I attended the University of Utah, graduating with honors with a degree in English and a minor in Physics. I currently work as a high school teacher, where I try to convince my students that science and the humanities aren’t mutually exclusive and that magic is real. I’ve written one (and a half!) books so far, so I’m halfway through my first trilogy.

My latest book is titled “Regnum Terra.” I started writing it ages ago when I was in high school, and it was inspired by many of the books I was reading at the time. I’ve always loved fantasy, and my story evolved from my early attempts to create something as incredible as the books that sucked me into a new world every time I picked them up.

I have a very rambunctious two-year-old, so I only write when I can carve out some spare time at work. If I try and pull out my laptop at home, my toddler tries to ‘help me’ write the book. It doesn’t work very well.

Anything fantasy or science fiction. I particularly love the works of Ray Bradbury, as well as books written by Lisa Mangum and Cassandra Clare.

I began writing when I was in third grade. I had just finished reading the Artemis Fowl series, and I loved it so much I decided to write a spin-off series about dragons and faeries. I got through almost two pages (painstakingly handwritten, I might add!) before deciding that writing was too hard and I'd just stick to reading.

Apparently, I'm no good at following through with my convictions, because I gave writing another shot. I've been seriously, continuously writing since high school.

I’m working on the sequel to “Regnum Terra,” tentatively titled “Hespera.” I ended my last book on a pretty mean cliff-hanger, so I’m doing my best to get the sequel out quickly.

I have actually loved making my own website to promote my books. You can check it out for yourself at www.regnumtrilogy.com
While in college I studied a little bit of coding, and it’s been fun using that knowledge to help create a digital home for my books. I share all of my website posts on Facebook and Twitter, and I’m also a big fan of Goodreads.

Be persistent! Writing is a hard thing, but the hardest part of writing isn’t finding the words to say what’s on your mind. The hardest part of writing is believing in yourself enough to start writing in the first place, and then to keep writing even when you feel ready to quit. Imagine how many incredible stories have never been told, just because their authors didn’t have the grit to push through until the end.

The best advice I’ve ever heard comes from Neil Gaimen:
“You need that conviction that you are brilliant. This is the greatest idea that anybody’s ever had. And that by writing it, you will set the world on fire.”

I look forward to finishing my next book and using it as an opportunity to improve my craft. My next big goal is to find an (affordable) author event to go table at. A whole day spent talking about my book? Yes, please!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak