Maria

WRITER

I notice things and write them down to try to understand what I see. I gravitate toward writing crime/mystery because I’m still trying to process the disturbing things I saw while covering the crime beat as a journalist. My debut book WHAT SURVIVES THE FIRE is about a Latina detective who, in the midst of a wildfire, is trying to find a murderer and free her brother from prison.

READER

Big ol’ book dork. Audio, hardcover, e-reader, it doesn’t matter. I’ll take whatever I can get my hands on. I’ll read anything with good, non-stereotypical characters, be it literary fiction or a genre book. If it’s a choice between light and happy or dark and twisty, I’ll go dark. (Read into that what you will).

WIFE AND MOM

My husband is the definition of the perfect writing spouse: He doesn’t blink when I want to spend way too much money on writing classes, journals, or pens.  I have three amazing kids who take all my money, love, and sleeping hours.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER

This sounds kinda contradictory to the writing, but I enjoy using both my analytical and creative sides to create beautiful, useful, online tools. I work for the National Renewable Energy Lab and we’re trying to save the world.

COLORADAN

I know what direction I’m headed based on where the mountains are. My family has roots in Colorado from before it was even declared a state. I leave at times but will always come back.

SLOW-ASS RUNNER

I love being outside and moving but, really, what I do on the trails would probably be more accurately described as a jiggly walk than a run.