While it's definitely not the first book I read, I can definitively say that one of the most influential books I devoured when I was a child was "Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. For a number of years it was my absolute favorite. Looking at what I write now, I can see the influence of the rebellious and headstrong woman that was Kit in a lot of my characters. Oh and the "witchy" bits.

Cover design is a collaboration with my very very talented artist friends. I give them a synopsis of what I've written, any ideas that I think would look intriguing, and the general feel of what I want the potential readers to feel when gazing upon the cover. Hot beverages and chocolate is often involved. They usually laugh at me and then make an EVEN BETTER cover happen! I tremble in awe of my cover artists.

What? Only 5? Oh my gosh, the pressure! I... I don't know if I can do this... Um... Fussbucket...
1. Shakespeare's Hamlet (yeah, it's a play, not a book, but I stand by this choice!) No one does drama like the Bard!
2. Lamb by Christopher Moore- my annual romp through the basics of Christianity. Who can't love that?
3. Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- This is an incredible, magical story that I could not put down! I ditched my husband on a date night because I couldn't stop reading it... Then I made him read it!
4. The Power by Naomi Alderman- A great twist on the power shifts and struggles of men and women. It's a newer book, but it's in depth and endlessly fascinating!
5. The Dragon and the Unicorn by A. A. Antanasio- This series is a retelling of the Authurian Legends... Though I have to say I really only like the first one. It meshes science, the universe, ancient mythology, and an extensive vocabulary.
There I did it. I chose only 5. I feel dirty now...

Reading is automatically pleasure for me. I love to see how people weave their stories. I do have a penchant for fantasy because, well, that's what I write. However, I do read a lot of history and religion.

I have a nook. I know. It's old school, but it's what I have.

Book marketing is a tricky tricky thing. Mostly, it's the cover art that draws the most readers. I have a couple of witty elevator speeches, but my cover artists show me up every time.

My desk is bright and colorful (I can't stand blank spaces). It has lots of pictures and funny quotes. There are a few strategically placed pops, my current reference books and story notes, and a place for my water bottle. I have a portable blue tooth speaker that I play cinemix on. And my ancient laptop is covered in stickers.

I grew up in a Phoenix suburb in Arizona. The place didn't so much influence my writing, rather than the people who raised me. They were the ones who gave me my voice and my love of stories. Phoenix is just the background.

I started writing when I was in grade school. I think first or second grade. Maybe earlier. They were silly stories that I took very seriously. They all had dark, dramatic overtones. I was very dramatic as a child (who am I kidding? I am still very dramatic).

The story I am working on now is actually the third book of my Angel's Prophecy series. This is the start of the apocalypse and right before my author sister Sidney Reetz and I begin our combined efforts. We are working together on this series of 9 which has been a great learning experience. I have loved every minute of it.

I've always known I wanted to be a writer. Always. Ever since I was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, my answer was unerringly "writer/author". Being an indie author offered me the most control to see my stories come to life. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

My alarm. And my husband after I've hit the snooze button too many times.

When I am not writing, I craft or read or start thinking of a new story idea.