Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve worked as a journalist and freelance writer for more than 27 years. Writing is my passion and defines who I am as a person. I’ve written six novels, including three science fiction, a military thriller, and an erotic romance.The latter is currently under contract with L. Perkins Agency. The others are on the back burner for possible indie publishing at a future date.
While I’ve written everything from non-fiction to scifi, my primary genre is romantic suspense.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Over the River, Through the Woods is my debut novel publishing-wise. It, like most of my novels, was inspired by a dream. In this case, a nightmare that someone I loved was struck by a drunk driver, was in a coma, then when they awoke, went missing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since my dreams are very lucid and linear, I keep a dream journal and draw from it for my writing. I also find having cats interrupting me on a regular basis as I write keeps me on my toes creatively.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many great authors out there. Some of my favorites that have influenced my style over the years are Maya Angelou, Colleen McCullough, Frank Herbert, Jack Kerouac, Patricia Cornwell, and Iyanla Vanzant.
What are you working on now?
A romantic suspense called, “The House,” which takes place on sleepy little Whidbey Island, Washington. It features a forensic psychic medium and skeptical deputy sheriff on the hunt for the truth in a seemingly open and shut murder case with ghostly overtones. It is a bit of a love letter to the place where I live.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Twitter offers the fastest and most widespread platform for self-promotion. I’ve also used several pay-for-promotion websites to reach farther afield.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. I tell everyone, even if they don’t see themselves as a writer, to write a book. It’s cathartic and necessary. Keep writing. Even if you have to do it with a crayon on the sidewalk. Keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Maya Angelou, in “Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for My Journey Now,” tells a tale of her maternal grandmother who, when abandoned by her husband for another woman, sets out to improve her way of life any way she can. “I looked ahead to where I was going, and back the way I come. I didn’t like what I saw, so I stepped off the road and cut me a new path.”
When all things seem against me, I step off the road I’m on and cut myself a new path.
What are you reading now?
To inform the ambiance of my current manuscript, “The House,” I’m listening to Stephen King’s audio book, “11/22/63.”
Just for pleasure, I’m also reading Tamara Alexander’s “A Beauty So Rare.”
I’m a long-time fan of Mr. King and have just recently discovered (through my passion for historical fiction) Ms. Alexander.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The five year mission, as it were, is to continue writing romantic suspense novels. Hopefully, it will also include the publication of my erotic romance, “On Deployment,” via a large publishing house. That’s the plan my agent and I have in mind at any rate.
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?
“Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now,” by Maya Angelou, “Yesterday, I Cried,” by Iyanla Vanzant, “Dune” by Frank Herbert,” and “On the Road,” by Jack Kerouac.
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