What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
The idea for this story grew out of another novel set in the same universe. In that book, the Fates shape every person's life, and I found myself wondering what these same characters would become if the Fates simply didn't exist. Many of the same rules still apply, but removing the Fates changes everything. The characters are free to make their own choices, face different challenges, and reveal sides of themselves I never had the chance to explore in the original story. It was fascinating to watch familiar people become someone new because of one fundamental change.
I also had fun turning a familiar medieval tradition on its head. Instead of a lady presenting her champion with a token of favor before a tournament, the prince bestows a scarf on his chosen champion—a gift that carries far greater meaning than it first appears.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
I tend to get inspired by music, even though I usually write with brown noise, a crackling fireplace, or falling rain playing in the background. For my female main character, Kai, it’s “Day I Die” by DeathbyRomy. Her powerful vocals embody the strength and determination I feel when writing Kai. For my male main character, Pax, it’s “Limits” by Bad Omens. The intensity of the song captures his emotional weight and quiet strength, even if the lyrics don’t perfectly mirror his story. As for the antagonist, Prince Gray, it’s “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love reading fantasy and science fiction, especially stories that ask big “what if?” questions and build imaginative worlds. I have several books by Brandon Sanderson, whom I consider one of the best living writers, and one of my all-time favorite authors is Philip K. Dick. I also can’t go far without mentioning Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. My favorite book I read last year was Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan. The stories I enjoy reading are very much the stories I enjoy writing. I love speculative fiction that blends rich worldbuilding, memorable characters, and a touch of the impossible. Those are the kinds of books that make me lose track of time, and they’re the kinds of stories I hope to create for my readers.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I usually have several books going at once because I read for different reasons. For personal growth, I’m currently reading Good Morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I take my time with books like these because I want to absorb what I’m learning instead of rushing through them. For science fiction, I’m about halfway through Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. For fun, I’m reading Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman and thoroughly enjoying Princess Donut. My local book club is reading The Corsair’s Captive by Ruby Dixon, so that’s on my current list as well. I’ve also been enjoying Friends with the Monsters by Albany Walker. The book I’m most looking forward to is All Hell, Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan. I loved Long Live Evil so much that I’m saving the sequel until I can give it my full attention. I know once I start it, I’ll have a hard time putting it down.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the ballroom scene. I loved being inside Kai’s head as she tried to think through every possible outcome while the prince made his choice. There’s something deeply satisfying about the moment when the person you hope will choose you actually does. I think everyone wants to feel seen, valued, and chosen by someone who matters to them. That idea resonates with me beyond fiction. I hope we all choose to make the people we love feel special, whether it’s through our words, our actions, or simply by making them feel like they’re worth our attention.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I don't have a lucky mug or a cat in my lap, but I do have a writing tent. It's a small sound booth in my bedroom where I can shut out the world and disappear into my story. I love my family, but writing requires intense concentration, and being interrupted can be pretty jarring when I'm deep in a scene. If I'm writing in my office instead, I usually have YouTube playing in the background. My go-to choices are ambient channels with crackling fireplaces or rainy mornings, or writing sprint streams that help me stay focused. Once everything is set, I can settle in and lose myself in the story.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I try to make the most of every moment I've been given. That means looking for ways to combine things when I can. I might walk on a treadmill while I write, listen to an audiobook while I clean, or take a short nap after work so I can give my writing my full attention in the evening. I don't do those things because I'm trying to stay busy—I do them because I want to be a good steward of the time God has given me. My goal is simple: use my time wisely, keep learning, keep creating, and do everything to the glory of God.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
More than anything, I hope my readers find a place to escape for a little while. I don't sit down to write stories with a lesson in mind. I write because I want to give people a chance to step away from the stress of everyday life, lose themselves in another world, and simply enjoy the journey. If someone has a difficult day and finds themselves thinking about one of my characters, smiling at a scene, or looking forward to reading the next chapter when they get home, then I've accomplished exactly what I set out to do.
