What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Heir of Magic and Mischance?
The first book in the Kingdom Legacy series was a pandemic baby. It was inspired by a Dungeons and Dragons campaign I was supposed to be a part of. The campaign fell through, but the character I had created for it stayed with me, and became the focus of book one – Heir of Amber and Fire. And now here we are with book three – Heir of Magic and Mischance.
I wanted to write a series that could be read out of order. I enjoy reading, but as I have less time for leisure reading, it takes a lot to make me pick up a series. If I see that a series is already very established (What? Ten books and counting?!) then I won’t start it. So that was a driving force behind why I wrote the Kingdom Legacy series the way I did. Each book focuses on one of the kingdoms in the Gifted Lands; Heir of Magic and Mischance is about the military kingdom of Rothschan… which is also the kingdom nobody likes. So the challenge was to find a story that could, hopefully, redeem this unlikable place in the end. How well I did, you get to decide!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Heir of Magic and Mischance, what would they be?
Oops I Did It Again • Do You Believe in Magic • Revenge Party
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre is fantasy, either adult or YA, followed by general YA and general fiction. I used to work in a bookstore, and then a library, so I’ll honestly read anything if it sounds intriguing to me. But whenever I want to find something new to read, I always gravitate toward the fantasy section.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
What books are in my TBR pile? Ha, too many to count! Does work count? (I’m an audiobook narrator, and I always have manuscripts to read!) But in terms of my non-work TBR, I’m currently working through Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries. There’s a few other books I haven’t read yet floating around on my Kindle somewhere, but I forgot the titles. I try to keep my TBR pile small because I KNOW I’ll forget what’s in it.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I’m not really sure I had a favorite scene, but I did enjoy writing the interactions between Adalynn and Laydon. I like comedy and banter, and because of who these two were in relation to each other, I was able to give many of their scenes together a touch of comedic flair.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I often write with my cat Riley in my lap. (Honestly, because I work at home, Riley and I are usually together. Unless he’s napping or eating, he’s either on my lap, on my desk, or in the booth with me recording.) I also like to write with either gaming videos or ambient sound videos in the background. I have a “witchy coffeehouse” favorite that, when I put that on, I can just write for hours to. I’ll sometimes do the “LA writer” thing and take my laptop to a local coffee shop. The change of scenery definitely helps me focus, although my wallet doesn’t always like that idea!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
When I was in high school, I was active in our school’s theater group. I often helped out on crew—props, set building. One of the things the stage manager used to say was, “The set won’t get done if you just sit there.” I often think of that when I’m feeling unmotivated to do anything (which, when you’re self-employed, can happen a lot!).
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I hope they remember the characters! I try to write engaging characters who, even though they’re in a fantasy setting, still feel real. And if I’ve entertained you for a few hours and you enjoyed my books, then I’ve done my job.
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