Above the Ashes follows an angry and vengeful witch who has been confined to a tomb for over 300 years and is unwittingly released by a vampire. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you wrote the novel?

I’ve always been fascinated by vampires and witchcraft. Anne Rice’s novels were some of my favorites, and throughout the years for Halloween I’ve dressed up more than once as an undead. I also had several books on witchcraft that I used to study. I found the real history enthralling and wanted to learn more. Since both of these topics had always interested me, I desired the idea to merge the two into my story. I wanted to cheer for the characters, cry with them, and experience the challenges of being in their shoes.

Sybil is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?

The most interesting and difficult scene to write for Sybil was when she confronted her first descendent in that quiet neighborhood in Salem. Sybil was an old woman and newly awoken from her 300-year slumber. When finally facing the reality of her first attempted murder, I wasn’t sure how the scene would go. Would there be multiple people at the house, a single occupant, or perhaps her victim wasn’t even home at the time. I also wondered how much of a struggle there would be, and how many bystanders would be hurt or killed. This was Sybil’s big moment, and her nonchalant thoughts about not knowing, or even caring, if her victims were alive afterwards shows just how dark her prior trauma had left her.

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

Everyone has choices to make between right and wrong, even blood-drinking undead or vengeful supernatural beings. Defined by our actions, normal humans can be just as cruel as the foulest demon. It’s our choices—at the right time and place—that truly expose our spirit and show what we are capable of. I wanted Sybil and Marcelo to suffer in their darkest moments and show readers that even flawed individuals can still do the right thing.

Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Sybil and the direction of the second book?

Things actually get worse for Sybil in the second book! Numerous challenges await her and Marcelo. New characters are introduced, both allies and enemies, as they struggle over control of a growing darkness. The sun and moon deities come into play, adding another layer of complexity and danger. And in the middle of it all, Sybil and Marcelo try to carry their relationship amidst endless turmoil.

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