Feast of Valentine follows a former ballerina turned bartender seeking a fresh start, who returns home to Pottersville, where the town’s supernatural pull engulfs her in romance she never wanted. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of places that seem to have a will of their own—towns that pull people in and refuse to let them go. Pottersville became that kind of place for Angie, the protagonist. I wanted to explore the tension between free will and fate, especially when it comes to love and desire. The inspiration also came from themes of isolation and how the past never truly lets us go. Angie returns home seeking a fresh start, but she quickly realizes that Pottersville has other plans for her.

The setting is also inspired by small-town mysteries where darkness lurks beneath the surface. The supernatural elements reflect the unseen forces that manipulate us, whether societal expectations, personal demons, or something else.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?

I’m drawn to the complexities of desire, fear, and the struggle for control. One of the most fascinating aspects of the human condition is how we often want things that aren’t good for us—or resist things that are. That push and pull between choice and compulsion creates tension that makes for great storytelling.

Another theme I find compelling is identity—how we define ourselves versus how the world defines us. In Feast of Valentine, Angie struggles with who she is and what is being forced upon her, mirroring a real-world experience that many people can relate to.  

What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?

Horror and the paranormal intrigue me because they allow us to explore fear in its purest form—whether it’s the fear of the unknown, the loss of control, or even love. In Feast of Valentine, the supernatural serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape our lives, often beyond our control.

Paranormal elements give me the freedom to delve into deeper themes through a heightened, almost dreamlike lens. Love, for example, can be both intoxicating and terrifying at the same time. Writing horror also allows me to challenge expectations—because not all love stories are romantic, not every homecoming is a fresh start, and sometimes, the real monster isn’t lurking in the shadows—it’s the one smiling right in front of you.

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?

Yes, Feast of Valentine is the first book in the series. I’m currently working on another project, but the next book will also take place in Pottersville. However, it will feature a new cast of characters and explore a different set of themes.

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