1. Diamonds, Deception & Destiny takes readers even deeper into Princess’s life in the spotlight. What inspired you to tell this next chapter of her journey?

When I first started writing Sand, Sequins & Silicone, I knew from the beginning it would be a series. Princess’s world and her growth were too big for just one book. Diamonds, Deception & Destiny gives readers a deeper look into her journey. There’s so much depth to her story, and I wanted the characters’ arcs to unfold over time in a way that felt real. It’s exciting for readers to grow with Princess and see her navigate love, ambition, and identity in Hollywood across a longer period, rather than a single moment. She’s a dynamic character living in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment, and breaking that journey up into multiple books felt like the most natural way to tell her story.

2. So much of Princess’s story mirrors the highs and lows of fame. How much of your own experience as a performer influenced what she goes through?

As with most writers, there are pieces of me woven throughout, both in Princess and in the other characters. Having spent so much time in the industry, it was natural to draw from that experience while still creating a fictional world and characters. The truth is, a lot of what happens in the music industry is deeply political. I wanted to give readers a glimpse behind the curtain, what it really feels like to chase your dreams in a business like this, while still keeping the story fun, aspirational, and full of heart.

3. The relationship between Princess and Win is such a highlight. It’s supportive, sweet, but still complicated. What did you want to explore with their dynamic this time around?

Princess is in a huge period of growth. She’s in a new city, an intense work environment, navigating powerful friendships and falling in love all at once. It’s overwhelming, exciting, and emotional. With her relationship with Win, I wanted to explore what it looks like to figure out love while still figuring out yourself. Their dynamic is rooted in care, but it’s not without tension, and I think that complexity is important. It reflects real relationships, especially when careers and dreams are involved.

4. Readers love the glamorous setting, but there’s also real emotional tension, especially with the pressure Princess faces in the music industry. What do you hope readers take away from her struggle to be heard?

I hope readers walk away knowing that even in the most sparkly, picture-perfect worlds, there are struggles, and that doesn’t make you weak - it makes you human. Social media gives us a highlight reel of everyone’s lives, and that can make people feel behind or not good enough. But life is layered. Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s beauty in that. I hope this series gives readers a sense of hope and inspiration, a few laughs, and a fun escape into the glitter and chaos of Hollywood, while still feeling grounded in something real.

5. If you could give Princess one piece of advice as she navigates fame, music, and love, what would it be?

I’d tell her to slow down. To trust herself. And to really soak up the moment. Just being in the studio, writing a song, standing on a stage - those are such rare and powerful experiences, no matter where your career ends up. I’d want her to pause and recognize how far she’s come and to know that she’s handling it all with so much grace, even in the middle of chaos.

Bonus: What’s on Princess’s playlist right now—and what songs would she never skip?

Princess is always listening to T-Pain. And she would never skip “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift - ever.