I just wanted to share this fun interview...

1. What was your first writing experience?

While in high school I was on the literary magazine staff, and several of my works were published, but my favorite was a pictorial poem, which was pretty hard to do those days with a typewriter; I even remember it: People whose minds go round and round and round (placed in a circle) are nothing but zeroes. It was my rebellious statement about the state of high school culture. Sounds pretty judgmental, but hey, I was a teenager.

2. What does your writing environment look like?

I live in the woods, and every room in my house has a great view of nature. I recently bought myself a 'writing chair'. It is leather and reclines enough for a relaxing laptop experience. And if I get too exhausted from life, it cranks back for a great napping experience. A nearby side table my husband purchased for $15 and ground all the yucky paint off serves as a resting place for my laptop. Several of my novels hang out there for easy reference, and one of those wonderful electronic picture frames filled with colorful glimpses of my loved ones brings me joy.

3. Let's discuss your book Jaxyl Warrior Princess. Can you give us a short synopsis?

Sure, Jaxyl Warrior Princess is the middle book in an epic fantasy trilogy I wrote about the planet Merth. Yes, this name is a play on words— Merth/ earth/mirth. This action adventure tale is filled with thematic, female empowering ideas. And if you dig really deep, there are some startling parallels with traditional religious beliefs. For instance, there is the unimmaculate birth of Yez, a deity who will come and replace the Matong as the people's higher power, which parallels how the medieval Catholic church, once only accessible by the royalty of Europe, was eventually parsed out carefully to control their subjects. But don't let me scare you. This is a heavy and cynical view that is buried beneath an amazing lusty and fun plot, led by an entitled and raucous princess whose underlying premise is "girls just want to have fun." The pace is rapid and action-packed, the characters well-developed, and the chapters short, propelling the reader through the book and leaving them wanting more. Luckily, there is. The three books of the trilogy can be read in any sequence, and they do not disappoint. The first is Two Moons of Merth, a reverse Cinderella arc because the marginalized female protagonist chooses her fate and her prince. The third and final book, Return to Merth is sexy and spiritual all at the same time. Jaxyl's soul mate, Xyantuli, comes to her from the Time of Ancient Thoughts and Opinions.

4. How did you come up with the idea for the book?

Jaxyl came up with the idea. Never having supposed I would write a series. It was downright unappealing. But the characters wouldn't let me go. Jaxyl is born to Queen Ali, the daughter of Queen Aadya, the first woman to make a difference on the planet Merth. I sincerely tell you, I was more or less a typist and harried editor to this story. The characters wrote the book, and I have no doubt they will become well-known to readers of all types of literature, not just epic fantasy fans.

5. The reviewer discusses the imaginative world-building. How did you come up with all the different planets, species, etc.?

I have a zone for creativity that I don't abuse. I write in short bursts and avoid being hungry, angry, lonely or tired. If I'm not having fun while writing, then I stop. I have a very full life outside of writing. Also, it is good to get up and move around for good circulation.

6. Which character was the most fun to write? Which was most difficult?

The answer to both these questions is Jaxyl, who is a force unto herself.

7. Was there a message you wanted to convey to your readers?

Have fun, but don't let your mind become numb by bad things. Women are awesome, and it's about time we recognize them for their power and grace. Stop trying to control women with outdated suppositions of maternal roles. We're multi-taskers, our bodies are magnificently designed to grow babies, but there is a lot more to us.

8. What's next for you? Any books in the works?

Yes, I am working on an amazing magical realism story about a regular dad who gets caught up in the spiritual world and, through his interaction with some amazing robots, changes the landscape of AI forever.

I like to end with lighter questions.

9. Which futuristic technology do you wish existed now?

I can't really say, my life has changed so much since the comic book days that are now a reality. The term magic is used to describe that which we can't explain. More to be revealed.

10. What fictional character would you like to have a meal with and why?

Jaxyl because she's so outrageous and fun. I think she would think I'm a little boring.

11. What's your favorite way to have fun?

Too limited a question! Being on the couch with my dogs, hugging my children, sailing, kayaking, watching the temperament of a body of water change, seeing an amazing landscape I have never experienced before, and that's not just an earthly landscape

12. Cats or dogs?

Are you kidding? Dogs. I have two weiners, and they would be severely judgmental if you asked this question.