Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In essence, I’m a farm girl who passions led me to a career as a paramedic and a variety of other hobbies. Mostly, I love my husband and our four critters: two shelties and two cats. My husband and I have traveled extensively around the world. My most exciting trip was to Egypt. Had an armed guard every day, all day. Our bus driver was stopped by police – made an illegal right turn and was threatened by several angry cops. Our guard on the bus stepped in and magically, everyone was calm again.
I’ve written and published two novels: The Guardian’s Wildchild, and Forbidden. A few others are in my desk waiting for me to get the courage to go public with them.
I’ve learned a few things over the past sixty-something years. Thoughts are powerful. Intentions are everything. And lastly, passion is the key to success.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forbidden is now available on Amazon.com. I’m so excited to announce that the ebook is FREE for the next five days – February 14, 2017 to February 18, 2017.
The inspiration was a shock. I fought it. For months I resisted the intense visions. It was baffling to understand why this story chose me to tell it. I knew nothing about Islam or Muslims. Finally, I had to give in and talk to our local imam, Mustafa Khattab. What a truly wise and generous man. He gave me an armful of books and videos for free.
After a year of gathering information, Forbidden went from being a persistent nudge in my creative DNA, to a full blown novel. I had no idea where the plot was taking me. It was an intense journey of discovery. A delightful Muslim doctor guided me through the three years of writing, providing moderate interpretations of the Koran, advise for Middle East Muslim names, and an overview of the region’s culture.
My goal was to portray a story that sizzles with drama, fully developed characters, fast paced. I chose a time period of slightly in the future when the Middle East has recovered from the civil war and the law and citizens have become moderate, democratic, and inclusive. In spite of several rewrites and many editing sessions, my love for this story remains strong. I believe it’s my best, so far.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I’m pretty much like most writers. The story is constantly with me. And I do mean constantly. Walking my dogs, cleaning the house, visiting with friends, my creative DNA is working in the background on a plot scene, dialogue, or making the characters more complex. It never shuts up! Some writers experience writer’s block. There are days I wish I had that problem.
I think my biggest problem is that I get carried away with a scene and take the characters too far out of their ‘skin.’ Thankfully, my fabulous editor, Leigh Carter, gives me a shoulder check and asks, “Would Eliza really do that?” Ugh! She’s right. Delete, delete, delete.
Habits? Not really. Well, except I don’t like to eat while I’m at the computer pushing Captain Sharif into another deadly trap. My husband makes me a cup of tea, which usually gets cold. The movie in my head has no pause button.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My instructors, like Candas Jane Dorsey, have influenced my writing more than other authors. One critic commented that traditional authors use a formula. I find those books boring, predictable. I understand there needs to be a sound structure and pacing. I write for the readers, keeping in mind they need to be swept away into another world, even feel as if they are in the scene. And, my one cardinal rule? The ending must be a complete surprise.
What are you working on now?
There are glimmers of a sequel to Forbidden. Although there are no lose ends to Forbidden’s plot, I see a possibility of taking it in a new direction. I, again, resist. It’s a dark plot. And, personally, I seldom enjoy reading sequels. Perhaps, if Forbidden’s readers ask for Forbidden’s next story, such as FORSAKEN then FORGIVEN, I might be persuaded to write two novellas. For now, marketing Forbidden is a full-time job.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If anyone shares the secret to successful online book promotion, I’m all ears. Promoting my first book, The Guardian’s Wildchild, was a journey of hell. I knew nothing about the internet. Steep learning curve? Huh! What I enjoy is writing posts on my ROMANCE UNDER FIRE blog. Effective? Maybe not. But what readers love is to receive a gift, compete in a raffle copter for an Amazon coupon or a bag of books. However, one of the lessons I learned painfully is that I must stick to a budget. Writers, most of us, are dirt poor. I’m too honor bound to fall into the scamming pool. My reward is the joy in writing the novel. Money cannot compare or replace that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You might get discouraged. Yep, in fact, you will. There is an abundant of authors more talented and successful. But they were once where you are. My best advice is to hone your craft – religiously. Take courses, listen to authors you respect, write every day, and learn to take criticism cheerfully but with a grain of salt. Start promoting yourself as an author even before your first novel is published. Build up a following. People want to know you not just as an author, but as an interesting person. Lastly, if you don’t have the passion, the “I can’t live unless I’m writing,” passion, you’ll die in the trenches – miserably and probably alone. Feel the passion, every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up!
What are you reading now?
I read a lot of my favorite author’s romance books. Her pen name is Nicki Elson. She is gifted, absolutely gifted, in telling a story with clarity, the right pacing, and her characters are dynamic and life-like. You’ll lover, too. Her blog is: http://nickielson.com/
I also love the multi-award winning suspense author, Marc DiGiacomo. https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarcADiGiacomo/about/?ref=page_internal
And … drum roll, Richard Goodship. Excellent suspense; https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Goodship/e/B005J5Y494/ref=la_B005J5Y494_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1482088825&sr=1-1
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m what is called a panster author. I like living on the edge, discovering in the heat of the moment. However, I’m wondering if I should consider more advance planning. Dare I say, write an outline? A previous editor had me write out a biography of each character for The Guardian’s Wildchild. It worked, but I had done it under protest. I can see this approach might reduce the time it takes to write and edit. Maybe a few less rewrites. I’ll give it a whirl.
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’d bring boxes of blank paper. I’d rather write than read.
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