Hi, Hazel! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Of course! I’m actually one of your readers too, so this interview is extra exciting for me!

I grew up in Canada near the Rocky Mountains, but spent a lot of my childhood and adolescence on the water. Speed boats, houseboats, sailboats. Being near water is something I still crave. I’ve lived in Canada and the US over the years, and have settled back where I started, near the mountains.

I unabashedly love Taco Bell, I’m working on my tarot reading skills, and I almost always have a podcast or an audiobook playing…because who wants to be alone with their thoughts?

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve been writing stories my whole life. When I was in kindergarten, my teacher sent me to the principal’s office, not because I was in trouble, but because she wanted me to show them my stories. As I got older, I continued writing, though I did it in secret. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child that I got brave enough to pursue writing as a career. I love my job, I love the work. Even on the days when I’m crying about it.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: It was one of those Golden books, I think? The Disney version of Cinderella. When I was three or four, I memorized it and then pretended I was reading it myself.
• The one that made you want to become an author: There is an entire generation of authors who are writing and creating because of Twilight and I’m part of that generation!
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl is one of the best vampire books I’ve ever read. It’s full of heart while still being shockingly funny. The idea of being turned into a vampire in the 80’s when your hair is crimped and now you’re stuck with that style forever? Genius.

Your debut novel, Roses & Ruin, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

You’re lost, then found, forever.

What can readers expect?

Readers can expect longing and angst (two of my favorite things in a romance) and a twist that turns this vampire novel and Rose, the protagonist, upside down.

Where did the inspiration for Roses & Ruin come from?

I’ve been wanting to write a vampire novel for years. The question of ‘what would you do with forever?’ is one I think about often. But I had to wait until I had something new to offer. One day I was telling a friend about one of my favorite books, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab, and I had an epiphany. I can’t say what that epiphany was though! No spoilers!

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

The scenes between Hayden and Rose, where she can’t deny their chemistry, but doesn’t understand it yet? That was particularly satisfying. I love knowing things my characters don’t yet and making them suffer just a little.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely. There were days when the words weren’t doing what I needed them to do. When I was panicking, two of my dearest friends sent me songs and collages to inspire me. Writing is rarely a completely solitary act.

This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

There have been equal parts tears and celebrations on this road! As we all know, some of the best things in life are worth fighting for. I’m a tenacious (some say stubborn) person and with every setback, I only became more determined. The rejections and the struggles made me double-down. I try to remember that just because what I’m working towards hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen at all, it just means it hasn’t happened yet. That word, yet, has gotten me through a lot of dark days.

What’s next for you?

I’m a chaotic reader (I’ll read several books at once) and a chaotic writer. I’ve currently got a handful of projects I’m eyeing and picking away at that excite me. We’ll see which one takes off! That said, my heart remains with Hayden and Rose and I still have my toes dipped in their world.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?

I just read She’s a Doll by Barbara Truelove. It was wild and wonderful and I couldn’t put it down. I’ve also recently discovered an indie author named Tanvier Peart, who I absolutely love. Her books are very spicy and I’m obsessed with every character she’s written. I’ve been looking forward to Joy McCullough’s memoir, Suffer a Witch, for ages and am so excited to dive in. She’s an incredible writer.

Will you be picking up Roses & Ruin? Tell us in the comments below!

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