What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Crystal Moth Conspiracy?
The novel was an idea that has been floating in my head for a good 15 years. It had a loose premise and a setting, while the main story and characters weren’t defined. Crystal Moth Conspiracy is the first book in the new Ash Born series and is a great introduction to my other work found within one universe known as The Macrocosm. I began writing the first draft in 2020 during NaNoWriMo and wrote the first third. In 2021 I went back and scrapped a good chunk of it and outlined the rest of the story. With the new decade and the obscureness of our world during those years, it felt like it was time to tackle this book.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Crystal Moth Conspiracy, what would they be?
That’s a tough one! Let’s do four of the main characters in the story. Lola Cabello: Reveal by Rabbit Junk. Scalebane: Dead Channe by Blue Stahli. Detective Iglesias: What Makes a Good Man by The Heavy. Synarion: Death by Skinny Puppy.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I think I jump between horror and science fiction. I write a lot in horror, and all of my work has some tinge of horror in the story’s foundation. I have written some science fiction short stories, and it is a genre I’d love to explore more of in the future.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Lots! I’ll list my next three reads: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Filth by Irvine Welsh, and Devil’s Track by Julie Hiner.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I’d have to say the scene where Lola, Scalebane, and Synarion first have a civil discussion which is found in chapter 46.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have a solid writing ritual every morning before I start my freelance graphic design work consisting of the same coffee mug, psychill music or ambient music, and a couple of LED orange/red lights to set the mood. Sometimes the cat sits with me.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Not really, other than be kind and enjoy the ride because we’re only here once.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Remember if they enjoyed the rabbit hole!
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