Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a self-published suspense novelist with two books currently on Amazon. I live in Northeast Ohio with my boyfriend and three cats, and get a bit slap-happy when completing a story or trying a new recipe. Other than that, there isn’t much to relate–I lead a fairly mundane existence. (Until imagination kicks in, that is–then I’m “living vicariously” via my characters. 😉 )
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Brain Seize, which was inspired by a simple conversation between myself and my fiance during a news segment featuring a criminal profiler. I immediately stopped editing my first novel, All Dressed In Red, to begin writing it, and before I knew what had happened, it was already finished! The characters in Brain Seize guided me as proficiently and methodically as those mules that guide adventurers downward to the Grand Canyon, seemingly knowing BEFOREHAND that the story would be written, and that they’d be included. But how that’s even possible, I haven’t the foggiest. . .
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes . . . I look at recipes and read food blogs before venturing into my book’s file, but perhaps the most unusual part is I don’t always know when to STOP. Admittedly, I’m a foodie as well as a book enthusiast, though a full confession would include the fact that I can be a procrastinator in the process. (Shh, though . . . we writers aren’t SUPPOSED to be!)
Also, where some authors successfully “head hop”, I tend to “chapter hop”–writing whatever WHENEVER. It could be the ending that gets written first, or more traditionally, the beginning, but it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if it were Chapter Five or Chapter Twenty-Seven instead. Usually, I have most of the story laid out in my head before even situating myself behind the keyboard, which makes this chapter-hopping thing possible, I suppose.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list, I presume, but being a longtime reader of suspense novels, authors such as Dean Koontz, Erica Spindler, Lisa Gardner, Joy Fielding, Linwood Barclay and Tess Gerritsen (to name just a few!) have no doubt played an immense role. And though I don’t normally WRITE horror (with the exception of a few stomach-churning scenes in All Dressed In Red 😉 ), I’m also a huge fan of the late Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Blake Crouch, and . . . what in the world became of Wrath James White??? (Boxer turned author who had me utterly captivated . . .)
But to delve even deeper, it was very much a combination of Laymon’s astoundingly realistic character portrayals, Fielding’s shocking plot twists, Barclay’s knack for adding humor to darker matters, Gardner’s rawness, and Koontz’s talent for ratcheting up the suspense that helped shape me as a writer, so “Thank You”, fellow authors! Ooh . . . did I forget to mention romance author Catherine Anderson? (Yes . . . I occasionally read those, too.) The woman creates such realistic relationships that consist of real substance and rip-roaring roller-coaster rides . . . say THAT fast three times!
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing my third novel, which is a sequel to All Dressed In Red. Like Brain Seize, it wasn’t planned, as I’m perfectly content writing standalone novels. Problem was, Rico, Casie, and primarily Ben WEREN’T okay with that decision, and so, here I am . . .
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still searching for it. Marketing is HARD! I’m definitely not a salesperson, and not particularly a social butterfly as far as the internet goes, either. (More like a buyer who often has trouble saying “No” and a turtle who prefers the tranquility of its shell.) So, when I finished All Dressed and finally published it, reality hit–I have to PLUG it now???
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes . . . something you’ve likely heard over and over, but which CAN’T be reiterated enough. KEEP WRITING, FOLKS! Marketing to an extent is fine, but first you need to create a brand TO market, which means having more than one novel available rather than spending so much time attempting to acquire more Facebook “Likes” or retweets via Twitter. (And let’s be honest, here . . . we often venture from our initial intentions of spreading the word about our books only to become immersed in other things, none of which are remotely related to marketing and won’t contribute in the least to bringing any fans that next story they’re so eagerly awaiting!)
Also, if you’re selling on Amazon (or even NOT selling!) don’t overlook it as the effective marketing tool that it is–really the best, from what I’ve seen thus far. KDP Select has some advantageous promotions, and if things DON’T appear to be working in your favor, take a good long gander at your product page, too . . . Is your description enticing enough? Your cover reflective of the genre and what the story entails? Is your price an attractive and fair one? Maybe your keywords can be improved or your categories narrowed a bit . . . The cool thing about Amazon is you can change anything at any time, and sometimes change can be GOOD!
And lastly . . . just write. Then KEEP writing! (Though the occasional break can be rejuvenating and spark the ol’ imagination–don’t ever feel guilty for stepping away every now and then!)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The “keep writing” adage, of course, but also something I adhere to that many authors, editors and publishers will probably cringe at if they’re reading this: Sometimes grammatical correctness needs to take a hiatus. (Just chill till I summons you . . . this particular character isn’t having it, and I’m NOT going to fight him or her on it.) But before you chide me for saying so let me remind you that Stephen King ALSO said this, and I doubt anyone will want to argue with him about it, lest you should end up an unfortunate protagonist within his next novel. . .
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Witness” by Nora Roberts. It’s my first time reading her work, and so far I’m really liking it. However, don’t be discouraged if someone DOES end up putting your book down–I’ve actually RE-started this one because a convoy of interruptions had intervened the first time, and NOT returning to it would have been unacceptable.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing–what else? (Plucks the now-broken record from the record player and crams it in the trash.)
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?
Gosh, I don’t know! Since you specified “books” instead of “novels”, I’m suddenly seeing cookbooks, puzzle books, self-help books, pet books and craft books as well. Though cookbooks would make one hungry (I’m assuming there are only coconuts and fish available on this island?), puzzle books would require a pen or a pencil (would I happen to have a writing apparatus?), pet books would leave me pining for my furry friends, and craft books regretting that I didn’t have the supplies to actually CREATE something while I was there. (Though starting a fire and forging for berries or nuts would make way more sense, eh?) And self-help books would likely have me contemplating too much, unless it was one titled: “How To Get Rescued if You’re Unfortunate Enough To Become Stranded on A Desert Island”.
Author Websites and Profiles
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