• There were many challenges that I faced while trying to become a published author.  First and foremost, I had to write a book that was actually publishable.  Freak is actually the third book that I’ve written.  I like to think of the other two as practice J
• After Freak was written, edited multiple times, and sent to many beta readers, I spent months trying to find a literary agent.  I had quite a few that told me they loved Freak, but that they couldn’t sell it at the current time.  Publisher’s weren’t really buying vampire books anymore, even though there was still a huge audience for the genre.  I was devastated for a long time.  I kept thinking, “How could someone love my book and still not take me on as a client?”
• After much consideration and encouragement from people who’ve read Freak, I decided to self-publish it.  This in its self presented its own set of challenges.
• I am glad that I made the choice though because it has been an amazing experience so far.  I have had so many people purchase my book and then contact to tell me that they enjoyed reading it.  To me, that is the best feeling in the world.

• I am a huge people watcher.  Many times, I sit at a crowded place and start making up stories about the people in front of me.  It is really a lot of fun.
• I am also very influenced by the movies I watch and books I read.  I get inspired and start writing.

• Freak was actually called The Secret Lives of Humans at first.  I really liked the title, because it’s the name of the show that changes Juniper’s life forever.  However, I thought Freak was more fitting.  Juniper is considered a freak by everyone she knows.  She doesn’t fit in with the vampires or the humans.

• I have to say Stephen King has always been my inspiration.  He’s the man.  I have spent more hours than I can count lost in his twisted tales.  I’d love to do a remake of Misery one day
• Another author who has influenced me and actually inspired me to write a book was Stephenie Meyer.  What influenced me was that she was just a normal person who woke up with a dream and decided to pursue it.  I’m not saying that she’s the only author who did this, but I discovered this about her at a point in my life when it made a big impact.  I was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life.  When I read an interview she did, it got me thinking.  If she could do it, why can’t I.  I sat down that night and started writing.  I haven’t stopped since.  I owe her so much for influencing me in such a big way.

• I first started writing May 5, 2010.  I finished one book by the end of 2010 and one novella by early 2011 and trunked them.  For those of you who don’t know, that means I threw it in a desk, never to see the light of day again.  I finished Freak by mid 2011.

• When I’m not writing, and actually carve out free time for myself.  You can usually find me reading a book or rapping along with the radio.

• I’m hoping to have a novella, told in the leader of the revolution, Rouge’s, point of view out by December 2012 and a sequel to Freak out by the end of 2013. *crosses fingers I can crank them out that quickly*

• My number one advice is to sit down and write.  Even if what you feel like you're writing is crap just keep writing.  My first two books were trunked, but I learned so much from them.  If I wouldn't have kept going, I never would have become a published author.
• My number two advice is to find a group of writing buddies.  I cannot tell you how many times my online writing buddies have pointed out things that I would have never seen myself, pulled me off of the "I quit" ledge, and been an amazing source of encouragement.  I have been working with these amazing ladies at all stages in the publishing business for three years now, and I can honestly say that I consider them to be some of my closest friends.

• I want to say, thank you so much for the reviews and kind emails that I have been receiving.  It truly makes my day each time I read that someone has enjoyed reading my book.  If you have read it, I would love to hear your thoughts or read your reviews.

Being a lower-class human born into a world where vampires rule sucks. No matter how hard Juniper Rayne tries to fit in, she's labeled a freak. When her dad signs the family up to take part in a reality television show, Juniper hopes that it'll give her the edge she needs to shed her freak label. Unfortunately for Juniper, vampires aren't that accepting. She decides to take control of her life and become a vampire hunter, instead of continuing to live in her own personal hell any longer. She will regain control or die trying.