1. What inspired the idea of your story?

It was a mixture of people I've met and places I've been to. When 2020 hit and a lot of people lost their jobs and homes, I knew I wanted to include a plotline about homeless teens!

2. What is something you struggled constructing with your story?

World building. I am a lover of low and urban fantasy and I wanted to incorporate world building elements similar to those genres. Creating an alternative 2020 set in a fictional Mid City was a challenge. The end result is kind of like a dystopian city...except it's not a dystopian book!

3. What did you enjoy writing most of your story?

My main characters: Malik and Noah. I'm a trained theatre actress so I naturally navigate towards complex characters. Those boys have kept me sane and entertained.

4. What's the overall response of your story from your readers?

Overwhelmingly positive! Both boys are mixed race and fit in minority groups. Malik is a healthy spin of the traditional Jock while Noah's personality can be found in other books but reduced to minor, supporting roles. 

The book is also a mixed genre: mystery, romance, teen drama and LGBTQA+. 

 5. Is your story a standalone novel or a piece of a series ?

Tough. A few months ago I would've said it's defiantly a standalone novel. Right now it's a maybe? I mean I do have ideas but still not sure if those ideas would translate into short stories or an addition to the same universe.

6. What would you like your readers to take away from your story?

You are not alone. There is always a place for you no matter what, hang in there!

7. What advice would you provide to fellow writers, when it comes to focusing on their own story?

Follow your heart. If your story doesn't fit into a certain mold then let loose and cut yourself some slack. Just like books, the people who write them are different works of art.

8. Does your main character share any similarities to yourself?

Yup! I sound 100% American but I have Egyptian and French blood so I grew up surrounded by different cultures. I also come from an uber religious background that can be stifling sometimes + I do struggle with depression and anxiety. Otherwise, the boys are infinitely more interesting than I am 

9. What is something about your story you believe would draw in new readers?

Genre and characters. I think romantic mysteries are being written less and less nowadays and almost never feature diverse/queer characters. If there is a reader out there who wants a unique blend with plenty of romantic tension; I gotcha!

10. Do you have any future projects?

I have three. The possible sequel to Erase and Rewind, a queer spin on the Chicklit genre starring a barista and a paranormal romance about a college student and her imaginary friend. Which one is next? Won't know until at least a first draft is fully written.