Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m first generation American on my dad’s side. My Czech heritage is rooted in the theatre and literature. My grandfather was an author, playwright, theatrical director, and owned a theater hall in Prague before having to flee the country. My grandmother was an actress on stage and screen. My father became an English teacher and performed in community theatre for years. That’s not really about me, but it’s certainly a huge influence on my love of books and the arts.
I love animals and nature, sci-fi/paranormal, fantasy, and YA, but I have a very eclectic taste and interests. We have a homestead farm, which I’ve wanted since childhood. I’ve got chickens and turkeys (ducks and geese will arrive later this year), goats, and small breed pigs. I’ve had goats for around 12 years now and I’m trading my last few to try a venture into hair sheep.
We homeschooled our kids for several years before they grew up and left the nest. Now it’s just my hubby and I living our dreams. I’ve been certified as a ProLiteracy tutor and worked with the local adult learning center for a couple years as a tutor and serving on several committees.
I’m a graphic designer, making book covers, ezine covers, t-shirts, and more. I love art and I’m working on learning more so I can widen my range of illustrations for my picture books.
My books range from picture books through those for adult audiences. I’ve written and published 22 books as of this interview. I have a nonfiction book scheduled for release on April 1st and a picture book releasing mid-July.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book published is For: Giva de Vine (Payton Chronicles 2). It’s inspiration eludes me beyond simply wishing to create something new from the darker elements and provide a powerful protagonist that rises from the darkness of her past to the limitless future where she has the power to be who she was always meant to be.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know about that. From the other authors I know… I’m just as unusual as they are. lol. I think we’re all a little unusual in some way. I started as a pantser, but I’m slowly shifting more toward outlines as I push myself out of my comfort zone and into improving my skills.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many amazing authors and books out there. I learned how to read before kindergarten. So, I couldn’t come close to listing all of those who influenced me. Anne McCaffrey and Madeleine L’Engle are among my all time favorites. So are L. M. Montgomery, Dr. Seuss, Orson Scott Card, Cassandra Clare, Neil Gaiman… (oh to hear him give a speech! <3 ) Louisa May Alcott, the Berenstains, Mercer Mayer, Suzanne Collins, Shel Silverstein, David Eddings…. There are so many more.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got my first full horror novel that I wrote during NaNoWriMo (Nov ’17) called Phantom Knights that I’m editing. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and the results are incredibly exciting for me. A young college girl, Restyn Peiss, stars in this dark tale.
I’m preparing for a new YA paranormal romance called Red Winter for CampNaNoWriMo (April ’18). It’s the first in a planned series of 4 novels and a twist on the traditional Little Red Riding Hood theme meets Rumspringa for wolves. Karis has an eventful year ahead of her.
My nonfiction fiction writer’s guide is coming out on the first of April and is the first of my Writing Hacks 101 series. This one covers plot holes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like using various blogs to promote through. I’m now reaching out more to other sites, becoming more active on twitter. I use Facebook extensively. I also have my own websites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, keep reading, keep learning. If you want it, you have to go for it. There is a lot involved in writing and selling books, but if you have the passion, it is more than worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something great. If you’re looking for advice quotes, Neil Gaiman is your man. He’s amazing as a speaker and I aspire to be as fluent as him.
What are you reading now?
AuthorPreneur by Jesse Warren Tevelow. I just started it. So, don’t tell me how it ends. 😉 No spoilers, sweetie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have an ongoing list of ideas and stories. I’ve set a goal for myself to write 3+ novels a year plus smaller books, like my new Writing Hacks 101 series, picture books, articles, and some short stories for a couple anthologies I’m putting together. I need to continue series I’ve already started and I have several series yet to begin. Ever onward with yet another word to be written.
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?
a dictionary, a thesaurus, Strunks & White’s Elements of Style and…. OMG the horror of having to choose only one more!!!!!! A huge baby name book. With these, I can write as many of my own books as I want. muahahahaha…
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