C.J. Wright's Blog

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Ritual of Blood was the first thing of any length that I wrote. It started out as an exercise to see if I could actually write a novel length story, which I started at the beginning of 2000. From the initial idea to finishing the first draft took me about 18 months. I basically wrote the book twice in that time as I would write a chapter out long-hand first before transfer it to my computer.

At the beginning I knew I wanted to write a vampire novel as I had a huge interest in vampires at the time. I’d grown up watching the vampire films by Hammer Horror, such as Dracula, and my favourite vampire film, Twins of Evil, and my favourite TV show was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I set Ritual of Blood in 1873, this made gave me a setting that was not modern, but also not too far in the past that research would be too difficult to find.

As I started to create the characters of the novel, surprisingly, to me at least, it was the vampire, Lucinda, who was the first to become fully formed. I knew her backstory and the journey her character would take throughout the book. Small things changed during the writing of the novel, which obviously happens during the creative process, and she quickly became my favourite character to write. (In fact, throughout writing the trilogy of books she has always been my favourite character).

The next character, both in how they became formed and in my list of favourites, was Victor Drake. As the protagonist, in my mind I based him, to begin with at least, on myself. As the story went on, and through the subsequent drafts, he became more his own character. Though there are still things he says and does throughout the whole trilogy that I would see myself doing in the same circumstances.

The town of Edgewich, where the first two thirds of the book are set, I based on my hometown of Droitwich Spa. So much so that when my youngest brother read the book he’d feel a little scared every time he walked past some of the recognisable places I had set some of the vampire attacks.

Once I had completed the book, and had achieved my initial goal, I wondered how far I could go with it, and sent it out to publishers.

The book was first published in 2003, though I wasn’t totally happy with how it, or my next novel, Killing Time, came out. So once I received the publishing rights back I decided to self-publish the book the way I wanted it, which I released in 2009. And in 2013 I released a 10 year anniversary edition, which is the latest edition available at the moment.

Ritual of Blood on Kindle

With all the different forms of entertainment at our fingertips, it seems that this generation, on the whole, have given books a wide berth. There have been some periods of renaissance where books and reading have become popular again in the public consciousness: the popularity of the Harry Potter series, for example. However, there are still a good number of people in the world who love to relax, take stock of their busy lives, and dive into a good book.

Paradoxically, I want to talk to those people who have given up on reading the vast wealth of stories that come up every day from authors who just have a tale to tell, and let them know that the experience of reading a book, either in its physically form or as an e-book, is for everyone, and can be more enjoyable than every other medium that bombards us every minute of every day. The paradox being that those people I want to reach will probably not be inclined to read my blog in the first place.

I used to be just like them. Growing up, I found reading kind of boring. Books were long, my eyes got tired when I read, there were other things vying for my attention, etc. However, I realised that the reason that the other forms of entertainment were so addictive (for want of a better word) was because they were just short bursts of stimulus that required more bursts to remain satisfied. Books, on the other hand, could provide that stimulus over a longer period of time, and in the end be more satisfying.

Books, in whatever way we consume them, inspire us in ways other forms of entertainment can rarely accomplish. When we read, we use our imaginations to bring to life the words we absorb. We tell ourselves what a character looks like from the bare description on the page, how their action appear to us, what they sound like when they talk. We become part of the creative process with the author in bringing the book to life. It maybe why when a book has been adapted for either the big or small screen, we can be disappointed at the result because it wasn’t exactly as we pictured it. There’s a saying we continually hear when we talk about these adaptations, “The book was better”. That’s because, no matter how high a budget a film has, or how good an actor is, they can never compete with our own imagination. Our imagination has no limits. And that is why all of us should spend at least some of our time with our noses between the pages of a book, facing the screens of our e-readers, or listening to an audio book, and enjoy the ride we ourselves help form.

I write because I need to create, it’s a part of me, to tell a story that I hope entertains, but most of all allows my imagination to expand from inside myself to the outside world. I feel that our imagination is the thing that really gives us our humanity, and sharing our imagination, either by writing the stories within us or reading the stories of others, makes us truly human.

This is my first author interview on my new blog, so I’ve gone to someone that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing before, Kristy Brown. Kristy is the author of the Kiera’s Quest series, and has just published her new book, Just Sam, a teen YA contemporary romance. I’d like to thank Kristy for agreeing to be my first interviewee, and the questions and answers are below.

