Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, Gang! I have three books in a companion series and am currently working on the fourth. Meadowview Acres, Plantation Springs and Forest View are the titles of the Young Adult Suspense books. I started writing after many years of cultivating the stories. After my kids left the nest I finally had time to purge them from my brain! I like writing suspense stories because anything can happen. I like to be surprised even when I’m the one writing! Nothing thrills me more than when I’m reading a book and I have to scream, “What just happened” at the page. Books that keep you guessing are fun to find and I try to remember that when I’m writing. This fourth book in the series, “Return to Meadowview” will close out the Grounds of Vengeance series and then I’ll be on to fairies and trolls in a magical setting.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Forest View” is the name of my last published book. It is the third in a series but can also stand on its own. The story brings back a couple of characters from “Meadowview Acres” and the events that happen in the neighborhood of Forest View have a connection with what happened in Meadowview. Curses are hard to eradicate from the world and sometimes it takes more than one try…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habits involve a lot of talking to myself and my dog, Moose. If I’m stuck in a chapter I’ll wander around the house (Moose on my heels) and come up with a few different ways the story could go from the point where I’m stuck. Usually, by the time I’ve logged a couple miles on my step tracker I’ve come up with a direction. If I don’t, I close up the laptop and walk away for the day. Sometimes, you just can’t force it!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read books my whole life so it’s easy to say that I’ve been influenced by many amazing authors. The authors who really made me sit up and take notice are Dean Koontz and Justin Cronin. Their way of creeping you out slowly is fantastic. My all time favorite book is “Watership Down” by Richard Adams. I’ve re-read it so many times and it never gets old. I’ve never looked at rabbits the same way.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a book called, “Return to Meadowview.” It will close out the four part series with a bang! I’m excited to see where all of these characters will end up.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to admit, I’m not great at promoting myself. I turn to sites like, bookgoodies.com and other sites that are much better at it than I. When I dedicate myself to promotions, I’ll do a Kindle countdown and use twitter and Amazon to help get the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! It’s fine to be overwhelmed, frustrated and need to take a break, but make sure you go back and finish. Starting slow is fine, too. You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Just show up every day and put something on paper. You’ll have good days and bad days.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Give yourself a break. And be proud of yourself for your dedication and perseverance.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Historical fiction. “Sisters of Treason” by Elizabeth Fremantle is a reconstruction of Katherine Parr’s marriage to Henry VIII.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I close out the Grounds of Vengeance series I have one book left in my brain. It involves fairies and trolls; your basic good versus evil fantasy story but with a surprising edge!
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?
I would bring “Watership Down” for sure! The others would have to be “The Watchers” by Dean Koontz, “The Passage” by Justin Cronin and my first book, “Meadowview Acres.”
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