When a Phoenix Rose Nevermore takes readers on a journey through multigenerational stories about survival and the psychological struggles that one endures. What was the inspiration for your story?

I wanted to show how happiness doesn’t require joy, how fighting to not succumb to suicide can require every ounce of strength, and I wanted to display my unhinged humor where appropriate, without sacrificing serious themes. Furthermore, I wanted to write about grief, the coexistence of contradictory emotions, and how life is worth living despite the unreality of Happily Ever Afters.

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

Some of the themes that I wanted to convey were as follows:

– Suicidal desires can blindside and exist within oneself despite a yearning to live.

– Grief can significantly affect one’s perception of reality.

– Loneliness can be steadfast for those whose social language is different.

– Depression can be so severe that it can  make one bedridden.

– Empathy can overwhelm oneself to the point of self-destruction, while causing others harm, when it’s not paired with boundaries for oneself.

–  Dehumanization can happen even under the guise of “love.”

– Over-sheltering someone can leave them poorly equipped to handle reality.

– LGBTQ+ joy and celebration.

What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?

When Karlo Noelle sings this lullaby (of his creation) to his newly adopted baby daughter, Dahlia:

Worthiness arrives not from victories. 

Nor can it be received from others’ praise. 

It is free from Acceptance’s decrees. 

You exist; therefore, you are wonderful.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I am providing When a Phoenix Nevermore time to continue shining. However, I do have a tentative sequel in mind, and its title (for the time being) is The Extinction of Phoenixes; this book would be a tragedy, yet it would still manage to ultimately be life-affirming. Three of the major themes would be about experiencing a family member going through Alzheimer’s, optimism descending into cynicism, and love making life worthwhile, even when it feels like one has been irretrievably abandoned by happiness. 

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