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Tell me about your new book, Just Sam.

‘Just Sam.’ is about a girl who wants more than anything to be the next big tennis champion. But when she suffers a huge loss at such a young age, she loses her confidence and her way. When love comes along, she runs from it to protect her already broken heart. She feels that life is out to get her and in her mind she’s playing a match against life itself. You don’t have to enjoy tennis to like the book. There’s a a lot of me in this one, hence the Disney, musicals and tennis references!

How did you come up with the idea for the story?

I remember watching Wimbledon every year with my mum and how it became our ‘thing’, just like Sam and her mum. Also my son is a teenager now and is taking tennis lessons, I guess we pass on our loves.

How is ‘Just Sam’ different from your other work?

This is my first YA Contemporary Romance, whereas “Kiera’s Quest,” was mostly fantasy based. Like I said, this one feels very personal to me as there are lots of my own memories mixed in somehow. I haven’t lost my mum, but we can all probably relate to that feeling.

What advice would you have for would-be authors?

Read as much as you can. Decide what you do and don’t like. Connect with like- minded people, because sometimes it can be a bit isolating. And never give up, everyone gets bad reviews or rejections.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

I’ve just finished  a modern retelling of Cinderella, which is passionate and dark at times. I’m currently waiting on edits from my publisher, “Muse It Up,” for my Paranormal Romance series, “Summer’s End.” I’m about to start the third and final book for that.

Where can people find you online?

I’m on Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon and I have a joint You Tube channel with a writing friend called “Two Wordy,” were we discuss books, writing and films etc.

Kristy Brown (Twitter) Kristy Brown (Goodreads) Kristy Brown (Amazon)

Two Wordy (YouTube)

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“Just Sam,” is available on Kindle and in print.

Just Sam (Kindle)

Just Sam (Paperback) 

Thank you for having me!

The first novel I ever wrote was the vampire novel, Ritual of Blood, back in 2000-2001. Back then, the reason I wrote the book in the first place was just to see if I could actually do it. I’d never written a short story before, let alone a whole novel, and it took me eighteen months to go from the first word to ‘The End’. Once I had taken it through a couple more drafts, I sent it out to see if I could get it published, which it was in 2003. Since then I have written six more novels and a collection of short stories, and last night I finished the final book in my Vampire Hunter Trilogy, which Ritual of Blood was the first book in that series.

Wampyre’s Gate concludes the trilogy, and signals the end of an eighteen year journey with these characters. Now that the first draft is complete I have a specific process to go from that to a publishable novel.

The structure of the first draft of any of my book consists of what I call the bare bones of the story, leading the characters from the beginning of the plot to the end. Once that is done I allow my story to rest for about six weeks. I do that so that when I come back to it for the second draft, I am looking at the story with fresh eyes. In the second draft I build upon the bones of the first, adding the meat of the story and making sure that everything is consistent. All subsequent drafts are to fix any grammar and spelling problems before I sent the novel out into the world.

During those six weeks or so I’m not just sitting down twiddling my thumbs, I take that time to prepare to write my next story; creating the characters and plot, and starting the writing process of the first draft.

The next book I am going to be working on is the third book in my Ramton Gallow Mysteries series, The Fangs of Layton Manor. I still have many more ideas for books to come after then as well, so I’ll be keeping you all posted in this blog of my writing progress.

Take care for now, and I’ll catch you next time.

I’ve decided to start a new blog, which is kind of obvious because you are here, but I’ve done this in order to really focus on not just my own writing, but also the whole world of books and bookish stuff.

I’m going to document the course of my writing; stories I’m currently working on, stories I’m going to work on, my writing process and progress. Also, I’m going to review new books and stories that I’ve read, interview authors, and anything else that comes my way that I feel may be interesting to the book community.

If you are an author, and you want me to review your new book, interview you, etc, then please get in touch with me. The best way is probably in my Twitter, as it is the thing I am on the most.

My Twitter: @CJWrightBooks

Take care, and happy reading!

This edition of My Interview With... is with horror author, William Cook.  Author of the horror novel, Blood Related, and of numerous short stories and poems, William has also published two non-fiction book.
Below is William's bio and interview.
Bio: William Cook is a writer of the macabre (and non-fiction) from New Zealand, a small antipodean island group in the South Pacific. When not writing, he looks after two small daughters and designs book covers that are designed to scare the hell out of people. Having held down a multitude of jobs he brings to his writing a vast array of experience that translates to the page in the form of strange characters and situations that bleed horror. From slinging timber in lumber yards, cutting plastic film in a meat packaging company, making rat-poison and acid cleaning products, working on a prawn trawler in the Gulf of Carpenteria, selling ads, and teaching English in Korea, to name a few of the roles he has performed - being a starving writer seemed like a completely viable occupation. (Taken from William's website)
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was about twelve years old when I wrote a ‘wish-list’ of future careers in the back of my school note-book. At the top of my list was ‘best-selling author.’  So far, yet to reach best-selling status for longer than a couple of days but working on it.
What are you working on right now?
I’m very busy at the moment. I am just getting the final proofing done for a new, revamped edition of my anthology – ‘Fresh Fear,’ featuring authors such as Ramsey Campbell, Charlee Jacob, Jack Dann, JF Gonzalez and other great authors. I’m also working on the sequel to my debut novel, ‘Blood related’ – which should be finished by Christmas time. The follow up volume to my non-fiction book ‘Secrets of Best-Selling Self-Published Authors,’ will be at the formatters next week and should be available by mid-July. Along with these projects I’m a quarter of the way into my Master’s thesis, working title: ‘The Evolution of a Genre: the rise and rise of serial killer fiction.’
How does your work differ from others of its genre?
Not sure really – I try not to constantly compare or compete with other authors in my genre/s. I try and do the best I can within the genre I’m writing in and hope to distinguish myself with quality works, which are edited and formatted professionally, read well and that keep my readers coming back for more.
Why did you choose the genre you write in?
As mentioned above, I write in a few different genres. I basically write what I’d like to read myself. I have particular interests in horror, noir, poetry and non-fiction (i.e. entrepreneurial, literary analysis). I’m particularly enjoying writing non-fiction as there is no limit to what an author can write about and it provides me with plenty of inspiration for my fictional work. Sounds corny but I guess that my genre/s chose me.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Slightly erratic as I usually have two or three things going on at once. I find I work best in the morning after my breakfast coffee, usually with instrumental music on quietly in the background. I try and select music of the type that invokes a similar emotion or atmosphere to what I’m trying to capture on the page.
How much research do you do before and during a writing project?
A lot. I read a lot of books that deal with similar subject matter in order to write something a little bit different or interesting. I also spend a lot of time at the library researching things related to aspects of my stories. For example, when researching material for my novel, ‘Blood Related’ I read every non-fiction book about serial killers I could find. You can see the complete list here: https://bloodrelated.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/non-fiction-books-about-serial-killers/
How does your writing process work?
I usually brainstorm ideas around a central theme or basic plot-line before writing an outline. For me, the outline is important whether a short story or a longer work. If the story involves chapters, I outline each chapter with plot summary and character action and basic dialogue (if any). Either bullet points or rough sentences seem to work well when I go back and put together the first draft. I prefer to plan an outline most times but find that some of my best work just happens in a sort-of organic sense – no planning, or plotting – just writing.
Who are your writing influences?
If I read something I like it tends to influence my writing. At the moment I’m writing a novella that is heavily influenced by Karl Edward Wagner’s fantastic short story ‘Sticks’ and Robert Bloch’s ‘Notebook Found in a Deserted House.’ My main influences are other authors that I admire. Writers like Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, James Ellroy, Jim Thompson etc. The list is long, in fact I have compiled a blog-post on the subject that goes into a lot more detail here: http://www.williamcookwriter.com/2013/08/favorite-books-list.html What do you like to do when you're not writing?Spending time with my family and friends mainly. I’m looking forward to summer as I would like to spend more time fishing and hiking.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Quiet often, usually the same loyal ones who like what I do. I get a real kick out of hearing from my readers and quite often run new stories past them before I publish to get feedback. The most common positive thing I hear about my writing is that it has a ‘poetic’ quality, which is unintended but nice to hear about via my readers. Probably the most important thing to me is that people who read my work enjoy it, or that it entertains them and transports them imaginatively. Without the readers, my writing would be of no consequence.
Links:WebsiteTwitterFacebookBlogAmazon.com Amazon.co.uk 

The 'My Interview With...' series continues with an indie author I've been following for quite a few years and who has taken her own twist on the vampire myth first to novels, then independent-made films and now to comic books, Lia Scott Price.
Below is Lia's bio and our interview.

