A: There really is no difference between the terms in the world I built for the series. In essence, they are still werewolves, but Darren and his pack refer to themselves as loups-garous because that’s what he was taught to call them when he first turned. Any other werewolf who was raised/mentored by John Croxen – a major alpha in their community – also refer to themselves as loups-garous. It is the literal translation for “wolf man” in French. Likewise, werewolves from different countries that speak different languages would call themselves by a different name.
2. The main character of The Enigma, Katey, has dealt with being in a foster home, depression, and abuse... what inspired you to bring light to these situations?
A: Though I never dealt with an abusive mother, nor have I been in the foster care system, I have struggled with depression, especially in my teenage years. It’s a subject that isn’t taken seriously enough in our society and comes with a huge stigma. People also seem to think that depression is an adult thing, but I wanted to make it clear that depression can affect all age groups, including teenagers. Katey’s depression stems from a hard and unstable life where she could never understand the concept of true, unconditional love. That is, until she met Logan.
3. You've published 14 stories (correct me if I'm wrong) in three different series! What can we expect next from you? Can you tell us about it?
A: I have published 14 stories, though one of them is currently unavailable on Amazon – pending some serious editing. The Loup-Garou Series and Legacy Series are my main focus for now. The fourth book in the Loup-Garou Series, titled “Precedents” will be releasing in January of 2018. The third book of the Legacy Series will come out later in October, possibly early November. The Legacy Series is a great companion to the Loup-Garou Series because it details the backstories of all the main characters featured in the Loup-Garou series. My werewolves can live for 700-800 years, so there is a lot of history to keep track of. The first novella, “The Legend” tells of John Croxen and his start as a loup-garou in England. The third novella releasing soon, follows Darren Dubose. Anyone who loves the Loup-Garou series won’t want to miss out on this 17-18 part novella series I have planned.
4. Did anyone you know personally inspire any of your characters?
A: It’s a little embarrassing to say, but yes. The majority of the cast in The Enigma were based off of people in my life that made a positive impact. The teachers, for instance, are based off of the teachers I adored in my freshman year of high school when I first started writing the novel. Many of Katey’s friends are directly pulled from my own friends during that time. Even Logan, Katey’s love interest, has elements of my husband – who was then my boyfriend. And of course, I am very much like Katey.
5. What was your favorite book to write or who was your favorite character to write?
A: The Loup-Garou series will always be my favorite series to write. The characters have become so real to me that I sometimes forget that they’re not real. Katey and Logan, however much they frustrate me at times, have been my favorite couple from the start. The third book in the series, Beast Within, was probably my favorite to write out of the whole series. I hope my readers will love them as much as I love them.
6. Are there any of your characters you wish you could bring back from the dead?
A: Although I make a point to never kill off a main character (for long), I do wish that Katey’s parents didn’t have to die. It would have made her life so much easier. But, if they weren’t dead, she wouldn’t have been in Florida with Logan and she would have never been introduced to her destiny. If a character ever dies in my books, it’s because their sacrifice instigates the forward motion of the story. Keep that in mind as you read through the series.