A Place called The Way tells the story of a settlement in Pine Valley that has a holy and mysterious power that can bring healing and peace to those who call the valley home. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

I had heard that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” I wanted to explore that, asking the question, “What is The Way?”

Your characters are intriguing and well developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

I grew up in a small, rural community and loved the quirkiness of many individuals, everybody knowing one another and the history of the town. I wanted to create a place that was believable, as if you could really go there and meet those people and walk in that town. I wanted to create characters that were like people we know, not good guy, bad guy, but real people with real issues leading a many-faceted life, and to engender a sense of compassion for them.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Self-harm behaviors and what might cause that. Racism and what that experience is like for children going to school and growing up with neighbors who might harbor those types of feelings for them. Spirituality and healing, sexuality and young people, to explore these in a realistic and intimate manner.

Are you planning to write another novel in the Pine Valley series, or are you working on something different next?

I am currently working on Book Four of the Pine Valley series, The Valley of Dreams.

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