The Marigold Bridge follows a wealthy young woman whose life is turned upside down after her father is presumed dead and a dangerous family seizes control of her home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration stemmed from the grief and trauma of losing a friend to suicide and my own mediumship abilities. I struggled for a long time and found myself in a really dark place. Writing helped me process. I have an article posted on Substack if anyone is interested in the full story. It can be a bit triggering to some.

At what point did you know this story would be rooted in El Día de los Muertos?

I wanted the story to center around the connection between the living and the dead. Western cultures do not have any holidays that celebrate relationships beyond the grave. So, I contacted my mentor and friend who lives in Mexico and asked if she would be willing to help me write a story centered around El Dia de los Muertos. It was important for me to get the culture, spanish, and holiday as accurate as possible. She agreed, and Araceli’s story began! I learned so much about Mexico too and can’t wait to take my third trip back there one day. Maybe even visit San Miguel during the Day of the Dead!

Araceli’s gift feels more like a responsibility than a superpower. Why was that important to you?

Because I too understand the weight of being born with a sixth sense that other people don’t seem to fully understand. It often felt like a burden and a responsibility

until I was able to accept it and learn how to work with it. I mirrored my own frustration in her as she grappled with her gifts.

Looking back, what did writing Araceli’s story teach you about courage, family, or healing?

I healed a lot through this novel. While Araceli grew, so did I. Her mantras were many of my own as I was writing. I also learned that healing can be messy and loud. It doesn’t carry a certain aesthetic and having people in your corner who understand that and allow you to be who you are is the real gift.

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