Anybody who knows the town where I grew up will recognize Graycliff as a close relative immediately. The city is primarily defined by two features: Graycliff Ridge, a granite shelf that runs north-south just west of the bulk of the town, and the Zephyr River, which loosely defines the town's eastern boundary. Graycliff and its … Continue reading Let’s Talk Setting: Graycliff

Becky was the last character of Tamed Hearts to take shape. But she's arguably the strongest, both as a narrative character, and in terms of what she can do. The simplest shorthand term to describe her is probably 'action heroine'. ('Ice queen' also has some applicability.) Becky works with Cassie, and they've recently begun an … Continue reading Let’s Talk Characters, Part Four: Becky

Cassie is perhaps the central character of Tamed Hearts, Wild Souls. It is her actions which bring the werewolf power struggle over Graycliff to a head. Other than being a tall, pretty, curvy, busty redhead, she's utterly normal. She's not a witch, she has no special abilities, she's not the scion of some ancient bloodline. Cassie … Continue reading Let’s Talk Characters, Part Three: Cassie

Aaron is the last point-of-view character to make an appearance in Tamed Hearts, Wild Souls--but he was actually the first to take shape. After listening to Florence + The Machine's song "Howl"--which isn't about a werewolf, but it uses lots of werewolf imagery--the idea popped into my head that I wanted to write a werewolf … Continue reading Let’s Talk Characters, Part Two: Aaron