How does it feel seeing your book out in the world?
It feels really surreal, to be honest! Like, I can't believe something that I dreamt of, that I created with my mind, and then my hands, is a physical book. And that people can read it, too, is really mind blowing.
What surprised you most about the publishing process?
How many hiccups there are! It felt like I kept learning new things from accidents I goofed up. They say trial and error are the best lessons, and I can full heartedly agree. There are a handful of things I'll do much better with my next book because of those lessons.
What was the hardest part of writing your debut?
The hardest part was narrowing down what I wanted the main story to actually be. For a long while, it was a chaotic mess of "is this paranormal romance? or is this apocalyptic horror?" Obviously, in the end, its a blended mix of the two, but with a bigger lean into the spooky and less in the paranormal drama.
What inspired this story?
My love of disaster movies and seeing how humans either ban together or completely go against each other. I love overthinking how I would handle a natural disaster. And I really love spooky monsters! Writing a book about a woman grappling with a reality she didn't even knew was possible was sort of my own way of picturing what I would do a the similar situation. I'd probably have more panic attacks though.
Which character feels the most like a piece of you?
The Marrow Eaters! Ha, just kidding. Honestly, all of the characters have little pieces of myself and my loved ones. Including my loyal dog.
What emotion did you feel the most when writing?
Curiosity and disbelief. I couldn't believe I could write something like When Her World Went Away, about monsters and blood, about falling in love and secrets. I loved dipping into my curiosity and seeing how much more I could do with the idea.
What do you hope readers feel the most after reading it?
I hope readers feel a sense of hope, of belief in themselves that they could find that inner strength in the face of monsters, disasters, and terrible people.
What tropes can readers expect?
Who doesn't love a good trope! When Her World Went Away has some good ones. The reluctant hero, bestfriends goals, monsters in the dark, and my personal favorite, star-crossed lovers!
Who is this book perfect for?
Anyone that likes a mixture of horror with romance. Because love can be inconvenient, it might hit you during the scariest time of your life. Anyone that likes the mystery of a handsome stranger, or what's lurking in the shadow.
What makes your story standout from others in the genre?
When Her World Went Away deals a lot with the inner feelings of not being good enough, despite everyone around you believing in you. I think the very real, human emotion of insecurity and anxiety, and learning to rise above it, helps it to stand out among other apocalyptic books.