Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

I write quirky, cozy fiction with sass and a supernatural twist.

I’m from a small town in Maine that’s not even on most maps, and all my stories are set against a similar backdrop. I’ve been so lucky to have a partner on my writing journey—my talented mother, ReGina Welling. Together, we’ve co-authored four series, all in the cozy mystery or light paranormal fantasy genres.

When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hanging with my dog, bird watching, or getting myself tied up in a DIY project I may or may not ever finish!

What themes and elements define your cozy mystery style?

My writing style is fun, fast-paced, and character-driven with a strong narrative voice and a generous dose of dry humor. Ultimately, I want my books to feel like a satisfying whodunit wrapped in a warm hug.

All my protagonists are strong, smart, independent women who don’t always feel as strong and smart as they really are. They’re relatable because we’re all works-in-progress and we don’t always trust our instincts—even when they’re screaming at us.

My books are for people who struggle with choosing and sticking to a path, and who constantly question whether they’re making the right life decisions. Those are my people, and I want them to know they’re not alone. And that they should listen to their intuition.

When did your love of books begin?

My fascination with books took hold early. I vividly remember being in the advanced reading group in 2nd grade. The best part was the extra library time! One day, when my reading buddy was absent, I got so lost in a book that I missed both my next class and lunch, and eventually wandered back to the real world during recess.

I always journaled and wrote pages and pages of poetry, but would only attempt fiction if it was assigned. I seemed to need a prompt, and assumed that meant I wasn’t “creative.”

What sparked your journey to becoming a writer?

My path to writing was a bit unconventional. Following my divorce, I was focused on raising my two sons while working in a demanding management role at a home healthcare agency. While the work was fulfilling in its own way, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. My mother, already an accomplished writer, encouraged me to pursue my long-held aspiration of writing. I had always harbored doubts about my creative abilities, but with her support, I discovered a wellspring of imagination I never knew existed. It was a transformative experience, and once I found my voice, I was hooked.

It sounds like you have a tight-knit family. Tell us about that.

On the personal side, I have two sons who are now entering adulthood, so I’m navigating the exciting (and slightly terrifying) ’empty nest’ phase. My grandfather was French-Canadian, and a significant portion of that side of the family speaks primarily French. I also grew up as an only child, but I have a stepsister who shares my first name, Erin, which has led to some amusing confusion over the years!

Do you have any pets?

I’m down to just one doofy chocolate lab named Prescott, but believe me—he’s a handful! He’s seven, but he’s still a puppy at heart, even if his joints don’t agree with him. He’s a very good boy!

You’ve lived in a few different places. How has that influenced your writing?

I was born in Maine, but my early years as a Navy brat took me to Virginia, Illinois, and Delaware. Later, we returned to Maine and then spent a significant time in upstate New York. That back-and-forth seems to have instilled in me a bit of wanderlust. I tend to crave a change of scenery about every ten years. All of these settings, with their unique atmospheres and communities, have undoubtedly enriched my storytelling and given me a broader perspective on the nuances of ‘home.’

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had related to your love of mysteries or storytelling?

An interesting experience was finally being called for jury duty at the age of 36. I had always been intrigued by the prospect of serving on a murder trial, although I considered it a long shot. As it happened, it was indeed a murder trial, but I was so enthusiastic that I probably wouldn’t have been selected anyway. It was still a fascinating glimpse into the real-life drama of a mystery!

What authors and works have been the most influential on your writing?

My senior year of high school, my AP English teacher assigned us Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams, and reading it solidified my amorphous dream to be a writer. In circa-1999 rural Maine, social consciousness wasn’t much of a discussion, but I was interested enough in archaeology and travel that her work struck a chord. I ended up switching from an English major to Anthropology, but I should have remembered my first love!

If stranded on a desert island, which 3-4 books would you want with you?

Definitely the All Souls Trilogy box set by Deborah Harkness (which I’m counting as one, since it’s a single story!). I’d also bring Amanda Hesser’s Cooking for Mr. Latte and Fiona Neill’s Slummy Mummy. These are comfort reads that I reread often, and I think they’d provide a good mix of escapism and familiarity on a desert island.

What are you reading these days?

Everything by Emily Henry, who is absolutely flawless. The Kitty Collins series by Katie Brent, which is so deliciously dark I can’t get enough of it. I’m trying out a graphic novel suggested by a friend called Strangers in Paradise, and I’m about to pick up The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer because I LOVED the Washington one.

Could you share a bit about your writing routine and any unusual habits?

I thrive on deadlines, even though they induce a healthy dose of stress. I need it in order to focus my ADHD brain on one project until it’s finished and launched. Then, I’d prefer never to think about it again!

My space needs to be clean and uncluttered, especially when I am on deadline. I don’t want the TV on or people talking, but I also don’t like it to be utterly silent. Often, I’ll play French café music quietly in the background. It creates a focused ambiance without the distraction of lyrics, and it makes me feel like I’m working away in a Parisian bookshop.

What’s something that might surprise your readers to learn about you?

I have a few quirky facts! For starters, I’m surprisingly clumsy, given that I’ve never broken a bone. I’m often covered in bruises, the origins of which remain a mystery. I also have a lifelong love of unicorns, which is reflected in the décor of my home and even in a unicorn tattoo. And I can passionately sing along to a vast repertoire of 2000s emo-punk anthems.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently wrapping up a new book in the Haunted Everly After Mysteries, and I’ve just outlined a new cozy series that I’ll be writing solo. It has ghosts, gossip, and just enough Maine weirdness to feel right at home.

How do you handle working under pressure?

I’m a natural procrastinator, so pressure, particularly in the form of deadlines, often serves as my primary catalyst for productivity. While deadlines can be stressful, they also provide the necessary impetus to get the words flowing. However, I’ve observed that my susceptibility to procrastination is inversely proportional to my emotional investment in a project. If I lack genuine enthusiasm for the story, procrastination tends to reign supreme.

What’s your approach to promoting your books, and what advice do you have for other authors?

As an indie author, visibility is crucial, and it requires a multi-faceted approach. There’s no single magic bullet. I firmly believe that building a strong mailing list is the most effective tool. In the book world, recommendations often come from trusted sources, so social media is primarily for nurturing relationships with existing readers, who then become your advocates. My advice to new authors is always: Write your truth. Your readers are smart—they’ll spot inauthenticity from a mile away. And build your mailing list. Your superfans are the ones who’ll show up again and again for your work.

What’s the most important message or feeling you hope to convey to your readers?

I’m deeply committed to open-mindedness, acceptance, and a willingness to embrace differences. I hope that my stories reflect those values and encourage readers to connect with characters and situations that might broaden their perspectives. I believe in the power of personal growth, and I strive to incorporate that journey into my writing.