Kianola follows a shy teen who discovers an unexpected side of himself in a video game where he gains a newfound confidence that he takes back into the real world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This story was inspired by my own. Growing up, I was shy, and making friends was a skill I didn’t have. Video games have always been a big part of my life, and I found that playing online video games at an early age allowed me to interact with people without that barrier and practice being the version of myself I wanted to be.

In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?

Absolutely. My story and the stories of people very special to me are layered throughout this one, although maybe wearing a different paint job.

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

The most important theme would be friendship. The best part of playing an online video game isn’t the game itself but the bonds you form with the other players. Some of those bonds are shallow, and others run so deep you carry them in some way for the rest of your life.

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

A rewrite of Notion, my first fantasy novel should be finished early 2025!

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