I grew up in more than one place. Born in Connecticut, we moved around to 3 or 4 towns before packing up and moving to Washington State. From there we moved around a bit to 3 or 4 *more* towns, before I re-located back to Connecticut, where I stayed. After living in 3 or 4 *more* towns, I've now been in one town, one house, for 22 years! A record!

So, moving around a lot, it was difficult for me to make friends. Some towns/schools I only stayed in for 3 months. Fifth grade, I went to 3 different schools. I know loneliness, and so do my characters.

Grade School. I remember my first "work of art" was a poem called The Fox with Dirty Sox. It was brilliant. :)

Global climate change. In my fantasy series, global climate change is a result of a war between the nature gods on another globe in the planetary change. The premise is simple: end the war, and end global climate change. If only things were that simple!

A new adult paranormal romance called Kiss Me Dead. It's about a reaper with a cursed kiss, and a girl who has to die to end his curse. Kind of a deathly Catch 22.

Coffee. And Chocolate. Preferably together!

Mostly, through groups on Goodreads and word-of-mouth.

I don't think it's the first story I ever read, but my first mystery/thriller was called The Haunted Bridge (can't recall the author). I was so caught up in the tension and the moment I remember physically shaking as I read through the ending. What an impact!