I mostly read romance of all heat levels and diverse couplings. Sometimes erotica if I'm in the mood. I also enjoy reading the "classics," such as the works by Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters, and truly ancient works like "Beowulf" and "Le Morte D'Arthur." However, I have recently found interest in the earlier works of Neil Gaiman, and I did enjoy the Witcher series. I try to step out of my comfort zone to have a more well-rounded reading catalogue.

Using Otherworldsink.com, run by the phenomenal J. Scott Coatsworth, has worked wonders to promote my work. They have connections to a bunch of review and book promo sites and depending on the package you purchase, you can have a three day release blast or 14-day blast. The author is required to write blog posts, usually about the work being promoted, and sometimes not. This allows me to talk about my work and the behind-the-scenes development. The company is geared toward LGBTQIA + content, which is right up my alley!

I first started writing seriously after college, so in my mid-twenties? But before then, I'd attempted to craft stories--which were awful. While I'd always wanted to become a writer, since second grade, I didn't become truly inspired until I discovered the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings in quick succession. Both of those series showed me that the sky was the limit when it came to storytelling.

Well, I'm working on two books right now, one is part of The Stones of Power series, book 8, that will involve dimension hopping and a bit of time-travel. That series is my humble attempt at High Fantasy and just pure magical mayhem and the doings of an anti-hero. The second book is a single title that deals with an orc and a human. Because why not? Both of them are romance, of course. I feel more comfortable in that genre than any other.

Publishers screwing me over. No joke. Both publishers I previously worked with made some bad decisions, and while I can't ascribe malicious intent on their part, in my opinion, they didn't work to fix things. Or if they did, they went about it the wrong way. Again, I wasn't involved in the innerworkings of either company, but all I know is that a bunch of authors, including myself, were cheated out of royalties. While the first publisher went out of business, the other is still limping along, making promises they--probably--don't plan to keep. At least I received the rights back to all my works. *end rant*

On the more positive side of indie publishing, the freedom is exhilarating. I set my own schedule, I am the ultimate decider of what I include and exclude in my work. Yes, it takes more money on my end to get things publish-worthy, including editors, cover artists, and promotion, and I might not receive as much royalties as I would with a publisher, but I won't be cheated either. I've also learned a lot about formatting, uploading, budgeting, all skills that aren't bad things to learn. While I might look into other publishers in the future, I've decided that I will self-pub all my series while publishers can have my standalones. I have more control that way, and it will be easier to receive rights back and republish if the works are unrelated. Pessimistic? Perhaps. But also practical. I've been burned twice.

The different formats offered have been a boon for reviews. Reviewers can choose which one they'd prefer, and I don't have to do anything on my part but send it along. It also allows those who aren't fans of a certain big ebook company to get my works elsewhere.

Telling stories. Creating themes and patterns and weaving them through the plot and characters until the archs are tightly bound and inescapable and the reader is left with satisfaction. Basically? Creating. Whether it be characters, settings, world-building, "rules," or plot, all of it is a balancing act, and I enjoy the challenge.

While I do write, first and foremost, for a fandom of one--me--I always appreciate others joining me on the ride. I love to learn that folks have enjoyed my books, and their support encourages me to continue to publish. I am a storyteller. I *have* to write. But I don't, necessarily, have to publish. Fans let me know that my publishing is appreciated and so I continue to do it. We can anticipate together for the next book in a series or be curious about the start of a new project. I don't have to be alone in my love for a good story.

That's a loaded question.... What am I *not* working on? I have four ongoing series that I need to complete before I can start another, plus a handful of single titles I'm itching to begin. I also have two major future projects I need to do massive research for. And all this while working at a full-time day job. Oh, and also trying to have a life outside both jobs.... So what am I working on next? Well, life. Just life.

Another loaded question... JRR Tolkien (no big surprise to those who know me), Nora Roberts and Jim Butcher come to mind. Also Maggie Shayne, Ophelia Bell, Neil Gaiman, and Anne McCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern!). Can I say myself? I'm going to say myself also.