About “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major”

1. What was your motivation for writing “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major”?

Along with being an author, I’m a classical pianist and award-winning songwriter, so I love blending my two passions, music and writing. “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major” is the first short story I wrote with a pianist protagonist. Also, I decided to structure the story like a sonata for a unique format.

When I was in college, I composed my own piece in sonata form for an assignment in music theory class, so Lydia shares my love for both performing and creating music. Though I no longer compose solo piano pieces, I’m a songwriter and recording artist, so I’m still creating music in a different way and love when I can compose accompaniments for ballads.

2. What challenges—if any—did you have writing your story?

For me, the biggest challenge was on an emotional level, since Lydia experiences one of my worst fears. She’s unable to play the piano how she used to because of her hand injury. I see my piano as an extension of myself, so I can’t imagine not being able to create music with my fingers.

Once, when I was in undergrad, I had problems with my wrist for a short time, so playing piano was painful, and I got frustrated because I had to limit my practice sessions. As a music major, I started to panic because I had to prepare for recitals and my jury, which is basically a super intense music final. On top of that, I was held back from doing something I loved. Thankfully, my wrist got better quickly, but after that situation, I became even more aware of how hand injuries could affect my ability to play, and every time my wrist starts to ache for one reason or another, I get worried.

Honestly, I feel awful for what I put Lydia through in this story, but what she experiences is very realistic. In a way, writing this story was therapeutic because this is the first time I gave a glimpse into my fear of sustaining a hand injury that would prevent me from playing piano.

3. What is your favourite line—if any—in “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major”?

“Though being a concert pianist used to be the wish she made on birthday candles, embracing the path of a composer may be the future that rises from the ashes like a phoenix.”

This is definitely my favorite line, not only because of the poetic language and symbolism of a phoenix, but also because this captures the story’s message. For me, candles and a phoenix conjure the image of fire, and in the darkness, Lydia’s new dream brings her an ember of light and hope.

4. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major”?

I would love for readers to walk away with a sense of hope. Lydia may not be able to play the piano as she once could, but instead of giving up on music, she pivoted and found a way to keep music at the center of her life as a composer, rather than a concert pianist. For me, Lydia’s story is one of finding the light in the darkness, and I would love for my readers to carry that perspective with them. Every sunset is followed by a sunrise, and it’s up to us to embrace new beginnings the best we can while enduring challenges and unexpected changes.

5. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “Piano Sonata No. 1 in A-Flat Major” that hasn’t been asked?

I would like to share that I loved writing this story because doing so made me step outside my comfort zone as an author. For the most part, I write commercial genre fiction, especially thriller, horror, and fantasy. This is my first piece of literary fiction, so I enjoyed trying something new.

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

My current read is a dark young adult thriller by Rebekah Faubion called Lost Girls of Hollow Lake.

2. Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it?

Gosh, this is so hard because I have lots of favorites. I’ll have to choose The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan, though. This is a series in the Percy Jackson universe, and I reread all five books at least once a year.

3. What is your favourite poet or author, if any?

Wow, so many. There’s no way I can pick only one, so I’ll share a list. In no particular order, some of my current favorite authors are Ginny Myers Sain, Diana Urban, Natalie D. Richards, Rick Riordan, and Karen M. McManus.

4. Do you gravitate towards reading genres outside the ones you write?

In my free time, I mostly read books in my genre, which is young adult thriller. This being said, though, as a freelance editor, I’m constantly reading across genres and age categories, and I love this so much because reading outside my own genre helps me grow as an author.

Writing

1. Why do you write?

I love, love, love to create art, and this goes for both music and stories. Whether I’m writing a very authentic song or a fictional tale, I get to use my voice, and to me, that’s beautiful. Art is my way to process emotions, make sense of experiences, tap into my imagination, escape reality for a while, and connect with others. I’m forever grateful to be a songwriter and author because I truly don’t know what I would do without music and stories.

2. What do you love about being a writer?

Aside from what I said above, I love creating stories from my imagination and sharing them with the world. The writing community is also a wonderful place, and I’ve made true friends in the industry who bring constant light to my publishing journey.

3. What time of the day do you write, and do you have a writing routine?

Though I can write during any time of day, I prefer to work on my stories in the morning and at night. These are times when I’m not distracted by other responsibilities. I also find myself feeling extra creative and inspired when I first wake up and when I’m getting close to falling asleep.

As far as having a writing routine, the only time when I write every day is when I’m drafting a new book. Other than that, I work on short stories when I find anthology submission calls, brainstorm ideas for new projects, and spend time plotting my next book. Flexibility and consistency are key for me. As long as I’m plotting, drafting, or revising a project often, I don’t feel pressured to overwork myself because nourishing my creativity is a top priority.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

For me, inspiration manifests in countless ways. I get story ideas from personal experiences, memories, interests, things I witness when I’m out and about, and beyond. One of the most special things about being an author is that I have no clue what my next story will be because there’s no way to know what spark of inspiration will ignite inside me.

5. How long does it take you to write your projects?

Depending on how long my short stories are, I typically write the first drafts in a day or two days. For my books, about a month to two months. I like to draft a chapter a day, but when I reach longer or more complex chapters, I sometimes split them across two days. I’m the biggest plotter, though, so I spend months to a year outlining and researching for a book before I actually begin drafting.

6. What advice would you give to other authors/writers/poets?

If you’re pursuing a career in publishing, especially in traditional publishing, I feel it is so important to find a balance between writing what you love and being aware of the market. Sometimes, the books of our hearts won’t sell. On the other hand, spending time on a project you don’t like just because the premise matches a trend isn’t going to make writing enjoyable. As an agented author, I’m constantly trying to come up with book ideas that I’m passionate about and that have commercial appeal. Once you cross the bridge from seeing writing as a hobby to wanting to be published, stories aren’t only works of art, but products you’re hoping to sell to get into the hands of readers.

Now, when it comes to short stories and poems that you’re submitting to anthologies and literary magazines, I would say to be bold, experimental, and free. I love writing short stories so much because even though I’m aware of genre conventions and reader expectations, the stakes are much lower than with my books. I write across genres and age categories for my short stories because I find it so fun to step outside my comfort zone and write something unlike anything I’ve written before. So, in the case of short stories and poetry, I suggest following wherever the inspiration leads you.

7. What project(s) are you currently working on?

I’m always working on short stories for anthologies, but my main project right now is my young adult gothic thriller. I’ve spent a ton of time plotting this story, and I can’t wait to start drafting hopefully soon.