Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I think my love for writing developed more than anything in the 4th grade. I remember my teacher used to have us students get up in front of the classroom and read a story we’d written. He pulled me aside once and told me he thought one day I’d be a great writer. My journey began in that classroom long ago and from there I wrote poems as a teen, tried my hand at a few novels in my twenties, worked for a local newspaper as a journalist for a time, and then became more of a serious writer in my thirties when my first mystery/romance book, Lady Gabriella was published. Ten years later, I wrote Cunja, a mystery/suspense/romance book with an element of horror. Cunja was published in 2012. My latest book, Killing Dreams is a paranormal/romance and was published by The Wild Rose Press just this year in September. Killing Dreams is book 1 of what I call the Spirit Walker Series. In between writing, I ran my own business for a few years and sold it. Now, I am writing full-time. No more distractions. No more life getting in the way. Finally! Just me, my laptop, and one great adventure after another.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Buried Alive. It is book 2 of the Spirit Walker Series. And the name says it all. Yes, my heroine, Jenna Langely gets buried alive. It’s all up to my hero, Cole Rainwater to find out who is behind this unspeakable crime before the clock runs out for the woman he loves. The series was inspired by my editor at The Wild Rose Press. When I submitted Killing Dreams, I had no intention of turning the book into a series. In fact, I’d never tried my hand at a series before. She is the one who encouraged me to do so. I could not be happier that I agreed to take this plunge. It has been such a blast giving these two characters more adventures to live. Besides, if any of my characters ever deserved to live on in my imagination, it’s Jenna Langley and Cole Rainwater hands down.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve gotten out of bed at 4 am to write. My best ideas come to me early in the morning. I have to have a cup of hot tea sitting beside me. Don’t ask me why. I’ll go through five or six cups before I walk away from my laptop and take a break from writing for a while. Although I can’t listen to music or the TV while writing, I seem to be able to block out people talking around me. I know, it’s just weird.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge John Grisham fan. The man has quite the talent for drawing readers into his stories. I would say I have also been influenced by Dean Koontz and Sandra Brown.
What are you working on now?
I am so excited to be working on book 3 of the Spirit Walker Series, The Stolen. More trouble for poor Jenna. This time her psychic abilities have altered. Because of what happened in book 2 (of which I’m not about to let the cat out of the bag) she can now see dead people. Things take a bizarre turn when she is haunted by the murder victim of a sex trafficking ring. They get worse when Jenna finds herself abducted by these brutal people. She must rely on the guidance of a dead girl and her instincts to do what it takes to survive. I am roughly halfway through the manuscript now and hope to have it completed within the next month or two.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found good success with running Facebook ads. Also, reaching out to newspapers and getting a feature story with one of their journalists. I like reaching out to libraries too. I occasionally run contests and give away cool prizes, like gift cards. I love involving my readers in the writing of my books. I ran a contest once asking my readers to pick the name of my hero. The one that chose the best name won a $50 Amazon gift card.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not only is thick skin a requirement, but the ability to utilize constructive criticism is a must. Don’t get hurt when people knock your writing. That’s not to say you should take all criticism to heart, but use what makes sense to you as a tool to improve your writing. Before becoming a writer, be a reader. Much of what you can use to sharpen your writing skills are buried in the pages of your favorite books. That’s learning from the pros and it doesn’t cost more than the price of a book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get revenge, just write that person into your next book as the villain.
What are you reading now?
Nothing. Not that I don’t love to read, but when I’m in the middle of writing a book, reading one is too distracting.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure where the Spirit Walker Series will take me. Book 3 could be it, or book 10 could be. This series seems to be writing itself. I’m just along for the ride. But when the final book has been written, I am certain it will be onward to the next series. I’m loving series writing. I’m just sorry I didn’t do this much earlier in my life. I know, I’m like a kid that discovered a new, awesome candy.
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?
Without a doubt, The Notebook from Nicholas Sparks is coming with me. I’m a hopeless romantic. But I also love me some horror, so, It, from Stephen King is also coming along for the duration. Then I’ll also pack The Testament, from John Grisham because Grisham made Nate O’Riley’s dangerous and adventurous trek through the Brazilian jungle so darn real I’ve not forgotten it to this day.
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