Question 1

How many books will there be in the Mystwick series?

Accepted Answer

Four! Books 1-3 are out now (along with a short story available only on Audible), and book 4 will be out soon. When? I don't know yet! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media to hear the publication date announcement.

Question 2

Will there be a sequel to Rise of the Dragons: The Lost Lands?

Accepted Answer

I don't know! The series is written by a different author for each book, so I am not sure if the adventures will continue or not. Your best best would be to write to Scholastic and ask them if they plan on putting out more books in this series.

Question 3

Will you write more books about Corpus?

Accepted Answer

The Corpus trilogy is complete! There will be no more stories featuring any of these characters. However, you may visit my Wattpad account to find some free short stories set in the Corpus universe.

Question 4

Does it matter which Corpus book I read first?

Accepted Answer

No! The Corpus trilogy is a set of standalone novels loosely linked to each other--so it does not matter which book you read first, or what order you read them in. You will find small connections between them but each book is set in a new place, featuring a new cast of characters.

Question 5

How can I become published?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to get published, including self-publishing, but I can only offer advice about the way I was published: by a traditional publisher through the "slush pile." These are the steps I followed:
 
1. Finish a manuscript. This is very important. Until your novel is complete, has been edited and polished, and maybe even critiqued by other writers, it is not ready to be submitted anywhere. Focus on finishing your book before you begin the publication process.
 
2. Submit to agents. This is done by writing a "query letter," a one page synopsis of your book, which you send to literary agents, usually by email or online forms. For more info on writing the perfect query letter, visit www.agentqueryconnect.com, www.querytracker.net and queryshark.blogspot.com. These websites taught me everything I know about writing queries and submitting them to agents.
 
3. After going through the querying process and finding your agent (yay!), your agent will then become your guide and representative in the publishing industry. They can submit your book to editors at publishing houses, help you navigate book contracts, and many other things. They're invaluable partners in your publishing journey.
 
NOTE: Agents work at around a 15% commission, meaning they make no money until YOU do. If an agent ever charges you fees in advance of selling your book, they are likely a scam agent preying on you. For more info about scam agents and other dangers in publishing, visit https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/.
 
Good luck! :)

Question 6

Where do you get your ideas?

Accepted Answer

I never know where a new story idea will come from. I've gotten ideas from art, movies, reading other books, experiences in my own life, and even from riding on roller coasters! As a writer, I constantly ask "what if?" "What if" the zombie apocolypse broke out while I was on vacation at the beach? How would I survive? "What if" a girl woke up one morning and discovered she'd turned invisible, and couldn't figure out how to turn back? "What if" is your most powerful tool when it comes to inventing new story ideas, closely followed by "What happened next?"

Question 7

Will you read my book and give me advice about it?

Accepted Answer

For legal reasons, I cannot read ANY work sent to me--whether it's a full manuscript, a few chapters, or even fan fiction about my own books. Instead, I encourage you to reach out to other bookish people in your life, whether they're writers or readers, or to check out writing groups at your local libraries and bookstores or even online. There are lots of people who might trade manuscripts with you to exchange critiques!

Question 8

Will any of your books be made into movies?

Accepted Answer

Authors have almost zero control over whether their books are made into movies, and I'm no different. Right now, none of my books are being developed as films. But of course I'd love to see them on the big screen too! The best way to see your favorite books become films is by spreading word about them. If a book becomes very popular, often it will catch filmmakers' attention.

Question 9

Will you write more Skyborn books?

Accepted Answer

Right now, there are no firm plans for more Skyborn books. While it is a world I would love to return to one day, for now the story is complete.

Question 10

Can I get the sheet music for Amelia's spells in Mystwick?

Accepted Answer

I would love to make this music available to you! I've heard from many musicians on this very question, and I have passed all of them on to Audible. Audible (the audiobook producer of the series) owns all the copyright for the original music you hear in the stories, so it is up to them to share it--unfortunately, I have no control over that. Your best shot is to write to Audible's customer service and make your request to them directly!

Question 11

When will you come to my school or town?

Accepted Answer

I travel as much as I can to meet readers and sign your books! If you'd like me to visit your town or school, you should speak with your local bookstores, school, or library and ask them contact me in order to arrange a visit. Check my Events page regularly and follow my social media, where I announce all my public events and signings!

Question 12

Can I send you my ideas for books?

Accepted Answer

Nope! I wish I could read them, and I know you have many lovely and creative thoughts about my characters and worlds! But for legal reasons, I cannot read your ideas, manuscripts, short stories, or other writing. However, I am always happy to receive your fan art, photos of your cosplays, and to hear that you are writing stories inspired by my books!

Question 13

What is your heritage?

Accepted Answer

I come from a family of immigrants. My mom immigrated from Scotland, so I am a UK/USA dual citizen! My grandfather (paternal) immigrated from Syria, where my family were historically semi-nomadic, living between southern Syria and their home in the city of Haifa in Palestine. So I am Scottish//Syrian/Palestinian/American. I am very proud of my heritage and celebrate and share my cultures whenever I can!

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