Chello to you, my dear readers. You asked questions, so now I have answers. I almost considered having Booker do this interview, but I felt like he and I would get too distracted, so I'm flying solo here. Besides, I'm really good at going on long tangents on my own. So, here we go!

What's the scariest thing you've written about?

I'm not really sure I've written anything that scary? Thing is, I'm actually a major scaredy cat, and since nothing I've written scares me, I assume it's not scary? But if I had to pick, maybe my short story Take Heart? I mean, it is about a murderer and there are scenes of her butchering her victims. Of course, if we're talking scary to me, I'd have to say the chapter of This Is Why I'm Single where I talk about Coeus, the only guy I've loved up to this point. Baring my heart like that to anyone was pretty terrifying, so yeah . . . scary . . .

Which character from the Elysium stories is most like you?

Going into this series, I thought I was 100% Trinket. Then, between my own personality quiz telling me I'm Booker and having it brought to my attention that I often neglect necessary activities like eating and sleeping when I'm focused on a project, I realized I'm a mixture of him and Trinket.

Like Trinket, I deal with mental illness. Her negative thought spirals, her inner critical voice, the heavy anchor on her chest, the feeling of doom and gloom—these are all from my own personal experience. Her intuitiveness is another trait we share. Being an INFJ, I lead with introverted intuition, so sometimes I see things others don't or a theory pops into my head and I'm like "Dude, where did that come from?" but it turns out to be right and totally weirds me and everyone around me out. Also, the whole thing where everyone sees Trinket as quiet and sweet but she has a rather dark and wry sense of humor. People often think when they first meet me that I'm sweet and nice, and then I suddenly say something biting and sarcastic or start telling people about 19th-century doctors who had a 300% mortality rating or how eyeballs totally don't bounce.

With regard to Booker, he and I share the trait of obsessive passion. Like I said before, I'll sometimes forget to do normal things like eat or sleep or shower because I'm so fixated on a project, much like my beloved fictional son. He also comes off as indifferent to what people think about him but is, in fact, insecure and easily wounded. I'm the same way. Some people think I'm so chill and couldn't care less about how people see me, but that couldn't be farther from the truth, unfortunately. I'm a ball of anxiety and fear. And then there's Booker's horrible handwriting. I fashioned it after my own, so yeah . . . like mother like fictional son.

If you could be any of the characters you've ever written, which one would you be and why?

Yuuka from Always Be Appreciative Of Opposable Thumbs. First off, she wears a poofy ball gown, and I love poofy ball gowns. Second, she lives in a literal tree house. A tree house. That's kinda, sorta a dream of mine. And I like that she took matters into her own hands. She didn't want to get married so she just left. Took a pumpkin carriage and hightailed it out of there. Sure, she might be a little crazy (I'm not sure if that tree is her mother or not, it's a mystery even to me), but she works with it and is happy and manages to still be a kind and generous soul.

What other literary genres are your favorite besides steampunk?

I know it's a target audience rather than a genre, but I love young adult books. Most of what I read is YA. I particularly enjoy fantasy and mystery. Outside of YA, I've been getting into historical mysteries (usually 19th-century). And of course, I love quite a few of the classics. Started at a young age thanks to Wishbone.

How did you come up with the idea of Booker and Trinket and the whole of Tinkerfall?

I've been dreading the day someone asks me this question, because the honest truth is, I don't remember. And it's driving me CRAZY!!!! I mean, I remember what inspired certain aspects of it (like Trinket was originally a brunette until I heard the song "Girl Crush" and thought it was a great song from Frieda's point of view and thus turned Trinket into a blonde). But the inspiration for the story itself? Noooo clue. It's like this world and the characters have just always existed (I feel like the residents of Storybrooke right now). I guess my first memory is of a wolf with iron teeth, an asylum escapee, and a mad scientist. But they were already there, floating in my head.

Weird . . .

How do you get in the mood for writing? Is there some special routine for that?

Music helps me a lot. I make playlists for my major projects, and I'll listen to them even when I'm not writing, like while I'm driving or working. I find this keeps me in the right mindset so that when I do have time to write, my head is already in the story.

Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to write, and if my depression is bad, it can feel impossible to get into it. Occasionally that means taking a break, but if it starts to get out of hand and I need to get the writing done, I kinda just force myself to do it. Just make myself sit down and write. Deadlines help. Contests on Wattpad can get me out of a slump. NaNoWriMo is a great challenge that helps me to get the work done (I'm very competitive with myself). And if it's a series, knowing my readers are waiting for the story really motivates me.

And if I'm really stuck, I'll take some time to read books to gain inspiration.

Who's your favorite Wattpad author?

Reffster. He writes hilarious fantasy and science fiction stories. His writing is so witty and clever. I've loved everything I've read by him. And just to brag about him a little, he is in fact a Watty winner. Seriously, you should go read his stuff. It's brilliant.

Do you have a cat? If so, how many and what are their names?

We have four cats right now. My cat is Wolf, and he's wonderful and perfect and such a total brat and jerk to everyone but me. Also, my social anxiety seems to have rubbed off on him.

Our other cats are Fawn, Frosty, and Chief Chirpa (Chirpee for short). (Note: since this was originally published, Fawn Frosty, and Chirpa passed due to old age :( But Wolf is still with us, as well as two new cats: Trinket and Gin)

Do you think Booker would like cats?

Booker hates one particular cat. Otherwise, he doesn't have any strong feelings about animals one way or another (aside from studying them).

Do you know any celebrities? If not, who would you like to meet?

Ha, I don't personally know any celebrities. Well, actually, I guess I have met a few sports people via work. I've had several encounters with Curt Schilling (he was clearly very irritated I didn't know who he was when he was leaving something for one of my coworkers who had watched his pets while he was away and even more irritated when I had to ask for his name; pretty sure I also spelt it wrong . . .) I don't like him at all. He's arrogant and privileged and insufferable. I would actually slip into the back room when he came in to avoid dealing with him.

I also met a Pats player whose name I don't remember. He was nice up until the point he didn't want to pay us for boarding his lizard and then basically threatened us. So yeah, you can probably tell I'm not exactly a sports fan . . .

I did get to meet Eric Vale, a voice actor I really like. It was at his panel during an anime convention. He got within like an inch of my face (he forgot the name of his panel and when he was reminded it was "I'm Gonna Voice In Your Face," he proceeded to come really close to several of us in the front row and just say things. It was hilarious and awesome).

As for celebrities I'd love to meet: David Tennant, Marissa Meyer, Lights, and Hayley Williams. (Adding Noah Kahan to this list in 2025 :D)

Amusement parks: yes or no? If yes, favorite type of ride.

Not a fan of amusement parks, but I have been coerced into going to a few. Most rides scare me. Roller coasters are a big Heck No. I can really only handle a carousel. I prefer to hang out in the arcade and totally fail at DDR.

Go-to writing music?

Depends on the story. I have playlists for each story that can range from sweet and peppy to dark and emo. If I'm just looking to concentrate with no theme in mind, I'll usually listen to Lindsey Stirling or a Final Fantasy piano playlist I follow on Spotify. If I'm looking to stir up emotions, I'll go for Evanescence.

Favorite type of nature?

Well, I'm a major animal lover, so I guess animals? Especially cats? But I'm also really into wind. And clouds (I clearly have no idea how to answer this question).

Go-to pick-me-up treat?

Cake. Chocolate cake. Also pizza.

Top ten book recommendations.

Hoo-boy, this is a tough one. But here it goes in no particular order:

1. Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco—So this is the third book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, but it's my favorite out of them all. I only read the first book because I thought it would be a good comp title when I was querying Wolf. It was an interesting subject and setting (forensic science in the 19th century), but the main character kind of annoyed me. But I kept going with it since I really adored the love interest (he's like an even sassier, naughtier Mr. Darcy). However, in Houdini, the main character really grew as a person, and it was just absolutely beautifully written. And the scenes between her and the love interest? Wowza, so swoonworthy.

2. Heartless by Marissa Meyer—This book freaking ripped my heart out. Also, I'm absolutely in love with Jest. Like, I want to marry him. And it's set in Wonderland. I love Alice In Wonderland retellings.

3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo—This book has an amazing world, diverse and relatable characters, and a heist I didn't think would pull me in as much as it did. Also, Kaz is the best. He's like a mix of Booker and Scales. I have a cat skeleton I named after him, I love him so much.

4. Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor—This is one of the sweetest, quirkiest love stories ever. It's technically a novella for a series I've never read, but it totally works as a stand-alone. My ex (though not my ex or boyfriend at the time) actually gave me the book when I was having a really bad night, and I devoured it in two hours. He ended up using it as inspiration to ask me out, and despite how wrong for each other we ended up being, it was incredibly sweet and romantic. So I have a lot of fond feelings for this book. Lots of awesome lines (I now describe myself as a swirled ice-cream cone of good and evil now because of this book).

5. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale—At first, I didn't get into this book. It starts off a little slow, and I set it aside for a while, nearly forgetting about it. So glad I picked it back up because it's beautifully written. The magic in Hale's fantasy world is so subtle and unique. And I love the main character. She's not the outspoken, brave heroine people expect. I found her to be very lovable and someone I wanted to cheer for.

6. I Really Didn't Think This Through by Beth Evans—I love Evans' comics on anxiety and depression, so I bought her book to support her. And I'm so happy I did! It was so honest and real but still positive and encouraging. Reading it was like finding someone who really understood what I'm going through. I keep the book in my bag now in case I'm having a bad day and need to flip through it.

7. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine—I feel like this is the book that truly made me fall in love with reading and sparked the idea that I could write stories of my own. I've read it so many times I've lost count. And I've probably bought it at least eight times cuz I keep giving it to kids I know will love it.

8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë—I just love how dark this book is. I get frustrated with people thinking it's a romance story and "for chicks." When they tell me this, I open it up to the part where Hindley shoves a carving knife in Nelly's face and she begs him not to use it because it's been scaling fish all morning and she'd rather he shoot her instead. Yeah, real mushy love stuff here. Seriously, though, it's a story about horrible people and all the horrible things they do. It's wonderful.

9. Caraval by Stephanie Garber—The imagery and metaphors in this books are absolutely gorgeous. I want it to be a movie because it would be so beautiful onscreen. Not only that, there's a kiss scene that may be the best kiss scene I've ever read, and I go to it as a reference when I need to write my own.

10. The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris—I bought this amidst my research for the Elysium series and completely fell in love. It's about Joseph Lister who helped to transform surgery in the 19th century. It's written in such a way that, while still non-fiction, feels like a narrative. I used several experiences from this book in my own series. Remember the fellow Booker worked on in A Maid Of Sterner Stuff whose intestines were falling out of him? Got that from a real-life example in this book (the real thing was a lot sadder; woman got attacked by her abusive ex-husband). This was one of the books that ignited by obsession with 19th-century medical history. I highly recommend it. In fact, here's a book trailer for it (warning: it's kind of gross and bloody):

Prefer writing by hand or digitally?

Digitally. My handwriting is just so bad. Sometimes even I can't read it (like I said, Booker and I have the same bad script). Also, I find the words don't flow as easily when I write by hand. And it's too hard to edit.

Three destinations you'd love to visit?

Prague (because of Night of Cake & Puppets); Australia (because the wildlife fascinates me); and London (because London . . . and Doctor Who . . .)

Three places you've been that you'd recommend?

Okay, this one is hard because I haven't been to too many places due to my anxiety, and the few places I have been, I wouldn't recommend.

I'm gonna say Boston even though it's basically like two hours north of me, so it's not like I have to travel to get there. But I love Boston. The history, the buildings, the shopping, the events. Ah, I really need to take a day and just chill in Boston sometime soon . . .

Let's see, I guess Quito, Ecuador? I was only there for a weekend while headed to Bahia de Caraquez, but it was really nice. Cooler than I expected and beautiful mountain scenery.

And maybe Epcot in Florida? I know it's not like a place-place, but it's pretty much the only part of Florida I like. I nearly hyperventilated when I stepped into Japan and saw all the snacks and drinks I'd seen in anime and manga and always wanted to try (even melon bread!)

One place I DO NOT recommend: Baltimore, Maryland. No offense to anyone who lives there, I just had a lot of weird and bad experiences in that city . . . never again . . .

Ridiculous TV shows that you love?

