What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Captured by Chaos?
When I was in college, I started writing a contemporary urban fantasy book about a young woman who was an undercover FBI agent for a special branch of the Bureau that kept the werewolf and vampire population patrolled. It took me four years to write the first draft and I ended up shelving it soon after completing it, vowing that I would never return to the story. Until randomly in September of 2020, soon after the release of my debut book, I wondered what I would do to improve the story.
Next thing I knew, I had come up with this whole new world, a murder mystery I was obsessed with and a rivals-to-lovers romance that I still believe is one of the best I’ve written. So much has changed from that original idea, the books are barely comparable at this point, but the bones are there. I couldn’t have created Captured by Chaos without that first idea.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Captured by Chaos, what would they be?
Oh, I have so many playlists for this book and the series, but, I will keep it to the top three that I think best represent the book.
For Kasha and her healing journey, I would say Let It Go (with Lo Spirit) by Chandler Leighton and Lo Spirit. It’s a stunning song about struggling with mental health and it made me cry the first time I heard it. It was perfect for how Kasha felt in book 1.
For Kasha and Nolan’s relationship, I listened to Lonely by Nathan Wagner all the time. My favorite line is “If I look you in the eye, and showed the broken things inside, would you run away?” There are many moments that Kasha wonders if she is even deserving of love and Nolan wants nothing more than to show her that he is not afraid to be that rock when she needs it.
Finally, Leave a Light On by Tom Walker is the theme song for Kasha and her found family, because that whole group would go to battle for each other. They will always be there when one of them is in need.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is fantasy romance, which is the genre I write in! I love the combination of learning and exploring a new world with a stunning romance to swoon over. However, I also love reading contemporary romances which I have yet to try writing. But who knows, maybe I’ll dabble in that too one day.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Like most readers, too many. But I currently have The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten and Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong that I am very excited to read soon. I also have promised my sister that I will be reading A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. It was her favorite read last year and she is eager for me to read it too so we can talk about it.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
It’s cheesy, but I loved writing Kasha and Nolan’s first kiss. Mostly because it's such a turning point for Kasha, their relationship, and how they plan to move forward as colleagues, friends and supporters of each other. It’s an emotional and touching moment, watching her finally let out some of her bottled up and repressed emotions and finding a bit of safety in Nolan’s presence to do so.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Music must be playing! I don’t like sitting in silence, especially when I’m drafting, so playing music really helps me get into the flow. And if I’m struggling to focus, then I’ll go to a café and write to get a change of scenery and refresh myself.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I don’t really have one that I quote often, but I do have a Walt Disney quote framed in my office that sits with all of my character art. The quote is “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” It’s a reminder I needed constantly at the beginning of my author journey, and a good one to have when imposture syndrome strikes or I’m struggling a bit.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That healing is a journey, one that you can survive and conquer even when it feels bleak. I hope they remember the characters, their combined and individual journeys, and I hope they find a bit of comfort in them. As I say in the dedication for book one “To the readers who need fantasy worlds to escape from reality. I hope Kasha, the Faction, and Kazola brings you on the newest adventure.”
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