Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a little snarky (okay, I’m a lot snarky) and introverted–as is the case with most writers I’ve met.
I’ve written a little bit of everything, but I’m always out to expand my horizons and try something new. Except aliens. That’s so not an option for me.
I currently have one book out (Virtue of Death), one about to come out (Wreck You), and three more under contract to release next year, as well as shorts under contract in two different anthologies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Virtue of Death, (Earthbound Angels book one) which is a paranormal romance about Sera, an angel of death.
The idea of a back tattoo actually inspired it. It was plotted to be a contemporary romance, and I was thinking about unique character traits to give her and I decided to give her a full-back angel wing tattoo. Then I said, “But what if she actually is an angel?” As I’ve always been a morbid kind of person, making her an angel of death was a no-brainer for me. Especially since she is so the mirror opposite: pretty, blonde, perky, and perfect.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a total pantser (and dear Lord do I hate that term). I try to plot, but my characters usually look at it, laugh, and tell me the way they want their story to go. Wrangling efforts have proved futile so I’m sort of used to just letting the characters pave their way. As such, I don’t ever write in order.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and my favorite author of all time is Poe. But I wouldn’t exactly refer to them as “influences.”
I’ve worked in publishing for a few years in a behind-the-scenes role, and every author I have worked with has touched me in one way or another. Be it their resolve to continue despite rejections/setbacks, the amazing books they wrote, or even just how awesome they are. The one thing I’ve learned is that authors are so supportive of each other, and are always willing to help a new writer out, promote other author’s books… it’s just a cool circle to be a part of, and as such, I couldn’t name them all. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a part of this amazing group.
What are you working on now?
I have two works in progress that are marinating right now. One is the continuation of the Earthbound Angels series, and the other is an erotic mystery.
Along the way, as anthology calls come up, I usually sneak in a short story or two.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had tremendous luck with review tours at Itsy Bitsy Book Bits.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. You’re going to get beaten down by editors/reviewers who just don’t get it, and that’s okay. That just means your book isn’t right for them, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to exist in this world. You’ll also be beaten down by yourself–I’ve found writers have more crippling self-doubt than anyone else; it’s hard to throw your all into something and then put it out there for everyone to read and have an opinion on. Surround yourself with good friends who will lift you up. I have a few and I know there are days I couldn’t get out of bed if I didn’t have them there. I call them my Optimist Calvary and they are essential to keeping me sane. (A daunting task, but they are also writers, so they understand the challenge and are up to it.)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Just keep writing.” -Nora Roberts
I met Nora Roberts my senior year of college and told her I had a novel in me. She smiled sweetly and ducked her head to sign the book I handed her, and I’m pretty sure she rolled her eyes. I mean, seriously, how often must she hear that? (To my naive twenty-one-year-old self, the statement made sense. In hindsight it was the dumbest thing I could have said. Oh, if I could turn back time…) So she handed me the book and told me to just keep writing.
I did. Then I gave it up. When I did, I felt incomplete. Something was missing. I started writing again and I became whole again. I had purpose, as I had characters who were relying on me to get their story told. See, Nora Roberts was right. I just had to keep writing.
What are you reading now?
MINA, the second in the Monsters and Maidens series by Marie Piper and after that I’ll be picking up THE BLOGGER AND THE HUNK by Jane Matisse.
What’s next for you as a writer?
On September 13, the first anthology I was a part of, UNINTENTIONAL–North American Edition, releases.
Then, on September 27, I have a m/m contemporary romance novella entitled WRECK YOU coming out.
I have three more pieces, included a novel and two novellas under contract for release in 2017. Be sure to follow me on FB or Twitter for all the latest news!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee–no matter how many times I read this, I can’t ever seem to get enough.
Any anthology of Edgar Allan Poe (as long as it includes “Annabel Lee”)
The Harry Potter series. (That’s technically seven, I know, but they are like Lay’s potato chips and you can’t have just one.)
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