Ashes and Ice Blog Tour : Interview with the author

1. About the book, how did you come up with the idea?

Ashes and Ice was born out of a character sketch I wrote when I was 12. I tucked it away and found it after college and starting fleshing out the character. I wanted a character who was at war within herself. I knew how I wanted the book to start and end. I knew some of the struggles I wanted her to face, but it really was developed with a lot of free writing. I really like the world Ashes and Ice is set within. Book two will really go into the supernatural elements of it.

2. If you could be like one of your characters, who would you be? Why?

Yikes, hmmm, I would say a mox of Nanan and Connor. Blunt, loving, humble. Maybe throw a bit of Jade in there too. I would like to have a bit of badassness on my side.

3. Which authors have influence you most? How?

Hmm, my grandfather, Larry Callen, was a children's book writer. He was always very supportive of my writing. I also love Annetta Curtis Klause, Cassandra Clare, Maggie Steifvater. I loved Lord of the Flies and and lots of poetry. I would say that these writers shaped my taste in reading and therefore, my style of writing. I like dark and lyrical novels.

4. What inspired you to want to become a writer?

It was always in my heart to write. I just stepped away from it for years. Silly me. The heart knows what it wants. Don't deny it!

5. Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

Ashes and Ice Book 2!! Title, cover, and release date will be announced Spring/summer of this year.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. --Marianne Williamson