FAQs

What authors influenced your writing?

There are so many! I love it when authors depart from traditional storytelling conventions--perhaps because of my own background as a multidisciplinary artist. Mark Z Danielewski, Haruki Murakami, and Francesca Lia Block influenced my work, as well as literary writers like Jhumpa Lahiri and Raymond Carver.

Are you an indie or traditionally published author?

Both! I consider myself a hybrid author, which means I pursue both indie and traditional paths. It ultimately depends on what makes the most sense for the project and how to best serve my readers.

What is Patreon and why are you writing there?

Patreon is a membership platform that helps creators connect with their audiences. It's a great way for me to share my work with readers as it's written, rather than wait for my books to be published. Learn more at my Patreon page.

How did you get the idea for Somewhere In Between?

I had been thinking about Rom, Magnolia, and the in-between place for nearly five years. I had initially drafted the story as a true post-apocalyptic, dystopian YA. Some of the wider world building and conflict didn't feel right, and other projects were beckoning me, so I put this story on hold. Even though I wasn't actively working on it, I never fully put it down, and would revisit the characters and setting in writing exercises.

One day back in 2014, I was walking home from the subway, and noticed a gate that had been left slightly open. I started wondering what was behind that gate, who would wander along it, what they would find. I realized that Magnolia and Rom were the perfect characters to go explore that path—they were bored, lonely, and looking for reasons to spend time with each other. All the pieces came together pretty smoothly after that, the manuscript was written and published within a year.

I wanted to write a story that captured life's in-between moments. I think our culture is quick to label ideas and experiences, but so much of life is more nuanced than black-and-white answers. With Somewhere In Between, I wanted to explore life's gray matter—particularly with two characters from different backgrounds who are trying to find their own emotional middleground. I'm also a fan of anime and experimental novels, so the surreal themes and unconventional formatting is a sort of tribute to that, too.

Are you going to write a sequel?

I wrote this as a stand-alone story for Rom and Magnolia, and don't have plans at the moment to do any sort of sequels or spin-offs. I haven't ruled it out entirely though—never say never!

How can I get my book published?

There are many avenues for publication which largely depend on your goals as a writer. I recommend checking out Jane Friedman's books, The Business of Being A Writer or Publishing 101 as you begin exploring your options.

Will you read my work?

Yes! I offer manuscript consultations and coaching for writers. If you're interested in a manuscript consultation, please send me a note (including the length, genre, and current status of your work) using my Contact page.

What's your Hogwarts House?

For years, I believed that I was a Hufflepuff, but after much soul searching I finally accepted my identity as a Slytherin.