Author Q&A:
Q. Where are you from?
A. I have lived most of my life in Massachusetts. I’ve travelled around the country a lot and hope to hit all 50 states someday. I don’t have a wicked bad Boston accent, but I definitely have a keen sense of my roots.
Q. What was it like growing up?
A. In my town growing up, I was considered to be the product of a mixed marriage. Irish and Italians were combining families and I was an outcome of that. There was a crucifix in every room of my family’s house, and when I’d visit my Nana in her triple-decker, she was always making sauce. My favourite pizza is potato pizza. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.
Q. Is there an overall message in your writing that you want readers to grasp?
A. My main themes are always empowerment, freedom, equality, and hope. As a survivor of abuse, I am keenly aware of the power of words, and the magic that can happen when people speak up to help each other. My poetry, my prose, my stories; time and time again it comes back to respect and love for ourselves and others.
Q. Can you describe your newest project?
A. My project is a Steampunk adventure set in 1884 America. A famous inventor finds herself embroiled in a new city's despotism, and her personal quest is thwarted. My main themes of empathy and respect are prominent, plus time travel and some cool sci-fi robots!
Q. Do you have a favourite character in “Watch City?”
A. Well, I might, but sometimes it changes. I love them all, even the bad guys. My MAIN character is pretty snazzy most of the time. Profesor Tess Alset must risk her life, destroy her hopes of rescuing her lost love, and save a steam-powered city from treacherous power mongers, all the while balancing tea and not busting her corset!