1. How long have you been cosplaying?

My first official cosplay at a convention was Harley Quinn at ECCC in 2010, but I've been dressing up like a dork my whole life.

2. Why did you choose to cosplay this character?

It is hard to express how influential these Tamora Pierce's YA novels were for me, and for so many girls like me. Her heroines were my first introduction to truly real, human, strong female characters; women who don't just kick ass, but have their own fears and desires and inherently female issues. These ladies were amazing role models during my formative years, and Alanna was my favorite.



Reading 'Alanna: The First Adventure' as a short, stubborn, red-headed twin myself, I had never read a book with a main character who was so like me! I was instantly in love. I used to dress up as Alanna as a kid, back when my "costume" was just a long t-shirt and leggings and a belt. I've always wanted to re-visit her, and I finally had the time and experience to do her justice!