What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Whispers of the Selkie (The Enchanted Heritage Trilogy Book 1)?
Well, it all started with my love for Irish and Scottish folklore—blame author Karen Moning for that obsession. But while werewolves and vampires are out there hogging the limelight, selkies have been chilling in the background, waiting for their moment. I figured it was time they got their due. So I dove in, crafting a tale where magic is wild, secrets refuse to stay buried, and the sea has a mind of its own.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I’m all about urban fantasy, psychothrillers, and mysteries—the kind of books that make you think while keeping you up way past a reasonable bedtime. My shelves are packed with Karen Moning’s magic-laced worlds, James Patterson’s rapid-fire thrillers, and David Baldacci’s twisty plots—because who doesn’t love a good what-the-heck-just-happened moment? But when it comes to writing, I like to take things a step further. I weave urban fantasy, gothic dark fantasy, and psychothrillers together, blending eerie atmospheres with sharp-witted characters and psychological depth. Thanks to my background in psychology, I love peeling back the layers of human nature (and supernatural nature) to explore what really makes people—and monsters—tick. Urban fantasy lets me play with hidden magic in the real world, psychothrillers fuel my obsession with secrets and mind games, and gothic dark fantasy? Well, that’s just where the really fun nightmares live.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
My TBR pile is brimming with captivating reads: Quicksilver by Callie Hart- Just started this last night, expecting a typical fantasy journey. Instead, it whisked me away on an unexpected adventure. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig- A gothic tale promising dark magic and secrets. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent- A fantasy novel blending intrigue and romance. The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda- A dark romantic fantasy inspired by Greek myths.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Probably the opening scene—though calling it one scene feels generous considering I rewrote it at least seven times. It originally started in a university library, full of dusty books and dim lighting, but let’s be honest… it was BORING. Like, textbook-level boring. So, I scrapped it, reworked it, and let the storm roll in—literally. Now, it’s dripping with atmosphere, tension, and just the right amount of uh-oh, things are about to get weird.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Absolutely. My writing setup isn’t complete without my fantasy writing Spotify playlist humming in the background (because nothing says “time to summon words” like an epic orchestral swell). Barq’s root beer is my go-to writing fuel—because caffeine and sass belong together. And when my brain starts dragging? Salt-water taffy to the rescue. Bonus points if it’s sea-themed, because commitment to the vibe matters. Is it magic? Maybe. Is it sugar, caffeine, and mood-setting music? Definitely.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Absolutely—one of the best pieces of wisdom I ever got came from my dad: “Look around you. If everyone likes you, you’ve compromised your standards somewhere. If you truly do the right thing, you’ll have people who like you—and people who don’t.” I try to live by that. It’s a reminder to stay true to who I am, write the stories that matter to me, and never water myself down just to please everyone. After all, the most interesting characters (and people) are the ones who stand by their convictions—even when it ruffles a few feathers.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That magic—whether it’s in the form of selkie legends, eerie gothic secrets, or the mysteries of the mind—is always there, just beneath the surface. Sometimes it’s in the stories we tell, sometimes it’s in the choices we make, and sometimes it’s simply in the way we see the world. Oh, and maybe to never trust a seemingly innocent letter that mysteriously appears on your doorstep. Just saying.
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