A: Yes, I do! Almost always. The music I listen to when I write is generally free of lyrics such as classical music or instrumentals. I like listening to lyric-free music because it is not distracting and can enhance a mood of a scene. I imagine sometimes that the track I’m listening to would play in the background of a movie-version of Zaria Fierce.
To Quote Shakespeare
You have to love mothers! They are the first to show up in your cheering section and always got your back. Look at the wonderful present mine got me to celebrate finishing the first book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy:
If the text is hard to read it says, “And though she be but little she is fierce.” The quote is from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Thanks, Mom! I love it!
Q: What is your favorite part in The Secret of Gloomwood Forest?
A: I have three. The first is when Zaria and Geirr meet Norwick for the first time. I like it because Zaria is undaunted by a ferocious mythical wild animal. The second is when the children escape from their cell in Trolgar. It’s a favorite because it was a part of the story where I felt blocked. The answer ending up being a fresh twist on a cliché. The third is Zaria’s escape on the elk through the forest. It’s magical to me.
Q: As a writer are you a plotter or a pantser?
A: Both! Generally speaking, I know enough about my plot and story before I start writing that I have an idea for a beginning and an ending. I might even have a few middle scene parameters. But, how does the start of the book reach my conclusion parameters? It is here that I step back and allow the characters and events to help tell the story. I allow for spontaneity and improvisation because I believe it helps keep the story lively and natural.
Poll: How do you picture Christoffer Johansen?
When you’re reading Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest how do you picture Christoffer Johansen? Does he look liked Brandon Soo Hoo (Ender’s Game) or do you see him more as Christopher Jung?
Q: Are you anything like Zaria Fierce?
A: In some respects. Zaria and I are both avid readers. She likes mythology and fantasy and so do I, but I also like many other genres of fiction. Like Zaria I had one friend at a time until suddenly I had many. Unlike Zaria, I’m not sure I would have been able to climb onto a wyvern and pull a spear from his back. In that respect she is a lot braver than me. I do not intend to get that close to wild animals.
Zaria Fierce’s Birthday Fashion
This is how I imagined Zaria’s birthday outfit:
Black Fleece Wool Dress from Brooks Brothers
Stand Collar Long Wool Blend Coat (Petite) from Nordstrom’s
Lyssé Control Top Leggings from Nordstrom’s
Red Plaid Hair Bow in Vintage Fabric from BeSomethingNew on Etsy
Journee Collection Women’s ‘Shelley-3’ Slouch Mid-Calf Microsuede Boot from Overstock
Poll: How do you picture Geirr Engelstad?
When you’re reading Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest how do you picture Geirr Engelstad? Does he remind you of Tyrel Jackson Williams (Lab Rats) or do you see him more as Jaden Harmon (Drop Dead Diva)?
Q: Why is Zaria Fierce wimpy?
A: A girl is usually considered in the role of damsel in distress. She’s not often considered to have the strength and courage it takes to save the day. Even Zaria doesn’t think she’s brave, or strong, or heroic at the start of Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest, but she is, and she’s about to find it out for herself.
Poll: How do you picture Aleks Mickelsen?
When you’re reading Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest how do you picture Aleks Mickelsen? Do you picture him as Kyle Red Silverstein (Blended)? Or do you envision him as Toby Nichols (22 Jump Street)?
Q: How did you choose Zaria Fierce as the name for the main character?
A: I have a friend whose name is Zarabeth and I always thought it was cool that her name began with a ‘Z,’ so I started there. Obviously, I couldn’t just use her name so I thought of other ways to say ‘Sarah.’ There are a lot! I settled on Zaria because Zaria means princess which has significance in the story.
Her last name came to me very quickly. Zaria would be a girl who longed for adventure, but didn’t think she was capable of it because she was shy. Zaria Timid is silly, but Zaria Fierce is not. And, fierceness is the characteristic she will learn that she has had all along.
Q: How did you get the idea for Zaria Fierce?
A: It started with a name. A name can give a story a lot of power and a special “oomph.” As a fan of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Artemis Fowl, I knew I wanted to title my stories similarly and began to think up names for the main character. Zaria Fierce as a character came to me before I knew her story.
