A multitude of things! I wanted to bring a seriousness to literature on Wattpad, which I felt was lacking in many stories on the platform at the time. I wanted to heal myself of an incredible amount of pain, by examining a lot of the feelings and thoughts that are presented in the book. I had to get it out of me, or else it would have eaten me alive. And I wanted to make some sort of small impact on the world, before it was too late for me. Most importantly, though, I wanted to honor my real life relationship, by writing a love story about a musician and a writer. Hearing "If It Means A Lot to You" by A Day to Remember really kicked my butt into gear. Connecting so deeply with the lyrics of that song (about the pains of a long distance couple, with one of them being away on tour) ultimately pushed me to get started on writing the first chapter.

There are some very dark parts to the story. Those were difficult for me to get through, which sent me on an emotional downward spiral in real life. Moreover, I wasn't writing this book for fun. I was writing with a purpose. I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to make a statement. I was aiming for greatness, and would not accept mediocrity. I set out to write a story that people wouldn't be able to forget. One that kept you thinking about it--for days and weeks and months and years--after finishing it. I wanted this story to define my life--to allow me to close my eyes, when it's my time to pass away, and feel as though I contributed something meaningful to somebody, somewhere in the world. Considering the fact that Arrows & Anchors was the first story I ever wrote, that was an insane amount of pressure to be putting on myself. I do not, however, regret a moment of it.

Here's a perfect opportunity to share a favorite quotation of mine by Dorothy Parker: "I hate writing, I love having written."I'm an extreme perfectionist at heart. If there is a way to improve, I'd like to find it. So, because of the intense pressure that I put on myself to excel, writing is a tedious, grueling, agonizing task for me. I do have moments where I enjoy writing certain scenes or lines of dialogue. Overall, though, I really dislike the process of writing. Nonetheless, I am overwhelmed with an abundance of relief and pride, once I hit the "Publish" button on the final chapter of a story. There is nothing else in the world quite like that feeling of accomplishment. It is that feeling I keep chasing after--the feeling I've been chasing for all of my life. So, I do love it... just not all of it, all the time.

The response has been huge, and incredibly emotional for me. Readers are outraged at various parts of the book. There are tons of tears, too. And plenty of laughter. I've tried to foster a feeling of inclusivity in my readers, where they can feel free to comment their thoughts openly, at every turn of every chapter. For the last 5+ years, I've replied to every single comment received on my books (given that I'm notified of the comment). It seems like readers really appreciate this, and tend to share more of their true opinions because of the feeling of having a "direct line to the author." As such, I've been lucky enough to witness--firsthand--the incredible impact that a story of true love can have on a person. It's been overwhelmingly positive, all the way around

Arrows & Anchors is the first story, in a series of three books! There is a sequel (The Darkest Target) and a prequel (Flesh, Blood, and Stardust). I recommend reading the stories in that order, too!

I hope readers take away the following: There is no stronger force in the world than that of true love. Forgiveness is synonymous with love. Patience, too, is synonymous with love. And it's never too late to start again.

7

It's easier to focus on your story once you know where it's going. Cover the basics by having a general idea of the timeline--some sort of conflict, climax, and resolution. You can figure out the nitty gritty details as you go along, if you're more inclined to go with the flow and let the story tell itself. But having a general map in your head could help you along the way. Oh, and when you get ideas in the middle of the night (or while in line at the grocery store, or while watching your favorite show), *always* jot the ideas down. Don't trust yourself when you think, "I'll remember this. No need to write it out." :)

8

Absolutely. It's my belief that, when it's done correctly, a story can be made richer by including similarities to one's real life. To love writing is to connect with it. To connect with it, is to delve deeply into one's own heart, and write about what we know or what we feel passionately about. Once your heart is open, you leave huge parts of yourself in the story, whether you originally meant to or not. That's how it should be.

9?

The love between Julian and Brooke is like nothing you've read before. I promise you, Julian is one in a billion. Please come and meet him. Fall in love with him. Get angry at him. Forgive him. This is a mature story, for mature readers, who have outgrown books about bad boys or bikers (without any personalities to speak of, beyond their tattoos and obvious sex appeal). If you aren't afraid to cry, and are seeking a story with great substance, please look no further. I've got you covered with A&A!

1

I have several ideas for new stories, yes! Right now, it's a matter of fleshing out the details and narrowing the ideas down to just one, to get started. Some contenders include: a World War II romance, a dark YA romance involving eating disorders, a new adult romance involving a disaster at sea, a general fiction story about the afterlife, a futuristic dystopian romance, and more.