Dark Days follows Maya as she embarks on a quest to find her powers, prevent war, and establish herself as a leader. What were some sources that informed this books development and what were some driving ideals behind Maya’s character development?

Maya and Dark Days was inspired by giving readers something different. I found that major publishers, agents, and bloggers are saying that books with female leads have to have romance, a strong male supporting cast, and other qualities that take away from a strong female character. I wanted a lead that is smart, can fight for herself and though she has male friends, they don’t have to save her.

I enjoyed the depth of the world you’ve created for your novel. What were some themes you wanted to focus on in your story?

Overall, I think the themes that come through are greed, selfishness, and the greater good. One may not consider the next two items themes but two of the driving forces for the work were action and a strong female lead. I did not want a work filled with fluff to add pages, but a work that sticks to the heart of the adventure. This is true with Maya. I wanted to make sure that though she needs to learn and grow, she is not going to be viewed as the damsel in distress or in need of someone to fight for her.

I do explain a lot about Sori and Maya does have male friends, but I focus on making the details enhance the experience instead of slowing the pace and have her friends compliment the story instead of dominate.

Will this story continue in a series of novels?

I do intend for this to be a series. I have it planned out but will not divulge the extent of the series. I will just say that we are in for one heck of an adventure.

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