Did you read this month's feature, a short story with all the thrills and chills for October? Turnabout is Fair Fae by Valkyrie was a fun quick read, so I hope you'll share your comments below after you read my interview with her! Let's share the love (or shudders... you know, whatever works!) 

Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?

I eat a lot of veggies, but not much fruit.  I like the flavor of fruit, but not the texture. 

What are you wearing (and no fibbing!)?

It’s 6:30 PM and I’m in my kitty cat jammies for the night.  #thuglife

What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?

Oh, there’s so many!  I took my trip of a lifetime earlier this year and spent two weeks in England. My story for the current anthology, In too Deep, is based on my experiences on that trip.  I’d love to visit Ireland and Scotland on my next venture across the pond.  I think Petra would be an absolutely fascinating place to write about and visit. 

What’s the best part of being an author?

When readers connect with my characters.  It really makes my day when people can relate to my characters and appreciate them as much as I do. 

Is your writing process a daily word count goal or more of a burst of inspiration writing flurry?

Definitely writing flurries.  Deadlines help too. 

How many stories have you written? Which is your favorite?

According to my story profile, it’s 62.  It’s really hard to pick a favorite.  The Hollow Hills is very dear to me, since the characters have been around since I was a freshman in high school.  I had an absolute blast writing A Leg to Stand On.  It was my first attempt at comedy, and I think it produced some really relatable characters. 

Do you enjoy stories of the Fae variety, and did that inspire this Anthology piece?

Yes, I do.  I’ve always enjoyed reading fantasy stories and learning about the Fae.  I honestly don’t remember what inspired the story, but that sounds plausible!

It was interesting that ‘made magic’ versus ‘inherent magic’ featured in Turnabout is Fair Fae. Was that a deliberate choice?

Yes, that was deliberate.  I wanted a combination of the two, especially since it figured prominently at the end.  I don’t want to say too much and give away any spoilers to anyone who hasn’t read the story yet.

What do you think happens with changelings? Why do fae want them?

Good question!  I’ve always imagined the fae wanted them because they were a curiosity.  Something to pique their interest until they get bored of them.  I tend to think of changelings as living a charmed life for a while, then living more of a hellish existence when the charm wears off.  I guess I have a bit of a cynical view in that regard. 

Can you share something about your current or upcoming story with readers?

My anthology story should be live or going live soon after this interview is posted.  It’s based on experiences I had at several different stone circle sites in England.  There may or may not be a Christmas collaboration this year with myself, Aditus, and Cole Matthews…    I have a multichapter modern fantasy I’ve been working on for years.  Hopefully one of these days I’ll get a writing flurry and actually finish it.