Bio: Lia Scott Price is the creator of "Vampire Guardian AngelsTM". She is a horror/vampire author, film producer, and comic book writer/creator who features her characters in her trilogy novel, graphic novel, films, and comic book series. Lia self-publishes her books and self-produces her independent films. Lia appears as a character in her Vampire Guardian Angel Trilogy Novel, Films, and Comic Books Series. She is CEO of Lia Scott Price Productions Inc. Her film production company turns her novels into films. She is also an actress, director, and cinematographer. Lia features her characters in the following books and promotional films: "PRA/EY" (Film Short), Vampire Guardian AngelsTM Comic Book Series, "The Guardian, Revenant, and Dominion" (Vampire Trilogy Book and Graphic Novel), "The Serial Killer and Vampire Guardian AngelTM Diaries" (Film Shorts), "Scenes from A Novel" (Film Shorts), "The Guardian" (Feature Film), and "Dominion" (Feature Film). Lia's books and films are distributed through createspace.com, amazon.com, amazon kindle and amazon video downloads. (Taken from Lia's website)


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?I have an overactive imagination and I had to put that into words, and start creating my own world. An escape from reality kind of. I started out by writing novels, and then film, and then moved on to comic books. I wanted to test every medium to see if I could bring my "worlds" to life. 
What are you working on right now?I'm finishing up Issue 6 of my Vampire Guardian Angels comic book series. I'm also learning how to draw and ink my own comic books so it's keeping me busy. Readers can check out my comic books at http://vampireguardianangelscomics.tumblr.com
How does your work differ from others of its genre?I try to create new twists. Not the same vampires. I try to find something completely new and different and something that's hopefully not seen before instead of doing "remakes". 
Why did you choose the genre you write in?Horror is so versatile. I can create new monsters or dabble in creature design. Creating disturbing worlds is stress relief. I can face my fears and have fun at it.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?I work an 8 hour full time job during the day, so I have evenings and weekends to work on my comic books. Since I work close to home, I start my next "shift" after dinner, from around 7pm to 10pm on week nights, and 6am to midnight on weekends.  I'm an organizing/scheduling freak so I know exactly what I need to do during my schedule. I plan things ahead, often a full year in advance . I have excel files for my excel files and planners for my planners. 
How much research do you do before and during a writing project?A lot. Mostly online. When I was writing novels I used to travel to places I would use, such as Brooklyn New York. But now I can find info I need online. I usually spend a few hours a week researching as I write. A lot of research is devoted to publishing, finding comic cons, printers etc. Mostly business stuff, in addition to the creative. It helps me be more realistic. 
How does your writing process work?I come up with ideas when it's the most inconvenient time to write them down lol-- in the shower, while washing dishes, my brain is always hashing things out. I keep a pen and paper by my bed- dreams are my main source
Who are your writing influences?Anime, horror movies, comic books, pretty much anything that catches my interest. If something I read, doesn't matter what it is, starts up my imagination, that's my influence. Also, real life. If I'm going through something, it'll sometimes end up on paper. 
What other authors do you read?I find inspiration in books that have nothing to do with horror actually. I love reading medieval history, online newspapers, watching documentaries. Sometimes influences come from the most unexpected places. 
What do you like to do when you're not writing?Play with my cat. Then again, when am I not writing? There is really no downtime for me.  I'm a type A personality. I always have to be working. My mind never stops. Except when I'm watching silly cat videos. 
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?I hear a lot from my readers who are very supportive and fantastic. They are also who keep me going. They also compliment the artists for my comic books as well since they do a great job! I'm always grateful for the positive feedback and support! Thank you to my fans! 

