Love this, I have a huge grudge against the word "talented". It makes me feel like creating something beautiful is not attainable if you're not born with the ability. "Skilled" reminds me that even if I'm not where I want to be, I can get better if I work at it.

Nevermind, the audacity of some ppl, to not grasp that I've made intentional choices, those are your context clues, and you would understand what is happening if you'd just put aside what you think should be happening and looking for the story to be that, and just focus on what *is* happening.

What do feel is most important in crafting a healthy relationship in a romance story?

Ah, that's tough, there are so many interesting spoilery things about Deirdre, but I think the most interesting non is that she prefers to surround herself with people who have different world views. She likes to be challenged, to see new perspectives, it's why she's an anthropology major.

You know, I haven't gotten into many magic critters yet, even though one of my characters is a cryptozoologist. I would say the ghouls, so far, because their role in the story reveals a lot about the overall world, but also, I think (hope) they'll be really creepy

Thank you! That is a hard one, but it has to be Lenny. I think he'll be the most misunderstood at first. He's capable of making the hardest choices and seems cold for it. His journey is about how to preserve your identity when your survival hinges on you sacrificing the largest parts of yourself.

I'm jealous. I'm reading through this article you linked, and it sounds like that will be such a cool exhibit to see.

That's fascinating!

What is the biggest ramification, good or bad, for your story world from the existence of archstones?

What is something you feel is unique or just rather special about the magic in your trilogy?

What has been the most fun thing to research for your series?

Thank you. It's a lot of fun imagining ways to make use of magic without it being overpowered, too.

Losing your soul magic is irreversible, losing too much has monstrous results. There's a lot more, but this is the basics, I think. Sorry for the lengthy answer, thank you for the question!