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

I’m a working mom of two that has always had the dream of writing for a living.  Ary’s story, in particular. I have a degree in English that I sought with the intention of eventually becoming an author.

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

In my 8th grade English class during a creative writing unit. I had the best teacher, Mrs. M! I remember how encouraged I felt when she was wowed by my writing (whether it was actually good or not, I don’t know), but that was my spark. Before that, I was already a very avid reader of YA Fantasy in particular.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: BOB Books
• The one that made you want to become an author: Junie B Jones
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Older by Jennifer Hartmann

The Incendiary is the second installment in your Selvaren series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Traumatic, romantic, rollercoaster, transformative, backstory

For readers who haven’t picked up The Silversmith, what can readers expect?

The Silversmith is the first installment of Ary’s journey, and she starts in a low place. Confused, lost, and surrounded by secrets. The Silversmith is really her origin story–how and from where she gets the fuel to mold herself into the queen and leader she’s going to be. And of course, there is a LOT of yearning from our very intense, touch-her-and-die, morally gray MMC, Smyth.

And for those who have, what’s to come in The Incendiary?

The Incendiary is action-packed with Ary much stronger and coming into her own. There are some devastating secrets revealed along with heartbreaking backstory and loss. And we meet some new characters–some lovable, some polarizing.

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

I love writing all of my characters, but writing Smyth’s POV in The Incendiary was very special. It’s very rewarding as a writer to be able to shed light on a character we already know, and show why they are the way that they are. At the same time, Ary is so resilient and empowered in this book, despite a lot of trauma and hardships thrown her way. It was a hard journey for her to get where she is at in The Incendiary, and writing her as someone who is learning to thrive is beautiful.

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

Some challenges I can’t say because of spoilers. I could have spent forever in some of the scenes in The Incendiary, particularly some in the past, which would have made the book way longer. I’m emotionally attached to some of those scenes, so trimming was sometimes a challenge. But I have an amazing editor and team that are very easy to work with, and with their help I was able to make The Incendiary the best it could be.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently editing my third book. Then, I need to take a little bit of a break (but not too long) before I dive into book four of The Selvaren!

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

I’m looking forward to Dead Things by Jennifer Hartmann, The Wildborn by Perri Torrani, Because I Killed Him by Edith Birde, ACOTAR 6 & 7, a bunch of contemporary romances on my list, and many more!

One of my favorite reads this year was Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roark.

Will you be picking up The Incendiary? Tell us in the comments below!

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