What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Midlife Wolf Bite (Accidental Alpha Book 1)?
Whew… this one is twofold. Number one – my PA, Jenny, was insisting I write a werewolf book. I, on the other hand, was so resistant because I’m a rebel and think I can always buck the system. Go figure! The truth was, I didn’t want to write a book that was going to require a naked man’s chest on the cover. They drive me BONKERS. However, a midlife werewolf book idea where the woman became the Alpha popped into my head (enter Accidental Alpha as a Kindle Vella project) and I thought I could use it to test out Amazon’s new platform.
At the time, I thought I’d play around with writing a midlife shifter book and tell no one it was me. My pen name on Vella was originally Elena Argent. But as I wrote, the story really grew on me, and I realized my readers would love it as much as I did. Plus, there was a lot of me in this book. When I started, I was going through a custody dispute with the ex (my kids no longer wanted to live with him) and he was being a jerk about it. So, I channeled a lot of that frustration into Ella. I think it’s why she comes across so real. She’s me, but a badass werewolf Alpha version. HA!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Midlife Wolf Bite (Accidental Alpha Book 1), what would they be?
Ella’s would definitely have to be “Bite Me” from Avril Lavigne! It’s epic! For Stone, I like the vibe from the song, “Róisín” from Pa Sheehy (former lead singer for Walking on Cars).
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love my paranormal and urban fantasy, for sure. But I also do a crap ton of nonfiction reading.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m currently reading What the Lady’s Maid Knew (Book 1 in the Rift Magic Saga) by EE Holmes, and next up after the Rift Magic Saga is Throwing Shade by Deborah Wilde
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan, so my favorite part to write was the coffee shop scene where Ella went to get much-needed caffeine, but figured going braless and in her sweats would be fine. Of course, there was no drive thru for the coffee shop and she runs into Mr. Hottie dressed like a hot mess. The awkwardness was so much fun to write!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Honestly, my only quirky writing habit is that I love to turn on my Binaural app and listen to the playlist for my given series. I can’t write without my MOOD set.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“Be the change you wish you see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That women are powerful on their own – even when they’re a hot mess. They can be beautiful and desired and still stand on their own without needing any instalove relationships to make them complete. (Don’t get me wrong, love is fantastic, and Ella certainly will have her fair share… But it’s not the ONLY thing in the world.)
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