Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up loving books and reading. I won awards for short stories I wrote in high school. My love for words led me to earn a degree in journalism. I worked as a reporter, editor, managing editor and in public relations before staying home with my children and freelance writing on the side while I wrote my first novel, Gems of Fire. It was inspired by the many books I loved as a kid, most notably C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, but also Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series.
I grew up loving all animals, but especially dogs and horses. I got my first pony at age seven and have experienced all the joys and sorrow of owning and showing many horses since. Now I’m in love with my golden retriever and will always have one.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Gems of Fire. My creative brain never stopped working when I took time off to stay home with my children, and it was my creation during the daily quiet of nap time as well as when I burned the midnight oil. It was a little bit inspired by the biblical story of Joseph whose jealous brothers sold him into slavery. My book began as a twist that the heroine’s older sister sold her into slavery out of jealousy, but the story morphed into what it is today and doesn’t resemble the original inspiration much. It delves into themes of overcoming fear, not fitting in and learning to appreciate your own gifts.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My only unusual writing habit is that I prefer the quietness of home versus a crowded, distracting coffee shop. My biggest distraction is my dog putting her nose in my lap when I’ve been writing too long.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of young adult fantasy with romantic elements. I don’t know if I never grew up, but I still love the genre I write. I’m a fan of Sarah J. Maas, especially the Throne of Glass series; The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima; Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles; The True Reign and Reign of Secrets series by Jennifer Anne Davis; and the Ruined series by Amy Tintera. I also love Harry Potter!
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second in the Gems of Fire series, called Valley of Bones.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My first book debuted in November, 2018, so I’m still learning the ropes of promotion. I’m learning as I go, but there is a lot to do in terms as an author besides write if you want your book to land in the hands of readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First I would say to a new author not to give up. Second I would recommend investing in professional, personal editing right away, even if it seems out of the budget.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice is to treat others with kindness and give them the benefit of the doubt because you have no idea what they might be going through. The best advice for me, personally, has always come from the Bible. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series in preparation to read the final one, Kingdom of Ash, which came out in November when I was working feverishly on my next book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once Valley of Bones is off to the editor, I’ll begin work on the third in the Gems of Fire series.
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?
The Bible, Pride and Prejudice, The Lord of the Rings and Les Miserables.
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