Links:Website Twitter Facebook Tumblr YouTube 

As the popularity of My Interview With... is increasing I have decided that I'm going to have to also increase the regularity of interviews.  So here's another interview for the month of June, this time with the new Sci-Fi and Fantasy author, Jenna Whittaker.
So far she has self-published two novels, Dreamscape, and Watership, and at the moment she is working on two more.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?Really, I’ve been writing all my life. I never completed a novel—just a few short stories—and it took until about 2014, when I was 19, to finish my first! I had worked on a 2nd in the meantime, so published them both together in early 2016.
What are you working on right now?I currently have 2 WIP novels—one a dystopian post-apocalyptic novel with the first draft completed that I am beginning editing this month, and the second a fantasy (kind of sequel to my first published novel, Dreamscape) that I am days away from finishing the first draft!
How does your work differ from others of its genre?I like to try to not only avoid the clichés (if it’s boring to write, it’ll be boring to read!) and instead turn them on their head. I like to put a unique twist on ideas, most of which come from an amalgamation of snippets of overheard conversation, movie quotes, and my dreams.
Why did you choose the genre you write in?I’ve always written fantasy, but most recently started to venture into post-apocalyptic/dystopian/sci fi, and may even do steampunk (some of my books have steampunk aspects, but not enough to put in that genre) in the future. I find my ideas are much more creative when not restricted to dragons and magic, and instead exploring whatever genre fits the story!
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?I usually work during the day and do my writing—about 500-800 words, or editing a chapter or two—in the evening, before dinner. On the weekends I like to get my writing out of the way first!  How much research do you do before and during a writing project?A LOT, like I imagine most writers do. I don’t do fully in-depth world-building unless the novel calls for it, but I do double-check that my assumptions (regarding travel, cultures of that time period, what would or could be scientifically possible) are grounded in some sort of reality. With the fantasy and sci fi genres, though, reality can be stretched.
How does your writing process work?Hmm…I put on music, sit down, and write! My stories start from, as I said, snippets of conversation and scenes or lines from a dream. I write them all down in a document on my computer, and when I’m inspired and have an idea what to do with them, I start developing the book! I start from those ideas and then jump in to conversations between characters that lead to—and show me—the story. My books are primarily character-driven, but those characters are put in some awful and otherworldly situations.
Who are your writing influences?Pretty much every fantasy author ever. I read a lot of them as a kid, and while I don’t have much time for reading now—as much as I’d like, anyway—I still do enjoy fantasy/sci fi/steampunk etc. Too many authors to name individually.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?I’m an artist! I draw and paint—for myself, for art galleries/shows, for friends, for concept/UI artwork for games, and commissions for pets and portraits. I love doing artwork every day as well.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?I haven’t heard much, yet. I have a few reviews, though, and it seems people really enjoy my work! I do need to work on my pacing, unfortunately this has been a common theme. I tend to rush a little through the story, mostly because I’m excited to tell it! Each book gets better and better as I do them, though. Practice makes perfect!
Links:Facebook Twitter Blog LinkedIn Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk 

This month's interview is with bestselling legal and political thriller author, Kenneth Eade, who spent 30 years practicing law before publishing his first novel, An Involuntary Spy. 
Below is a short bio taken from Kenneth's website, followed y my interview with him:
Bio Described by critics as "one of the strongest thriller writers on the scene," Author Kenneth Eade, best known for his political and legal thrillers, practiced law for 30 years before publishing his first novel, "An Involuntary Spy."  Eade, an up and coming author in the legal thriller and courtroom drama genre, has been described by critics as: "Brilliant when it comes to creating complicated, intriguing stories with mind-blowing surprises," who have said that his novels "will remind readers of John Grisham, proving that Kenneth Eade deserves to be put on the same lists with the world's greatest thriller authors."
  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?I guess it was when I was a kid.  I made a "newspaper" which was complete with illustrations and even a comic strip, ran off copies and sold it to my parents and their friends.  Even my dad's boss was a regular subscriber.
What are you working on right now?It's a very different kind of novel, but fits into the Brent Marks Legal Thriller Series as Book 9.  The book is called "Beyond All Recognition" and is about a young Captain in the Army who comes back from four tours in Iraq, and, in the midst of dealing with his demons and trying to get back to a "normal" life, he is reinstated to active duty and accused of murder in a general court martial.
How does your work differ from others of its genre?Some people classify it as "faction", which is a mix between fact and fiction.  The stories are always fictional, but usually revolve around a contemporary issue.  Some of the issues touched upon include: generically engineered foods, police brutality, homophobia, cyber bullying, and civil rights. A small percentage of the population whose beliefs are set in stone and always will be are sometimes offended because they think my work is too "liberal" or "leftist".  My politics cannot be classified in any pigeon-hole.  these books were written to open eyes.  I believe that if you tend to get offended by political fiction, you should avoid reading it.  
Why did you choose the genre you write in?The genres can be loosely classified as political fiction, but I write two series; one is in the legal thriller genre and the other in the espionage genre. I chose them because 
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?Sometimes I write for hours on end, sometimes just for a little while.  I have to have complete concentration when I write because I get into the story and live there in order to tell it.
How much research do you do before and during a writing project?Before a project, it is necessary to get acquainted with the subject or issue.  During, it is absolutely essential to constantly do research to make the story seem real.  Currently, I am consulting with people who have served in the military for a feeling of it, as I have no service or combat experience.
How does your writing process work?A book takes on its own life.  Although I am the architect, sometimes I just have to follow where it goes.  In that way, my style of writing kind of breaks away from others.  I usually have a rough, not detailed outline of what happens.  Then, for each chapter, it is more or less its own story.  I often walk my dog (I know it may sound funny) just to get out in the fresh air and think, "what happens next"?  It clears the mind and brings new ideas to the surface.  It is also important for me to get into the story and feel it.  I live it.  Of course, I feel very comfortable stepping into the story behind the mask of Lawyer Brent Marks, because that is a role I have played all my life.
What other authors do you read?The classics, like Steinbeck, Dickens, and I also read in my own genre.  I read Connelly more than Grisham, and I like contemporaries like Paul Levine and Harlen Coben. 
What do you like to do when you're not writing?I like to read.  I travel a lot and that gives me many opportunities for reading.  I also like to play golf, which I guess is also about being out in the fresh air and nature and clearing the mind.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?I usually have at least one or two emails from readers every day.  Most of the emails tell me how much they have enjoyed a particular book they are reading or have read.  Others ask questions or give their impressions.  I enjoy the interaction with my readers.
Links:WebsiteTwitterFacebookAmazon.com

