Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Growing up in Independence, Missouri, I was first introduced to books at birth. I loved the feel, smell, and contrasts of print and pictures on the page with every book I encountered. Even before I could connect letters and sounds, I knew books were the most important part of my new world. The understanding that I could learn and take journeys and find new friends within a book made it an intoxicating past time. I read every book I could, and as I grew, I loved going to the library and finding new worlds and characters to enjoy. My reading tastes are eclectic and so are my writing habits. I love most genres, and I’m willing to try most. That’s why I started out writing my Random Poetry book. I wanted to collect and share poems which reflected my thoughts, emotions, and life. From there, I found writing contests to enter, and one of those contests wanted fairy tale retellings. Loving fairy tales, I was keen on trying my hand at it. I wrote four books which comprised of some of my favorite fairy tales: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast all came to life with a new spin. I added some twists and turns and tried not to do the expected. I hope readers will find my five books fun and original. I hope they will love my characters as much as I love my own favorite characters.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is part of a series I’m working on now. It’s not yet published, but it’s getting prepped for my beta-readers. It’s a WWII, Historical fiction book, and it all started in a college Creative Writing class. Loving to write, I took the class hoping to expand on my ideas and gain writing momentum. The Battle evolved from that class. The first draft was written several years ago and had some alpha readers. I attempted to get it traditionally published, but since it was 574 pages at the time, publishers were a bit hesitant. So, I put it aside to work as a teacher for eight years and make my way back to the writing world in 2013. Now, I have rewritten The Battle with the same characters, plot, and ending in mind. I’m excited to finish the editing process and get it into readers’ hands! It will definitely be a new twist on a popular time in history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do! At least, I think they’re unusual. I can’t write very well by sitting down and creating an in-depth outline. I work better by starting out with an idea and writing it down. Then, I create character profiles. Afterward, I get to writing. I plot and go with the characters as the book is created. I make notes as I go too. If the characters change things up, so do I. I always have my ideas in mind, the ending, and what I want the characters to achieve, but I write it all out as I go. It’s easier for me, and I find it a more comfortable writing experience. I also have to listen to music to inspire the mood I’m creating, and I need a gallon of coffee and chocolate to get me through the hours.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is the toughest question. I have SO many writers and books that I love, it makes me go cross-eyed thinking about it. In the beginning, authors like Caroline Keene (and all who wrote under her pseudonym), Boxcar Children, Mandie mysteries, Baby-Sitters Club, Trixie Belden, Sweet Valley High, Fearless, and so many others excited me about reading. I was obsessed with mysteries growing up. For a while, it led to my desire to be a private detective. I wanted to solve crimes and write about it! Enter: Angela Lansbury and Murder, She Wrote. That beginning led to my love of Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, and Iris Johansen. As I grew up, I became fans of new authors and books: Lori Wick, Janette Oke, and Francine Rivers. Young adult authors came more to my attention: Sarah Dessen, Suzanne Collins, Kelly Creagh, Elizabeth Scott, and now Stuart Gibbs. New authors (to me): Frederick Backman, Julie Klassen, Alan Gratz, Lisa Gardner, Ruta Sepetys and so many more are keeping me on my toes. Now, I enjoy reading nonfiction, bios, and more. The great thing about authors who have influenced me is that there’s always someone new showing up to blow my mind. Two other writers, also a self-published, who have inspired me are Dorian Tsukioka and J.L. Hendricks. They love what they do, and they’re a great support. Being surrounded by such great mentors makes reading and writing the best part of life.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing The Battle. I have the next three books in the series ready to go, and Book Two has 13 chapters already. I’m excited to finish the edits and get The Battle into my beta-readers’ hands!
I’m also waiting for the book covers for my paperbacks to be finished for my fairy tale and poetry ebooks.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I utilize my Facebook and Twitter to connect with my readers. I have my newsletter sign-up to share promotions and freebies. I also have my blog and author website. However, I’ve found Kindlepreneur helpful in learning more about marketing and advertising. I’m learning as I go, and I appreciate everyone’s input and assistance!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would have to say to new authors: keep going! You can do it. If this is your dream and what you love to do, you will find the time and succeed. It’s a lot of hard work, but it is all worth it. For anyone who reads your book and loves it, that is the best feeling in the world. When you finish a project, that is the best feeling in the world. When you keep going despite hardships and doubts, that is the best feeling in the world. In the end, you are doing this because you love it. That’s what matters most. Leave doubts at the door, no one is perfect. However, you need to keep going if you’re ever going to see what you’re made of, and I’m sure you’re made of some tough stuff.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t recall who said it, but I knew it was something I needed to hear. I once heard that “anyone who tries never fails.” Meaning, if you at least try, you are not a failure. The only ones who fail are those who don’t even try at all because they’re too scared. I think this hit me a lot and gave me a significant amount of thought. Fear is a huge wall to bump into, and I know it holds a lot of people, including me, hostage. Hearing that saying in passing made me realize I had to make the effort. Even if not everyone enjoys my stories, at least I knew I tried and made the story I set out to make. That’s powerful. I succeeded just by trying, and I didn’t fail because I kicked fear in the tush. Believe me, when I say, nothing feels as good as stepping up, sucking it up, and moving forward when you’re shaking inside.
What are you reading now?
I am reading quite a few books at the moment. I’m in the middle of The Battle of the Bulge: Britain’s Untold Story by Charles Whiting, Biography of a Battalion by James A. Huston, Hitler’s Last Gamble by Trevor N. Dupuy, The Devil’s Diary by Robert K. Wittman and David Kinney, and Snow and Steel by Peter Caddick-Adams for my research on my next book The Battle. I found I really enjoy WWII fiction and nonfiction books. Who knew? I didn’t. However, I’m enjoying the research. I’m also in the middle of some poetry books by Poe, Keats, and Byron as well as rereading an Agatha Christie Poirot mystery. I take breaks by reading the fiction to clear my mind and help me digest the information I’m gathering. I love it all. Goodreads Goal setting for 2018 is intense, and I have to keep up somehow. 😉
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently editing and adding to my WWII book, The Battle. It’s book one in a four-book series. I’m writing in Book Two, and I have Book Three and Book Four planned. I’m hoping to jump back on those and write as much as possible in-between my full-time job.
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?
Yikes! I don’t know if I can answer this. There would be WAY TOO many, lol. Can I plead the Fifth?
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