Among the Wolves of Nottely Lake follows a teen living with his wolf-hunter father, who never knew his mother, who discovers he is part wolf after taking a DNA test. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My stories usually happen when two ideas collide. For this book, I wanted to write a story about someone searching for family, as that is a personal interest of mine, but it’s not much of a story idea. Then I had the idea about someone taking a DNA test that comes back with wolf DNA, and the book was there. I also wanted to honor my favorite author, Wylly Folk St. John, so I located the story in the Blue Ridge Mountains on Lake Nottely.

Rob Giroux is a fascinating character who has to work through a complicated situation. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?

I loved writing the scene when Rob’s sisters find him at the bowling alley. He is surprised by so many unusual circumstances at that point, and I hope the reader is surprised as well. That moment, early in the novel, is exciting to me and so full of possibilities. I also loved writing the end!

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

I wanted to explore family bonds, and what it even means to be ‘family.’ It was also important to me to show character(s) who are fierce and resourceful, yet also reliant on loved ones. I wanted to explore trust and loyalty coupled with fear and uncertainty.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?

I planned for this to be a standalone novel, but the feedback I’ve received has been pushing me toward a second book. I would personally like a prequel story – I’d like to see the relationship between Rob’s parents unfold. It would be interesting, to me, to see how we arrive at page one of Among the Wolves.
As for my next book, it’s on the way – hopefully 2025. It’s a middle grades adventure story that again focuses on family ties.

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebok | Website | Book Review