What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
This book came from a number of places. At its heart, The Children of Colonodona is a sequel series to The Sitnalta Series. It’s what happens when you, as a writer, get to look down the road a ways. What happens after the happily ever after? What about the next generation?
I wanted to be able to tell a different kind of story, with a new batch of characters (and some old familiar faces). One of the biggest questions that these characters are dealing with is the idea of acceptance. These royals are a very different grouping. We have a prince who has magic in a kingdom where power is important. However, there has never been a wizard to take the throne, as it’s believed they would have too much power over the people. In contrast, his sister, who as the eldest, should take the throne. But who she is, and who she loves means that there will never be a clear cut heir. Both of these characters are fighting for acceptance from their people, from their family, and ultimately from within. These are all issues that readers are dealing with as well (albeit with a little less magic).
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Ooh, this is fun. I’d have to say that the Colonodona playlist would look something like this: Lucas: “I’m the Problem” by Morgan Wallen, Audrina: “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, Gertrude: “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift, Lettie: “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love reading fantasy novels, especially anything by Charles de Lint or O.R. Melling, both fabulous Canadian authors. I also love mystery books, and Laurie R. King is a big favourite of mine.
I do tend to write what I like to read, although lately my works in progress are looking a little contemporary fiction right now. I have a few works in both YA and Middle Grade that are very much set in the real world. So, I suppose my TBR pile is where I get to escape to other realms.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I am currently reading my way through the “Fourth Wing” series by Rebecca Yarros, and I’m loving it so far. Next up, when I’ve finished that, there’s the futuristic novel “Califia’s Daughters” by Laurie R. King, writing under the name “Leigh Richards.”
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I love to write dream sequences, or in this case—nightmares. It’s a chance where I can turn the world on its head, expose characters’ inner thoughts and fears, and bring issues to light in ways that might not make sense in other scenarios. “The Wizard’s Apprentice” has a few of those, where I get to play with fate and the idea of what’s possible in scenarios that have consequences that are far-reaching in unexpected ways.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I do a lot of writing in longhand—pen to paper. It’s so much easier to toss a notebook and pen into a purse in case I get an idea than it is to tote a laptop around.
I’ve also begun making playlists for my books and my characters, so I listen to what I feel they would be listening to. It really gets me into the right mindset and mood to get some writing done. It’s also been a lot of fun.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
My cousin Oskar told my kids, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” That really stuck with me because it’s so simple, and it’s also so true. We make our own opportunities, and we also decide how hard we’re going to push for something to happen. I don’t want to look back and think “if only…” I want to be able to see that I did my best, and I pushed my hardest to make my dreams a reality.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
We are who we are, and we should accept ourselves and each other for who we are, flaws and all. All life is beautiful, and all love is as well.
