Where did your inspiration for Dream Keeper come from? Did you have a muse?

My (then) 5-year-old wouldn’t go to sleep, so I threatened to call the Sandman to sprinkle sand in his eyes, haha. A few days later, it just hit me that I needed to write a story with him, and it all bloomed from there.

 

Which character was your favorite to write about? Why?

The Sandman! I’m usually a sucker for problematic guys in books (the Darkling <3 ) so when Sandman showed up as the biggest cinnamon roll ever, I was a little surprised. He was so emotionally open with himself while also kicking butt and was really fun to get to know him.

I love how characters really are their own people, they grow and develop right before your eyes. I am really looking forward to reading about him!

 

 

 

We know this book is being released January 29th, but what else can readers expect from you in the future? What other books are you working on?

The sequel (Dark Consort) releases in the fall, followed by the last book (Night Warden) next spring so I’m working hard on those. I have a few different WIP ideas for after I turn in Night Warden in March but haven’t decided which one to go with yet.

I haven’t read the first book but I am already excited about the next two. It is crazy how authors are always thinking of new ideas and start planning a new story idea before they finish their current WIP. I am in the process of thinking of new ideas! Who else is excited about this Dream Keeper series as it is slowly hitting shelves?

 

 

 

Do you read your books’ reviews? How do you deal with positive or negative feedback?

Sometimes I do if I’m tagged or someone points out a really positive one. The good ones always give me the motivation to keep going, and I just let the bad ones roll off my back. There isn’t a single book out there that everyone loves so it doesn’t bother me.

I completely agree! There is no way anyone could possibly write a book that caters to the likes of every single reader. I try not to tag authors in reviews but sometimes if it is a really positive one I have to share the love and maybe brighten their day.

 

 

 

Can you describe your perfect writing environment? Is there music? Snacks? What is the weather like?

The perfect environment would be me snuggled under blankets on the couch with my playlist on really low, a candle burning, and a thunderstorm outside.

That sounds like a perfect writing environment. Thunder storms relax me and I can see me writing so much if I had a day such as the one you describe.

 

 

 

What do you like to do when not writing?

I like to hand-embroider or check out local tourist destinations. I used to snowboard, but we are stationed in Mississippi right now so that’s a bit difficult, haha.

Wow, you really have a variety of hobbies. That is really cool. I think having a variety of things you like to do really makes life a bit happier.

 

 

 

Would you rather be the hero in your worst nightmare or the villain in your ideal dream?

Oh man, I love this question! Since it’s a dream, I think I’d rather be the villain!

I will admit, being the villain would be so fun. I’m just not sure I could do it…I am the complete opposite of a villain. You can ask my husband.

 

 

 

What is one of your favorite words? Why?

Kerfuffle! Simply because it’s really fun to say.

That really is such a fun word to say! Now I’ll be saying it all day.

 

 

 

Can you give fellow writers some advice that you have learned through your writing and publishing journey?

Learn to be okay with constructive criticism, when to take it, and when not to.

This is really great advice. Constructive criticism is a vital part of growing and learning as an author. It is something inevitable, that you will have to learn to be alright hearing.