1 what inspired the idea of your story?

I wrote it back in High School while I was struggling with my own sexuality. I was afraid to come out, I wasn't friends with anyone who wasn't straight, and I was petrified how friends and family would react. It turns out I had nothing to worry about and everyone was super supportive. I'm just so lucky, because I know not everyone has that luxury...I wanted to address that homophobia is unfortunately still a very real thing in this world through what happens with Hakan in my book.

2 what is something you struggled constructing with your story?

Since I had written it so long ago, I was writing it from scratch essentially. I had all the concrete plots and characters, but I had no idea how to present it. I sort of last minute decided to tell it in two different POV's, and it worked out well.

3 what did you enjoy writing most of your story?

Having a happy ending. Everything I write is dark; I like the characters I write dark, conflicted, tortured. While most my stories end on a high note, there's never complete closure. With Hakan and Vince though, there is--it's my only Happily Ever After story.

4 what's the overall response of your story from your readers?

They really enjoyed it and I was told they connected with the characters and could relate. It makes me so happy knowing I was able to create believable characters!

5 is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series ?

It's a stand alone, though Hakan and Vince originated in my book, Fate's Vinculum (I personally don't think it's that good but people that read that one seem to be eating it up, so!).

6 what would you like your readers to take away from your story?

That there is hope. That no matter what happens there will always, ALWAYS, be someone to catch you as you fall.

7 what advice would you provide to fellow writers, when it comes to focusing on their own story?

Keep going and edit later. It doesn't matter if what you write is garbage--just keep plugging along. Don't give up; that's what revisions and editing is for. Write write write!

8 does your main character share any similarities to yourself?

I'm basically Hakan. I'm nothing like Vincent. Well, I'm like Vincent in the way that I'd do just about anything for those I love, and when someone I know is hurt I can act rash. But besides that I'm Hakan.

9 what is something about your story you believe would draw in new readers?

At first glance it's a little cliche--a high school football star falls for a quiet nerd. But it's really a story about facing and triumphing over adversity. It's about accepting and loving yourself. It's a book about strength, and that even in your darkest times you just have to put one foot in front of the other, one day, one second at a time. And it may not seem like it, your life may seem hopeless, but it'll get better.

10 do you have any future projects?

Yes! I'm currently writing a story called The Orion Star. Music is a huge part of my life. I cannot survive without writing and music. It's a story about a famous rockstar that struggles with what a lot of famous people deal with--addictions, rehab stints, etc. The psyche of celebrities, especially singers, always intrigued me, so I'm exploring that in a work of fiction.