A. The grain of sand that starts my stories is always a "What if?" question, because the universe is made up of so many possible scenarios and outcomes. It's fun to explore them, particularly if it's something I would NEVER have tried myself (like putting on a one-woman show). After I've got my "What if?", I come up with the character, and it's the character's personality that will determine how the story plays out.
Q: What do you hear from your readers?
A. My readers think the stories are funny but sometimes are disappointed that certain characters don't end up together. I wish I could pair every character with whoever they're crushing on, but life isn't always like that, and learning to adapt to change is what helps people grow. Plus, a lot of times you end up with someone even better!
Q: Who is your favorite character you have written or read about?
A: My favorite character I've read about would have to be Bartimaeus from the Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud. For a 5,000-year old djinni, he's hilariously snarky and a bit too brave for his own good at times.
Q: What is one thing you would like your readers to know about you?
A. I'd like my readers to know that I love their laughter. THAT is what motivates me to keep writing.
Q: In high school, where did you fall? (Prom Queen/King, Gamer Geek, Brainy/Book Nerd, Jock, Shy/Quiet Scholar, Skate Rat, Stoner, Class Clown, etc.)
A. In high school, I was the Brain/Drama Geek. I remember in my freshman math class getting an A on a paper and lamenting that I didn't get an A+. I was THAT kind of extreme nerd. And for theater, I was once cast as a nun, so I watched the abbey scene from Sound of Music over and over until I truly felt I would make an excellent Mother Superior.
Thank you so much for your time Jo! We look forward to seeing you at the festival.
Read more about Jo at her website.
