“One step to the left of reality is fantasy. The best writing happens one step to the left.”

Thanks, Ajay! I’m so glad to be here—and I’m ready for the chaos!

Writing fantasy allows for more creativity with facts. Not really, but I like to think of it that way when I’m ignoring the rules of physics in my fight scenes. Research greatly depends on the project. If the story takes place in the real world, I may look up locations, info about the geography and demographics to help describe the world better to the readers. In my dark fantasy writing I tend to only research when it comes to monsters or weapons so that I can more accurately describe them.

Loyal.

I learned that I hold myself back at times when it comes to graphic descriptions or scene writing. Once I opened myself up to allowing the characters to write the story instead of paraphrasing the story from them, my writing got better. I learned that creative writing cannot be forced. I see a lot of young writers struggling with writer's block because they attach themselves to a version of a book that isn’t even written yet. Freely writing what comes to me has opened up my work, and my mind to other possibilities in my writing. When I’m stuck I go on to something else, or go back and see if I skipped a step in the scene that would allow it to flow again. Writing is freaking hard, people think it is this fun hobby of just sitting down and typing, (yeah that is part of it for sure) but crafting believable characters, a smooth narrative, and a world that readers want to return to…that is hard.

Oh, and marketing is about 75% of the gig so good luck with that.

The dreaded WB! This is what I do and what advice I give my peers when they come to me.

First, I go back and reread the scene. Did I miss something? Are the characters active or passive? Is this filler or plot? Sometimes asking myself these questions helps me form the next paragraph.

Second, go work on something else. Burnout is real, even in fantasy land.

Third, I use Art Prompt lists—not writing prompts. Art prompts are just one word. No pressure. I write a quick scene about it, silly or serious. It gets the creativity flowing without the weight of a deadline.

“That’s brilliant. I need to try the art prompt hack! Okay, time to switch it up: favorite 90’s or early 2000s song?”

Meh, like everyone, some criticism can cut deeper than others. Depends who it comes from. If my husband or mom had issues with my work, I’d probably take a second look. But random strangers? I write dark fantasy! Of course it’s not “realistic!”
You have to have tough skin. Not everyone will like your work, and that’s fine. Most of us started writing because we wanted to read something that didn’t exist. There are 8 billion people in the world—at least one of them wants to read your story. So don’t give up.

A prime rib, whole crab, and four lobster tails. A side of loaded mashed potatoes, gravy, and sautéed mushrooms. Why four tails? Because why not.

Depends on the task. I’m very disorganized—ADHD and procrastination go hand-in-hand. I’m a Planster, a mix of planner and pantser. I have a rough outline, but I’m not married to it.

I view real life stuff like side quests. Need to wash dishes? That’s a side quest before the cooking crafting roll. Laugh all you want—it works.

I was eight. Entered a school writing contest and won. I thought I was the next big thing and begged for a typewriter. My first stories were basically Pokémon fanfiction for me and my friends. They were terrible—I spelled “enough” as “inof.”

But I never stopped. I even self-published through CreateSpace at 14. No clue what I was doing, but it was fun.

Now, in my 30s, I’ve returned to those roots because I still have stories to tell.

They fuel me to write better. I cry over good reviews, especially when readers get what I was trying to say. Even strangers have compared me to my heroes.
Reviews encourage authors and help with visibility in libraries, stores, and online. Good or bad, every review counts.

Totally a dragon. Flight, eating enemies, whole towns fear me…

Oh, you mean real animals? A cat. Nap all day, climb things, accept affection on my terms. Absolutely a cat.

I have two:

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." – Mewtwo, Pokémon Movie

“Everybody who gives up is just fuel for wanting it more…” – Unstoppable by The Score

Most rewarding? Interacting with readers. Hearing that someone is excited about your work is pure magic.

Most challenging? Imposter syndrome. It’s easy to compare yourself to authors with 30+ books when you have 2 novellas.
But I remind myself every day—literally, it’s written on my mirror: Tell Your Story. Because no one else can.

Thanks for having me.