Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How did you start writing?

A. My love for writing started with my mom. She started writing when she was a teenager, and when I saw her writing when I was young, I thought it looked like fun. So, at eight years old, I started writing my first stories in an old green notebook (which I still have). All my stories back then revolved around horses. ;)

Q. If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

A. Well, when I was young, before I decided I wanted to be an author, I wanted to own a wildlife park. Yeah, I was REALLY into animals. One of my favorite shows at the time was The Crocodile Hunter. Actually, Steve Irwin was my first crush. At another point, I wanted to be an actress (yeah, right). Nowadays, if I weren't a writer, I would want to either be a historian/genealogist or work behind the scenes on a TV show or movie set, probably in the costume/makeup department. Like, strange as it may sound, I'd love to help create the zombies on The Walking Dead. ;) And just being a part of the family like atmosphere on some of these TV show sets would be awesome.

Q. When did you decide to become an author?

A. I was about fourteen or fifteen (I'd have to check one of my old journals to be sure). It was right when I was obsessively into Lord of the Rings. I have a very specific journal entry where I wrote, "I've decided I want to be an author like Tolkien." I'd say that was the turning point in my life, and I've never looked back.

Q. What talents do you have besides writing?

A. I do a lot of sewing. I've always loved costumes, so I have a few of those I've made. I also make all my own historical clothing for the historical reenactments I participate in. Besides that, I do like playing around with Photoshop and enjoy photo manipulation. I can't say I'm an expert, but so far I've made all of my own book covers and promo material.

Q. How long does it take you to write a book?

A. On average, six months to a year (more towards a year). Unless I'm really lucky and somehow get a book finished in a couple of months. That's only happened a couple of times.

Q. What's your biggest piece of writing advice?

A. Don't worry how absolutely atrocious your first draft is. Just. Get. It. Written. Seriously, I'd say that's the biggest thing. For every book you write, you become a better writer. That really can't happen if you never get a a book written. Just get those words on the page. It's much easier to get it out and fix it later than try to write a perfect book on the first draft.

Q. When is your next book coming out?

I get this ALL the time. ;) Check out my Book Updates page for the answer.

Q. How many siblings do you have?

A. I have two younger brothers. Is it any wonder I gave Kryin five brothers and no sisters?

Q. Are you a funny person?

Hmm, I like to laugh a lot. But I wouldn't consider myself a comedic person in general. Whenever there's humor in my books, it's my characters taking over. I have no idea how it happens.

Q. Are you a cat person or a dog person?

A. Wait, you ask this of the girl who has three cats (and wants more)? Uh, is both an answer? I'd probably say both. Maybe I lean towards cats, just because I've had more cats than dogs, and kittens just melt my heart. But I do love dogs too and hope to get one of my own someday to add to my family of furbabies.

Q. You mentioned The Walking Dead. Do you like zombies?!

A. I like apocalyptic stories. I wouldn't say I like zombies, but I like zombie/virus/survival stories.  There's so much potential for character growth. That's what I love about TWD (Daryl *hugs*). I also LOVE the Fallout video games. Someday I plan to write a post-apocalyptic book. I just don't know when.

Q. So are you a gamer girl?

A. Short answer: Yes. Though I don't have all that much time to play. Usually I do that in the winter when it gets dark so early (otherwise I like being outside). As I mentioned, I LOVE Fallout, but my all time favorite video games are Assassin's Creed (specifically AC3). It's history! How could I not love it? I also like to play Minecraft and ARK with my brothers.