Camille Sharp

Writing murder mysteries and romantic fantasy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The earliest days were spent crafting alternate worlds and realities while sitting in the car listening to a mix of country, Motown and 80s hai bands.

My serious storytelling began in my teens. I was typically hidden away in my room for hours filling many notebooks with handwritten stories. I was about 19 when I saved up and bought my first laptop (I think I still have it shoved in a closet somewhere). It was incredibly heavy and had all the aesthetic charms of a brick. It was also a huge step up from eraser marks, crossed out lines and an aching claw-like grip from wielding my pencil.

I write from many perspectives - heroine, hero, side characters and sometimes even villains. I like to write about heroines that are smart, sexy and basically kind. All the things I want to be if I ever decide to grow up.

I love romance and I weave it into many of my books, but I explore other relationships as well. Friendships and the many complicated bonds within families are deeply important in writing.

I believe that stories are vital. Our imaginations need to be protected and cultivated, and boredom, especially in the hands of resourceful children, can breed creativity and strength.

What I've learned along the way is that when you're in a situation that you can't change, stories give you the chance to escape. Even if only for a few hours.