, having the worldbuilding in place makes the sequels a tad easier in that respect.

That makes complete sense! I imagine having that world detailed and already familiar among your readers is wonderful but now you need to think about how characters would respond because their personality has already been established.

Do you need a specific space or room to write or can you write anywhere, including a cafe full of people?

It needs to be quiet! I write better when there’s not even background music. I can edit with a little bit of distraction (the final edits for Asrian Skies were completed almost entirely on airplanes), but actual writing takes too much concentration for me to do it anywhere but a quiet room.

Wow, most of the final edits were done on airplanes?! That is wonderful behind the scenes information. Thank you for sharing that. I can imagine it was nice, minus the typical screaming child or coughing sick person.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

READ. I was a reader for 30 years before I wrote a single piece of fiction, and it makes a huge difference. You can try to teach yourself to write for decades, but the best way to learn is to sit down and read for enjoyment. It’s impossible to not pick up plot structure, character development, and prose that way. Also, take all writing advice with a grain of salt. Everyone likes to spout off rules and advice, but there’s less dogma in writing than they’d like to believe. Yes, actually you can use adverbs in your book. And start with a sentence with a conjunction. Etc., etc., etc.

I have to agree with you that there are many “rules” authors swear by but are not hard ones everyone needs to follow. Dare to be yourself.

Fans seem to love the bad guy, what are your thoughts on that? Will you ever give in to their demands of a budding romance?

I get it. I’m a little surprised by the extent of the reaction, but I get it. I think a lot of readers love to secretly cheer for the villains, and when he’s a complicated bad guy with charm, intelligence, a backstory, an aura of power, and the inherent ability to get under the main character’s skin…well, you end up with Chase. I can’t fault them for loving him!

As for a budding romance, no way, will never happen. I think those who’ve read Unbroken Fire and know more about his backstory are becoming ok with that, though. I’m working on another enemies to lovers story too, so maybe that will satisfy those particular readers.

I know I love him, but from my standpoint, there would never be a romance there. You know my thoughts, I’ve told you before. He is a wonderful character though! He is the bad guy everyone loves but hates.

What has been your favorite scene from Asrian Skies series and why? Who is your favorite character from the series and why?

This is too hard! The Chase Scene in Asrian Skies comes immediately to mind, but I’d have to say it’s actually the scene in chapter 12 of Unbroken Fire where Chase comforts Avery about her situation—though he has an ulterior motive in doing so and definitely doesn’t handle it in the way she’d prefer. Between her terror and his unintentional (this time) intimidation and obliviousness, it’s just such a quintessential Avery and Chase scene.

As for my favorite character, while I absolutely adore Avery and Chase, Rhys Linden holds a special place in my heart. He was a no-name throwaway character in the first draft of Asrian Skies when my critique partner suggested I at least give him a name. I did, and his actions at the end of Asrian Skies are still driving the series (including a possible fourth book). I’m grateful to him for that!

I love the scenes with Avery and Chase! Those are some of my favorite. I can see how Rhys has become more than a no-name character.

Here goes, the dreaded question…Paperback or e-book?

Ebooks all the way. I love being able to try new writers with minimum financial risk—and when you travel as much as I do, paperbacks are weight you just don’t need. Being able to choose from a library of books while on an airplane is one of the most amazing experiences of my adult life. And a backlit Kindle is perfect for the night owl who wants to read without keeping everyone else up!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Night owl. If I could work from 11 am to 7 pm, I would.

Well hello, fellow night owl! There is just something so peaceful about the night.

What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?

I have an almost five-year-old son, so he’s pretty much the source of all my amusement. I wish I could narrow down the stories, but it would be impossible—maybe the time he had a total meltdown on the plane and kept screaming, “This plane is bad! Let me off!” as we taxied out. It’s entertaining now, but at the time, it was pretty humiliating for me and probably terrifying to everyone else.

Oh my goodness! As a mother of a now 7-year-old and 2-year-old, I can imagine how humiliating it was. But we parents always look back at those moments and find out how funny they are now.

Do you have anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans, current and future?

That I’m honored and humbled by all the support from even before Asrian Skies came out. I hope whatever I come up with next gives you half as much enjoyment as what’s already out there. I love you guys.

I have no doubt we will enjoy the next project you send our way. We all love you too, well I’ not sure about those who desperately want a romance between Avery and Chase, but the rest of us do!