Smoky Blue Sunrise follows a woman haunted by her sister’s death who flees to the mountains to start over, and an impending storm forces her to face what she’s running from. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for the setup of Smoky Blue Sunrise was to introduce a new character or two and put them in the same setting as in my debut, Elizabeth’s Mountain, which takes place in Asheville, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I kept two of the main characters from the first book and intertwined them with the new main characters of the second book. While I was writing Smoky Blue Sunrise, Hurricane Helene struck the region, forcing me to make a significant alteration to my contemporary narrative to incorporate the destructive storm.

Jolie’s internal monologue carries much of the novel. How did you balance introspection with forward momentum?

Jolie’s grief process, mixed with her survivor’s guilt, was a huge hurdle for her to overcome. Her self-reflection and healing progress were essential for the story’s satisfying advancement.  

The hurricane operates as both a literal danger and an emotional catalyst. When did you know a storm needed to be part of this story?

The storm was essential for realism, yet it also symbolized Jolie’s progress in her healing journey and the varied nature of survival. 

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?

As of this moment, I am considering my next work in progress to be either a prequel to Elizabeth’s Mountain or a standalone sequel to my Lunch Tales series. I’m hoping for either late 2027 or early 2028.

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