Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?

In Wild Magic, Mallory is all about survival.  It’s all about staying alive and staying out of the hands of the hunters.  Leland and the others are on a rescue mission and they are motivated to save someone regardless of the risk.

In Hostile Magic, Mallory is trying to adjust from survival mode to feeling safe and staying put.  When she sensed danger in the past, her instinct was to run.  Now in Scons, she’s found a home and something to fight for.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

My first novel was Secret Past.  My oldest daughter and I talked about this book as I worked on it for years.  She helped me come up with the name.

Who designed your book covers?

Sweet N Spicy

https://www.sweetnspicydesigns.com/

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.  While Hostile Magic took me a year to write – a really long time for me – I think the end result was worth it.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned a lot about pacing.  My beta readers really helped me work through the pacing issues I had with the book.  Once I worked through all the issues, I think the end result has a good pace and a complete story.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Off the top of my head – Emma Watson.  Mallory is strong and determined.  She doesn’t take a lot of crap from people.  I think after playing Hermione Grainger, Emma Watson could nail her.  Or Scarlet Johansson – she’s got the body type and the looks I think of when it comes to Mallory.  Again – strong woman, willing to face tough challenges.

Leland I could see Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Evans, or Chris Hemsworth.  They all have the look and feel I think of when I think of Leland

How did you come up with name of this book?

Wild Magic was named by the book.  The characters picked the name as the story unfolded.  Hostile Magic I wasn’t sure until I was editing.  It had a working title of Wild Magic 2.  I know not very inventive.  Then I was editing and trying to think of a name.  I wrote down key concepts for the book and the word hostility came up.  Then Hostile Magic popped up.  I continued to do the word association thing but I kept coming back to Hostile Magic.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

Wild Magic – when the characters go into the hill, Mallory’s past and present come together and you get to see how her life was and all she lost.  You also get a glimpse at the future but just a hint.

Hostile Magic – again so many good ones but overall the development of Mallory as she figures out who to trust of the new characters.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

I’m not sure I can pick just one.  I’d love to walk along with them in Wild Magic as they run from the bad guys and learn about magic.  In Hostile Magic, I’d want to sit in on all the training sessions to learn more about the magic.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

My characters often have quirks from people.  This could be a characteristic of someone I know or it could be a quirk I noticed in a perfect stranger.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

My characters are pushy and bossy and demanding.  I’m their tool.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

The principals of a good book is it needs to be engaging.  You want to feel the emotions, have some adventure, and discover new things.  In Wild Magic, Mallory takes us through all of the highs and lows while she learns there are people to trust.  In Hostile Magic, there’s more trust being earned and learned as well as breaking old habits.  There’s betrayal and love.  It keeps you turning the pages.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

No.  I write, edit, and publish.

Is there an writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?

JD Robb / Nora Roberts – I’d love to hear about her process.  Her books are good, and she’s withstood the test of time.