Writing murder mysteries and speculative fiction has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The earliest days were spent crafting alternate worlds and realities while sitting in the car listening to a mix of country, Motown and 80s hair bands.

My serious storytelling began in my teens. I was typically hidden away in my room for hours. There in my secret lair I filled many notebooks with handwritten stories. I was about 19 when I saved up and bought my first laptop (I think I still have it shoved in a closet somewhere). It was incredibly heavy and had all the aesthetic charms of a brick. It was also a huge step up from eraser marks, crossed out lines and an aching claw-like grip from wielding my pencil.

I write from many perspectives - heroine, hero, side characters and sometimes even villains. I like to write about heroines that are smart, sexy and basically kind. All the things I want to be if I ever decide to grow up.

I love a good twisty murder mystery, and I also dabble in romantasy. While I weave romance into many of my books, I love to explore other relationships as well. Friendships and the many bonds within families are deeply important in writing.

I firmly believe that books are vital, and that our imaginations need to be protected and cultivated. And that boredom, especially in the hands of resourceful children, breeds creativity and strength.

One of the most useful lessons I've learned along the way is that if you're in a situation where you can't really conquer or surrender, stories give you the option to escape. Even if only for a few hours.

Camille