How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?
My writing style is distinctly cinematic, creating an immersive reading experience that mirrors the engagement of watching a TV show or movie. I utilize Blake Snyder's beat sheets from his book 'Save the Cat', typically a tool for screenplay writers. While I'm not a screenplay writer myself, this framework aids me in maintaining a steady narrative rhythm, interspersed with climactic plot points and escalating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I have a penchant for fast-paced plots with plenty of action, and I love to infuse my stories with romance that leaves readers swooning. The love stories I weave touch hearts and linger in readers' minds, courtesy of characters whose chemistry is palpable and whose emotional depths are explored.
If I were to liken my style to established authors, I would choose Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tricia Levenseller. Much like Armentrout, I delight in constructing vivid, compelling worlds where action and romance blend seamlessly. My characters, often battling their inner demons while navigating high-stakes adventures, are complex and relatable.
Drawing parallels with Levenseller, my narratives are populated with strong, independent characters who aren't afraid to stand their ground. They carve their own paths and confront their own battles. The allure of adventure and the charm of the unknown course through my tales, reminiscent of Levenseller's captivating stories.
In essence, my writing style is a dynamic mix of cinematic storytelling, swift pacing, gripping action, and stirring romance, all revolving around relatable, strong characters. It resonates with the allure and adventure that fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tricia Levenseller would find familiar and compelling.
Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?
For me, writing operates on a continuum between a meticulously honed skill and an innate, intuitive process. On one hand, it's a craft I've diligently cultivated through years of education and practice, akin to the steady training of a muscle for a precise task. I adhere to routines, techniques, and structures that underpin my writing process, ensuring I'm constantly refining my skill and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
On the other hand, I often find that writing is an instinctive journey, where words and ideas seem to emerge spontaneously, requiring little conscious maneuvering. I'm often led by a surge of inspiration, drawing from my personal experiences and observations of the world around me.
In essence, my writing approach oscillates between these two polarities.
What mindset or routine do you feel the need to set when preparing to write (in general whether you are working on a project or just free writing)?
That’s easy. A quiet environment. No distractions, noise, interruptions, etc. That’s all I need to get lost in writing.
Do you take your character prep to heart? Do you nurture the growth of each character all the way through to the page? Do you people watch to help with development? Or do you build upon your character during story creation?
The preparation for each character in my books varies. Sometimes, I meticulously construct a comprehensive character bible, detailing their personalities, physical attributes, and potential development. At other times, I simply dive into the narrative, allowing the characters to evolve organically as the story unfolds. I never box myself into a single method; instead, I choose what feels most natural and authentic for each individual character.
My primary objective is to ensure that by the conclusion of the narrative, each character has undergone meaningful growth. I aim for them to have enhanced the best aspects of themselves, worked on their flaws, and successfully navigated the challenges that they encountered. When I achieve this, I feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I've fulfilled my responsibilities as an author.
Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?
Yes. Birdie and Noah. They are the main characters in The Offensive Line. I’ve been writing them in my head for weeks now but I’m still in War of the Land fantasy fiction world and need to finish that before I move onto contemporary romance.
Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?
I have four more books on their way. I just handed in to my publisher, HunterLore, book #2 of the Hunterland series which has been optioned for TV. The pub date is September 17th, 2024. Here’s the official blurb:
Every hunter knows dangerous supernatural beings rule the shadows of our world, but what happens when they step into the light.
For Liam Hunter, monster hunting is a way of life—a family tradition passed down for generations. But when campers are murdered in the woods, their hearts ripped from their chests, Liam finds himself facing his most terrifying adversary yet—his own mother, turned monster. Her pack of werewolves will test Liam’s limits, his morals, and his undeniable connection with the girl who still has too large a claim on his heart.
Olivia Davis is determined to uncover her own place in Hunterland’s society and hone her newfound abilities. But when Olivia has a terrifying vision, she’s faced with a much larger uncertainty, her feelings for the boy she let slip through her fingers.
Together can Olivia and Liam survive the deadly game of cat and mouse, or will they become victims in a world where the monsters are the hunters? The clock is ticking. The game is on. And the price of failure may be humanity.
I am currently in the process of finishing three other young adult works: 'War of the Land', 'The Offensive Line', and 'Chess Games'.
'War of the Land' is a successor to 'War of the Sea', exploring the next generation of protagonists. It is a tale of epic confrontations where celestial beings and mortals stand shoulder to shoulder, driven by a shared objective to halt Zeus from obliterating humankind. The narrative resonates with echoes of ancient legends, from Prometheus to Apollo. Prepare to be immersed in a battlefield where legends are born, honor clashes with destiny, and the very earth beneath our feet serves as the stage for acts of courage, the stirring complexities of love, and humanity's struggle for survival. All this, underscored by the tension and anticipation of an arranged marriage.
'The Offensive Line' serves as a companion novel to 'Sideliners' and delves into the exhilarating world of high school football romance. Our protagonists are an unlikely pair: a New York City girl, grappling with the recent loss of her father and move to a backward, regressive Texas town, and a boy who hails from Texas's rougher neighborhoods while caring for his mother and brother after his father was incarcerated for trying to kill them. Despite their stark differences, they share a common battle - the fight for survival.
'Chess Games' presents a thrilling narrative about a young girl safeguarded by the youngest undercover agent posing as a high school student, tasked with protecting her from the man who killed her mother. This high-stakes dance of deceit, trust, and survival promises to keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year?
My biggest goal for 2023 is to run audio book Kickstarters and to help the voiceover actors receive opportunities while they endure the writer’s strike. As you may be aware, the recent writers' strike has left a significant impact on the entertainment industry. One segment of this industry that has been particularly hit hard is the acting community. With scripts not being written, these incredibly talented individuals find themselves in a challenging position, with limited opportunities to practice their craft and continue making a living.
In light of this ongoing crisis, we planned our Kickstarter project, War of the Sea Audio Book. Our mission is to create an opportunity where voiceover actors can continue to do what they love and get paid for their craft, all while providing engaging and uplifting content to a wide array of listeners.
Our project seeks to fund the production of a series of original audio fantasies starting with War of the Sea. If we fund, I will continue to run these until the strike is over, giving an opportunity to new voiceover actors each time. These projects will not only provide work for our voiceover artists, but they'll also allow them to connect with audiences in new, exciting, and meaningful ways while ensuring that our actions remain in compliance with the strikes.
If you could have dinner/dinner party with 7 fictional characters, who would they be?
