What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Left-Hand Man?
This story was written for three reasons: because I wanted to write a YA series where protagonists were led by credible but foible adults; to explore a what-if, if humans could encode memories into our DNA; and because writing really is cheaper than therapy.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I write what I love to read. Science fiction and fantasy all the way!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I read several books at once. At the moment, I’m going through Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The confession scene between Nate, a leader with a heaping of imposter syndrome, and the protagonist, the socially awkward, but well-meaning, Ao. I’ve always loved writing the scenes where both are together but it culminates in a warm scene with lots of vulnerability.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have a mug with a badly drawn cat holding up two middle fingers with the words, I DO WHAT I WANT. Crude, but it makes me laugh, and it’s a salve for when I feel low.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
In the story, Nate says, “You are a person, and because you are a person, you have a story, which is always worth listening to.” At the time of writing it, I thought it was just a good sounding line, but it’s stuck with me since. Now, I try to listen to everyone whom I meet because compassion and patience open doors. While I can’t do it for everyone I meet, I try my best every day.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Human connection is what makes life worth living.
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