Welcome back to the My Interview With... series. May's author is a soon-to-be debut YA novelist, Cassidy Taylor.  Cassidy and I swapped interviews to be featured on our respective blogs. My interview with Cassidy will be posted in the coming months.
Below is Cassidy's bio and interview:


Bio:
Cassidy studied English and Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and won the Bill Hooks Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2007. Her first novel, The Runaway Queen, the first in a YA high fantasy series, is forthcoming from Fantasy Works Publishing. She is also a paralegal and amateur photographer. She lives in beautiful North Carolina with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and one cat who thinks he's a dog.



When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
I'm one of those that's been writing since I was little and has always wanted to be a writer. After graduating, I let "real life" get in the way and take me away from writing for several years, but thanks to NaNoWriMo, I rediscovered my passion several years ago and have been working to realize my dream! 

What are you working on right now? 
My first book, The Runaway Queen, is in edits, and I'm currently in the midst of writing the sequel. There are three books planned in the series, called The Mondragon Chronicles.

Why did you choose the genre you write in? 
I'm going to say that the YA life chose me. In my Advanced Writing Workshop in college, my first story was torn to pieces. The biggest criticism was about the "immature" voice. This was before YA was a thing, but looking back now I'm able to realize that I've always been writing YA. The Runaway Queen is a fantasy, but I like to dabble in contemporary and dystopian, too, and am looking forward to branching out when this series concludes. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 
I'm a mom to two young kids and I have a full-time job, so I'm very strict in my schedule and value my writing time dearly. I free-write in a journal in the morning before work (usually only about 5 minutes), and then will sometimes work on my blog during lunch. I spend the evenings with my kids, but once they're in bed, I sit to write for at least one hour every night, more if I'm on a roll. My parents spoil me, too. They've started taking the kids for a few hours on Sundays so that I can get in a big block of uninterrupted writing time, which has been awesome.

How does your writing process work? 
I am a pantser in every sense of the word. The Runaway Queen was just an image in my head when I started. The first draft is quick and dirty, with minimal editing. Then I print it out, do a read-through, and start on the second draft, which usually expands the story and turns into almost a re-write. It's been eye-opening to work on a trilogy because I'm having to learn how to plan, but even still, I have just vague ideas of the plots for the next two books. I trust my creative process and know that the stories will emerge as I write them.

What other authors do you read? 
All of them! :-) My Goodreads TBR list is over 1,000 books long. Right now I'm reading Elise Kova and Morgan Rhodes, both of which are amazing. Some of my other favorites are Sarah Dessen, Marie Lu, Alex Bracken, Maggie Stiefvater, and of course, JK Rowling. I am also patiently waiting for the next installment of A Song of Ice and Fire.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
Read and hang out with my kids. I don't watch much TV, but when I do, it's either The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or Grey's Anatomy. 

Links:
Website and Blog 
Twitter 
Facebook 
Instagram 
Pinterest