Bob's Burgers is one of my absolute favorites. I love Louise and honestly want to be as evil and twisted as her. I was also way more invested in Star vs. the Forces of Evil than I probably should have been (Starco was freaking KILLING ME). Oh, and fun fact, there's an author here on Wattpad (another Watty winner) whose brother was a writer on the show. Every time I saw his name in the credits I'd be all, "Hey! I sort-of-don't-really-but-kinda-no-not-at-all know him!" The Office (US version) and Parks and Rec are awesome mindless shows that get me really emotional sometimes.

Honestly, most of the shows I watch are ridiculous, but I'm gonna stop here before this becomes all about television.

Where did your interest in steampunk, etc. start?

For steampunk I think it was cosplays I saw at cons. They were so aesthetically pleasing. And I think from there I went online and fell down the rabbit hole.

I also really liked having a fantasy element without being all "magic" and whatnot. It was cool to be fantastical but with "science" as an explanation.

As for "etc." (I'm guessing this is the medical and gothic/horror aspect), that resulted pretty much from writing the Elysium series. I'm a little weird and twisted already, so I liked the creepiness of a mad scientist, but it all took off with the series. Seriously, so much of my current personality is thanks to this series.

How long have you been writing?

I fell in love with the idea of writing stories when I was eight (my first series was about my dad's ferret and her many adventures). Then when I was in junior high, I started writing novel-length stories (that series was about a girl who could communicate with dragons; totally inspired by The Dragon Chronicles by Susan Fletcher).

So I'd say it's been twenty-two years. (twenty-eight as of 2025)

Personal pros and cons of writing short stories vs. long form and vice versa?

For short stories, I find they're great practice for learning to be succinct. It's also rewarding to finish an entire story in a short period of time. It can help stave off the insanity that comes with writing something longer. The downside is it can be hard to keep it short. Sometimes my short stories turn into novellas (this has happened with several of my Elysium "short stories.") And it can be frustrating to develop a character in a limited space. I feel like there are some stories where I had to sacrifice some of who the characters really are to keep within the word count (for contests at least). I can only hope the character development I did in my head before writing will somehow leak onto the page when people read it.

For longer stories, I like that I can put as much detail in as I want. It's easier to develop the characters and plot and tortu—I mean tease the readers. However, it can be difficult to write longer stories because it feels like it takes forever to finish (especially with all the editing; I hate/love running my chapters through Pro Writing Aid because it's so tedious but does wonders for my writing). It's also easier to lose my place in long stories and forget little details. This is especially the case with a series. I'm learning the importance of taking notes on everything when I write a series now.

If you were to meet internet friends in person, what sort of location would it be?

The Clocktower.

Favorite genre to write?

Since I discovered dreadpunk, that's been the genre I'm dying to write. And I will. Soon . . .

But I'm also really fond of adventure/mystery. And generally my stories are all young adult. Occasionally I'll write about adults (but we're so boring).

How do you, as a Millennial, feel about avocado toast? Avocado decorations? Avocados in general?

Hate, hate, and hate. Avocado toast sounds disgusting. Why would you put that vile paste on toast??? Also, avocados are ugly. Why would you decorate with things shaped like them??? Avocado is gross, the texture is not what is expected, it's bland. Just bleh. Yuck. Nasty.

I just don't understand why my generation is represented by avocados. It's baffling and disappointing . . .

What is your favorite way of eating avocados?

Despite my hatred for avocados, I'll admit there are ways I've enjoyed them. I've had avocado shakes, and they were pretty good. Also guacamole chips. Those are delicious.

What's your favorite tea?

The question to end all questions. So, in general, green tea is my favorite, especially with a hint of fruity flavor. More specifically, I've recently discovered Harney & Sons Cherry Blossom tea, and it's DELIGHTFUL. Seriously, I'm addicted.

Actually, since giving up coffee due to my anxiety, I've started buying tea obsessively. I'm running out of room.

(Send help . . .)

And that's it! Thank you guys so much for asking me so many interesting questions! Hope I didn't bore you too much. Feel free to ask an supplementary questions in the comments that I may or may not answer (I probably will, you guys ask great questions). I also hope learning more about me hasn't scared you away from reading anymore of my stuff. I swear, while I'm weird, I'm mostly harmless.

Mostly . . .

Again, thank you all from the bottom of my dark and twisted heart.