Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a proud Texas who loves writing about her home state. When I’m not writing, I enjoy watching baseball, football, and classic TV shows. I have two furry friends, Nikki & Penny, the perfect writing companions. I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
I currently have two published books but I have many more (including sequels) in the “work in progress” stage. My published works are Enigma of Lake Falls & Apollo Project.
Enigma of Lake Falls: Texas 1949 – The Year Spies Invaded is a historical mystery. It follows Private Eyes Jenny Nicolay and Sawyer Finn in their pursuit of a Soviet Spy.
Apollo Project: A Sci-Fi Thriller is a character-driven, action-packed, sci-fi adventure. The book was co-written with my dad.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the Apollo Project: A Sci-Fi Mystery Thriller. The name was inspired as a placeholder, like code names given to movies when they’re sent to theaters. After months of writing, the title stuck and inspired a NASA mission theme for the sequel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have two unusual writing habits. First, I am a complete night owl. The words flow better later into the night. I love the quiet, uninterrupted hours. Second, I tend to jump from project to project as the mood strikes me. At any given time I can have five active projects in various stages of completion.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first influence, the reason I picked up the pen (figuratively because I can’t spell and must type everything) was Nancy Drew. I read the Girl Detective Series from book one until the series ended. I also enjoyed the nostalgia of the original series.
I am also influenced by my favorite television shows. I loved the action, mystery, and character development of LOST. Gilmore Girls inspired witty, fast-paced dialogue. Alias portrayed one of the best female spies in Sydney Bristow.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three projects:
Undercover Pursuit (Spies of Texas 2)
Project Nemesis (War for the 4th Dimension Mission 2)
Spooked! (Mystery Madness 1) – a modern-day mystery connected to my Spies of Texas series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My current promotion strategy is to connect with authors via social media. I love connecting with authors and sharing advice.
I am also putting my marketing degree to use and creating ad campaigns with BookBubs. As an indie author, you wear a lot of hats.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I rely on the advice of my more experienced colleagues. However, I would tell new authors to continue to work your craft. Write, rewrite, and write again. Each draft is an improvement over the last. The dialogue flows naturally, descriptions improve, and characters leap from the page.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For the Office fans out there… “Best advice Michael ever gave me: “Don’t be an idiot.” Before I do anything I ask myself “Would an idiot do that? And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing.” – Dwight Schrute.
And if you aren’t an Office fan you probably didn’t enjoy my joke. So the serious answer to the question – Don’t be discouraged. Even if no one ever reads your book, be content in the fact you wrote one.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading A Painted House by John Grisham. It’s been recommended to me for years and for some reason I never got around to reading it. I love period pieces and baseball so I think I’ll enjoy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Ideally, a bestseller. But I’d be happy for a small group of people to read and enjoy my books. No matter my success level, I will continue to write. When I don’t write, ideas bottle-up inside my head and invade my sleep.
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 Mocking Bird
The Firm
Relic
Team of Rivals
Author Websites and Profiles
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