No, I was too busy daydreaming about becoming a witch or a shapeshifter or a princess or a warrior to consider publishing. But I’ve always loved writing. For many years, my sister and husband kept urging me to write a book, and eventually, I listened.

The short answer: no. The long answer: when I first tried writing fiction, I had a hard time finishing projects. I liked writing beginnings and meandering middles where fun things happened, but then I struggled to tie the story together in a meaningful way. But I didn’t give up. I went to writing conferences, read a lot of books, and figured out what my stories were missing. I also found a community of other writers who helped me push my stories into something book-shaped. The Memory Spinner is a heavily revised version of my second manuscript.

Yes, but it isn’t required to become an author. If you have a story you want to tell, that’s brimming inside you and you want to share it, you absolutely should write it. If you want to publish it, keep practicing, read (a lot!), and find friends with similar goals.

Fantasy worlds are the best escapes! When I read Harry Potter as a thirteen-year-old, I was enthralled. I read the books again and again, especially when I struggled with problems in real life. Those books became a haven for me. I loved the magic, the loyal friendships, the fun banter, and the cozy feel of the Gryffindor common room. Now, I like to incorporate some of those elements into my own stories, and I hope they can become safe havens, too.

A cloak of course! I would enchant mine to always feel warm and cozy. But as a close second, I wouldn’t mind some soft stretchy leggings that never wear out.

I used to own & operate an Etsy costume shop for kids, full of handmade items (though none of them were magical, unfortunately.)