So for every author interview I ask this question, what was your initial inspiration for Essence? Did the idea come to you in a dream? Or have you always had the story in your head?

The idea for Essence came from a vacation my family had taken while camping outside of the White Mountain National Forest. There was a picture I had taken of a natural pool of water and later, when I decided to start writing, I build the story around the location. In my books it’s called Phantom Lagoon and it is on the cover of the book.

Seeing as you are so young, how hard was it to balance your school life/ friends, while writing Essence?

I’m still learning to balance my life. It’s easy to balance school and writing but when I started publishing my novel I stopped writing altogether because there wasn’t time. And now that I work it becomes even harder. My friends have definatley had their fair share of me saying I couldn’t hang out because I’m busy, but I think teens these days all have busy lives now, mine just isn’t the classic busy life of sports practice.

Did you spend a lot of time in the forest while writing Essence to get inspiration? Do you live near a forest, or is there a specific forest that inspired you?

I grew up camping every summer, but I had only been the location of my book a handful of times. However, I took photos and video that provided inspiration and long lasting memories. Whenever I was in need of direct observations of the forest, I turn to my backyard full of woodland that my friends and I love to explore.

Are your parents supportive of your choice to become a writer?

Absolutely. Before I started self-publishing I would use writing as an excuse as to why I was falling behind on chores telling my dad it was my job. However he would remind me it’s only a hobby until I make money off of it. Although I still have to do chores adults, including my parents, take me more seriously.

One of my favorite things about Essence is the cover, because it is self-published, covers can be pretty wacky sometimes, but Essence looks so professional, and looks really great on my shelf. Did you design the cover? Or did you hire someone?

I designed the cover! Since I was sixteen while publishing and paying for everything myself, hiring someone to design the book cover couldn’t even be considered. I do a little bit of graphic design along with video editing, so making the cover for Essence was a lot of fun for me.

Lastly, do you have any advice for younger writers? Would you suggest trying to write while still in school, or waiting until you are older?

Write whenever it feels right. The one thing you need to remember is that no matter how old or young you are, you will have a learning curb. Mine was three years. That time was spent writing, re-writing, learning the publishing industry from the inside-out, and breaking out of my comfort zone to better promote myself and my book. Even if I hadn’t discovered my love for writing much later in life, I still would have had to learn everything that I know now.

Thanks so much Mandi for answering all of my questions! A link to Mandi's Youtube.com channel,  as well as the book trailer will be found down below, don't forget to miss the next stop of the Essence blog tour over at at my friend Greg's youtube channel! Greggliesreads! 

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