What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Invocation (Days of Iron and Clay Book 1)?
I had a run-in with a Mexican witch doctor when I was 8 that really opened me up to what the spiritual realm was. That was reinforced by my Catholic and then Eastern Orthodox upbringing. I wanted to tell a story about a girl who could see and interact with the spiritual realm, and that character became Samantha Lopez.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love to read contemporary romance. I love the structure, emotions, and HEA. I love to write anything in the speculative fiction realm with a healthy dose of romance woven into it.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Endless, the finale in Josephine Angelini’s Starcrossed series and The Perfects by Rachel Van Dyken are the two at the top of the pile.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The final battle. I wrote the whole book just to have that scene. It’s creepy and fun and romantic and has some serious Poltergeist vibes.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not really! I just need a quiet, comfy spot and the right music—which can be tricky. My husband travels for chunks of time for his job, so I’ve gotten good at writing on the go. Then, I had a kiddo and had to get even more flexible, squeezing every second of writing time I can into every day. Thankfully, Scrivener is on every device I have and syncs across all platforms, so I can work even if I only have my phone with me.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Just breathe. You can breathe through just about any painful things—physical, emotional, anxiety and stress. If you can just take one big breath, and then another, you can get through it. And knowing that it’s not the end. My father always said that it would be alright in the end. And if it’s not alright, then it’s not the end. So, I don’t give up, and I keep breathing. It’s gotten me through some really rough spots.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The escape and fun! I want to take people on an adventure, make them feel things, and leave them with hope and wanting more. That might be more than one thing…
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