I’ve dreamed of becoming a published author for most of my life. I wrote my first “novel” at the age of 10, and I’ve continued to write in a wide variety of genres ever since. There’s just something about losing myself in a fictional world of my own creation that I can’t easily explain in words.

I fall in love with every one of my characters. They inspire me in ways that defy reason sometimes. They almost always take me down paths that I never would have expected. I often find a little of myself in each of them, and they help me to learn a little about myself in the process.

I originally started college intending to major in journalism. However, after a great deal of soul searching (and A LOT of prodding from my family and my academic adviser), I finally chose to major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. I also minored in journalism and political science. Through my studies, I developed a passion for Shakespeare (especially the romantic comedies), Jane Austen, Celtic Mythology, and literature in general. I received my BA in English in 2008 and my MA in Language and Literature in 2014. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my passion by teaching writing, young adult literature, and journalism at my alma mater which included advising the campus newspaper and literary magazine.

I’m especially drawn to writing highly-emotional, character-driven stories with strong female protagonists. I love reading about girls and young women who defy the odds—who, regardless of their circumstances, overcome the obstacles in their individual journeys and kick some serious butt in the process. I wholeheartedly believe that women can do anything they dare to dream. In my mind, there is nothing wrong with a princess who rescues the prince only to turn around a marry him in the end. The most important thing, at least in my opinion, is that she stays true to herself and never lets anyone tell her she can’t do something (or must do something) just because she’s a girl.

On an even more personal note, I am married to an actual rocket scientist who is not only the love of my life, but also my best friend. We have two beautiful and extremely artistic daughters who keep us on our toes every waking moment (and sometimes even in our sleep). When I’m not busy writing and spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, drinking copious amounts of caffeine, sleeping, and creating the occasional fanvid.

Author’s Character Sketch

Nickname: Kimmi

Hometown: North Lauderdale, FL

Eye color: Hazel

Hair color: It varies, but my natural color is mousy brown.

Birthdate: February 17

Pets: Autumn and Asher (a beagle mix and a German shepherd mix). We also have a chinchilla named Zelda and a lop eared bunny named Luna.

Biggest fear: I’m terrified of gravity ceasing to exist and floating away into outer space. The amusing thing about this is that I actually wanted to be an astronaut when I was little. Instead, I became a writer and married a rocket scientist. I also dislike clowns.

Hobbies: writing (obviously), reading, gardening, video editing (I’m a huge “shipper”), studying A LOT

Favorite TV Shows: The 100, The Magicians, The Walking Dead, Reign, Shadowhunters, Friends, Glee, The West Wing, Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who (I love the 10th Doctor), The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Lost in Space

Favorite Movies: Star Wars (all of them), When Harry Met Sally, Before Sunrise, The Princess Bride, Before Sunset, all five Twilight movies, Pride and Prejudice, the entire Harry Potter series, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr…SWOON), Avengers, and so many more

Favorite Books: This one is difficult to answer and would probably take up its own anthology. However, I love sweet and small-town romances, dystopia, sci-fi, vampires, and contemporary fantasy. I also may have a teeny, tiny addiction to fanfic.

Favorite vacation spots: Emerald Isle, NC; Orlando, FL (I’m a huge Disnerd); Ogunquit, ME; Pigeon Forge, TN; Ocala, FL

Bad habits: staying up too late, biting my nails, drinking Diet Coke, eating too much chocolate, and procrastinating