Shami Stovall

I would describe my writing as fast-paced and practical. I don't like to over-describe, and the flow of my stories is akin to a roller coaster. Sometimes it's a little slow, but that's just because I have a twist around the corner, hah!

I grew up in Utah and California. Both had a great deal of influence on my writing! But probably most of all, I grew up in notable poverty. Without much money (and sometimes living in a car) it has given me a distinct perspective on what it means to struggle.

To be clear: I don't like writing about it. I actually write some of the opposite (happy families, good times, no money worries) because I lived through the worst, I don't want my escapist fantasy filled with it. Hopefully that makes sense!

I read a lot of sci-fi when I was younger. In high school I switched over to Harry Potter, and that was the series that got me into fantasy. I used to read so much (even in the classroom) that people thought I wasn't paying attention. Fortunately, I also loved to read textbooks, so school wasn't much of a problem for me!

I would want to write like Robert Heinlein. That man managed to weave amazing philosophical insight into a lot of his work, and I admire it to this day. I don't do much philosophy when I write (it tends to slow down the pace) but I look up to those who can.

Robert Heinlein

Anne Bishop

SM Stirling

Scott O'Dell

David Weber

Fourth Wing. Mostly because I know it will get people to read more. I have gifted books like the first Halo, and Daughter of the Blood, but currently, Fourth Wing is the craze, and I just want people to read more, so I give them the fluffiest of fluff.

Volke, from the Frith Chronicles. He was raised in a poor and unfortunate environment, but then rises to the challenge and overcomes through sheer grit and tenacity.

On a more comical note, the second character would be Bitso, the insane news anchor who commentates on the Nexus Games. He's unhinged, isn't really in "our reality" and constantly makes sarcastic or dark humor jokes that seem to awkwardly land. That also resonates with me.

My favorite book would probably be Star Marque Rising. It's the classic sci-fi I love. The ending is wild. No one has ever predicted it before reading it. Definitely one of my favorites.

It's organized chaos. I have my desk, my computer, and artwork of my books hanging on the walls all around me. And also a leather map! Don't forget the man. It's one of my prized possessions.

I love to just read on my phone. I typically read while lying on the couch or in the car while my amazing husband drives (because I drive nowhere). I don't really have a "nook" per se, because I am a reading opportunist.