Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer but alas, life and adventure got in the way. I tended to scribble or daydream about random characters despite it all although those efforts never produced any serious works. Back in 2010, after my small business closed, I decided it was time to take the plunge and follow my dreams. I began freelance writing for small publications and businesses across the U.S. To date, I’ve published two novels, Beneath the Mulberry Tree and The Face in the Mirror.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Face in the Mirror. It’s actually inspired from two different events. The first occurred late one evening when I was bored and diligently looking for something entertaining to watch on television. I happened to stumble across a documentary about individuals who suffered from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a terrible form of social anxiety in which sufferers are convinced their appearance is ugly and unacceptable to all those around them. In many cases, they have a hard time leaving the home because of their own self loathing.
And then I remembered watching one of the earlier seasons of Britain’s Got Talent when Paul Potts nervously stepped out onto the stage and announced he wanted to sing opera. The very notion brought a cringe to the judges and audience alike. That is until he began to sing. In an instant, he transformed from an average, dumpy little man into something else. Something completely beautiful.
These two divergent notions marinaded in my mind for quite some time until Maggie was finally born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many of my colleagues today, I tend to write most if not all of my stories long hand with a pen and note pad. I find it helps me concentrate on the topic I’m writing about and prevents many unnecessary distractions that electronic devices can bring.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maeve Binchy is probably the writer who’s had the greatest influence on my writing. I love the way she dives right into a story and thoroughly develops her characters. I continue to strive toward her level of character development every day.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently finalizing the last touches on a collection of short stories called Speak to the Heart which will be out in August 2016. I’m also prepping my third novel, ‘Til the Stars Stop Shining for release in October 2016.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Websites such as Awesomegang and The Fussy Librarian are great resources for those of us on a budget. I also enjoy keeping bookmarks for my latest work handy to give to new people I meet. You never know when you’ll be able to make a personal connection with a reader and a free bookmark is a great way to get your name and face out in the public eye.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! No matter what anyone says or what doubts you may have, keep writing. Each time you put pen to paper you are honing your craft and that is essential.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.” J.K. Rowling
It’s the best nugget of wisdom I’ve ever heard and a quote that I keep pretty close at hand. It tends to be one of the first things I look at when things are going wrong.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just picked up Invisible by Jeanne Bannon and am enjoying it very much.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next great challenge is to survive NaNoWriMo this November.
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?
Only 4?? How about 4 authors, JK Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, Jamie Ford, and Maeve Binchy. Of course I’d try to smuggle a few Shakespeare, Asten, and Dickens classics in as well.
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