Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! Writing is in my blood. When I was little, I made up stories typically involving secret passageways to other worlds. I had a difficult childhood, so the ability to leave this world and enter my imagination was a lifesaver. Now, I write so others can visit as well. I have written two books and a novella…all in the Ariboslia series…Astray (book I) and Adrift (book II – which was just recently published). Pepin’s Tale is a prequel offshoot featuring one of the major side characters. I’m hoping the final book in the trilogy, Aloft, will be available this spring.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s all part of the same series. It was inspired long ago by the song, Silent Lucidity, by Queensryche. I tried writing it many, many times. But every attempt failed. Then, when my world came crumbling down all around me and I returned to God, the book practically wrote itself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I procrastinate much like most writers. And I have a really hard time turning off my internal editor to just write. I’m a little OCD.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so many… Especially C. S. Lewis. I adore the Narnia series. But I read a lot of Sci-Fi and Fantasy growing up. Plus some horror. I loved Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul. But I don’t enjoy horror for the sake of horror…only for the tension and intrigue that keeps me turning the pages to figure out what’s happening. And I hate to admit enjoying the Twilight series. But I believe vampires are to be destroyed not admired or desired. So, my series returns vampires to their proper, must-be-destroyed place in another world (like Narnia), with dark, tense scenes with an undercurrent of hope.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the final book in the series, Aloft. The first draft is mostly finished. Now for the fine-tuning.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had a lot of success with author promotions through Book Funnel or Book Cave in which many authors offer their books for free and share with their subscribers. And it’s a great way for readers to get free books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. If you’re in it for the long haul, don’t let temporary snags or disappointments derail you. It takes time. Don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald (a fantasy author and minister who influenced C. S. Lewis) and The Edge of Nothing (by Crystal Crawford – a colleague)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep going. I’m never short of ideas. Pepin’s Tale is one story from what will be a collection of stories entitled, The Redeemed. So, I’ll probably work on that after Aloft is finished.
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. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. The Narnia collection.
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