What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
When I was in college, some spirit possessed me to take a Jane Austen course, and I decided to put together the world that is the Land of Dreams. It was inspired by that class, funnily enough. I crafted many stories in that world, with a legion of characters to live in this ironically named place. Rich in history, morally gray, and dark—all the things Jane Austen isn’t—this world is. The chief protagonist in The Fall of Two Houses was created as part of a larger work, completely separated from the themes you will find in this. I may have also been inspired by some sibling-based video games.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Keneira: Never Back Down
Crushma: Another One Bites the Dust
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I generally like to read fantasy fiction that has about the same tone as mine. I love Abercrombie and Fletcher, just to name a few. I do read sci-fi from time to time, but in order for me to enjoy it, the science can’t be too rigid. I read Nicola Griffith’s Ammonite in college, and since the science behind it was rather fantastical, I ended up picking the whole thing apart because it wasn’t scientifically viable. I can appreciate what she tried to do, but nevertheless, in my humble opinion, she failed.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Let’s see. I’m reading The Three-Body Problem right now. There are a number of other books I haven’t read. I recently did some housecleaning and put a metric ton of books in a donate pile to clear some space. I can’t think of the title of one book that is on my TBR pile right now, but it is an Amish romance story. Honestly, I don’t even know what it’s about aside from the usual expected tropes, but the niche subject matter appealed to me for some reason. I discovered this genre by happenstance, and I already have five books to take home with me from the bookstore. So, I drove to that bookstore the following year, and between my five cousins and me, we found the Amish romance section of the store—it only took us two hours!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Hmm, it’s hard to say what my favorite was. Some parts felt more like a chore than I would have preferred, but when you have children, are there moments that are less favorable than others? Regrettably, yes—but it’s part of life, and we all must accept that. If I had to pick one, it was crafting Crushma’s early personality. Well, you’ll have to read it.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not particularly, no. I have been in a lull as of late, but I do tend to write quite quickly—nothing out of the ordinary. Before work, after work, anytime I can get an hour of dedicated silence.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
You can't choose what happens to you, but you can choose how to respond to it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
How would you feel if you had to choose between your own comfort and the livelihood of a loved one? Could you make the difficult decision?
