What is your motivation behind this series?
The idea for the Descendants Series came to me while writing the Frey Saga. I was toying with Frey’s powers and the thought of that talent in the current world, the ability to use mind control on humans, really inspired me. I made a few notes, but once the first paragraphs were down, the story took root and I couldn’t help but keep going. One of the most enjoyable aspects was Aern’s laid back style playing off Emily’s fierce and stubborn attitude toward their situation. As a writer, it was great fun.

Why did you want to write it? 
It was nice to change up the style in such a dramatic way. I’d been writing swords and castles, so being able to use a cell phone and sarcasm was kind of a relief. The Descendants Series is certainly more fast paced and action driven, but perhaps the scariest change for my part was writing the first book from a male lead’s point of view. And scaring yourself sometimes is a good thing. There was never a dull moment writing Aern.

What do you hope readers will take with them when they read this last book in the series? 
To me, things really come full circle with the characters, their relationships, and the dilemma of facing their lot in life. I think they’ve learned a lot, they’ve definitely been through some trials, but it was nice to give them that sense of understanding and the chance to see how things truly are. They had to either accept it or fight to the end, but it was nice to give them the choice.

Do you have a favorite scene? 
I actually surprised myself with this one, because Brianna and Logan had some tender moments that really had them taking over the spot for my favorite couple in the series. When she’s showing him her power and plainly stalling, then he takes her hand and tells her it will be okay, talks about Saturday mornings … yeah, that.

Share something about you that is unique – maybe about how/where you write… or favorite snack foods? 
I listen to a lot of audiobooks, so sometimes when I’m writing it’s as if I can hear the characters’ voices in my head. I tend to just let that “voice” talk through the scene, fingers clicking furiously across the keys, and when I’m really in the zone I don’t always realize exactly what I’ve written. This sounds bizarre, and it probably is, but when I go back and proofread later, I find myself laughing out loud at some of the things that character said — because it doesn’t seem like something I’d write – Ever.

So maybe I should have just said I love chocolate almonds 😉