Evelyn Grimald Stone

I write books in the fantasy genre, ranging from urban fantasy to epic fantasy to cozy fantasy. My characters tend to not fit the standard protagonist mould; they're not the strongest, the most powerful, the loudest. They have their own problems to deal with and end up in the middle of things because they want to help people, or by mere accident. I often write characters with disabilities or mental illness, but those are not their defining traits. My fantasy books tend to be complex, with characters who mimic real life, but with the magic and wonder that every person needs now and again. Oh, and dragons. I have a fondness for dragons.

I grew up in the States, beginning in Colorado. Later, I moved to Ohio, then jumped across the pond to wonderful Edinburgh, Scotland (whereupon my penchant to write in English UK became permanent), moved back to Ohio, and finally settled in southwestern Missouri. I have family spread across the States and have travelled a fair bit, though I do not anymore thanks to my disabilities and (more significantly) a desire to spend most of my time at home. I would say this has definitely influenced my writing, especially linguistically. I write in English UK, but with a great deal of American slang thrown in. I also write stories with a variety of locations and cultures, based on my various experiences and travels.

I read voraciously as a child, starting from the time that I was read Tolkien instead of the normal children's books. It rather expanded from there.

Certainly I have authors whose styles speak to me, but I think I like writing as myself. I'm familiar with me, and I know exactly what I want to say. Writing like another author wouldn't be authentic and would probably take a great deal more effort. Alas!

Well, that entirely depends on the genre, sub-genre, indie or trad, what mood I'm in that day, whether the sun is shining, the rain is falling, I have a snack or a desire for an adventure, or if I just want some escapism.

The people to whom I would gift books have such wildly different tastes to my own. I try to tailor each bookish gift to the person and what they like. I read in so many genres that I know the basics of where to start for just about everyone, and when in doubt I can ask the other readers I know.

I like to think that all my characters have bits and pieces of my life and personality thrown into the mix, but that they are all really their own unique people. Cal Thorpe from my On Behalf of Death urban fantasy series has my slightly sarcastic way of looking at the world and a touch of my leaning towards logic. Elyria Trevain from the Song of Ink duology has my desire to be shrouded in silence and surrounded by books. Ravenna from The Wing Cycle trilogy has some of the shadows that plague me and the longing I hold. Kayleigh Espinosa from The Wingswept Sky has my neurodivergence and thirst for adventure. Each character has something of me, and my story. But they also have their own story to tell.

My favourite book is usually the one I've either just finished or am currently writing. No matter how much I love all the books I write, I'm attached to my current projects.

Currently, I write in bed with various pillows for ergonomic body support, a bed desk for my laptop with split keyboard for a more comfortable writing experience, a book cart with pens and notebooks and things, and a cat on my lap. The cat is named Pip and he has this annoying tendency to show up right as I'm about to start writing, cover the screen for a bit, and then sit on me until my internal organs start gasping for air.

Anywhere that's reasonably comfortable and quiet. Oh, and it has to have a book. That part's quite important.