I get asked quite a bit if I ever change my mind about character names halfway through a draft or if there was a version of the Royal Street series where Nola had a completely different name.

The short answer is: No.

For me, character names always come first, and once they’re decided, they’re written in stone. It’s impossible for me to imagine Nola or Melanie as anything else; the name is usually the foundation that the rest of the person is built on. Once that name is on the page, their personality and their story tend to follow suit.

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Taking a moment today to remember the true purpose of Memorial Day. It’s a day for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service, and it’s a good reminder to slow down and appreciate the history and the people around us.

However you’re spending the holiday, I hope it’s a good one! ...