Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written for as long as I can remember. My first book about a teenage rock band was complete when I was 15 but corrupted on a floppy disk. The addiction to writing never subsided, even though the environment where the inspiration happens certainly changed. Now I have published two stand-alone books and am working on a third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shrapnel is my latest book. It was inspired by the depth of female relationships and how we powerful women can be if they come together and encourage each other. I also played with the idea that in this technology-driven day and age, we can befriend people we’ve never met. It’s often easier to open up to those people about things we wouldn’t share with our friends and family. I explored this with my main characters, Elle and Jocelyn, who have never met but are able to walk each other through some tumultuous times in each other’s lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a homeschool mom of four kids, so it is rarely quiet in our house! I’ve learned to write amongst chaos. A momma’s got to do what a momma’s got to do! As long as I’ve got coffe in hand and music in my earbuds, then I’m ready to take on the writing world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One True Thing by Anna Quinlan and Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner showed me how I wanted to develop deep and meaningful female characters. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah floored me. I knew I wanted to write complex women and show the growth of the woman.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my third book. Here is a quick, early synopsis:
On the 10th anniversary of an event that changed the course of her life, Maggie Thayer is living a lackluster existence. Until she wakes up the next day…but 10 years earlier. Maggie is 17 again, and Levi James is still the boy of her dreams. And the world is still full of possibility. As she relives that day, knowing what is to come, will she make different choices and try to change the future she knows? Will she realize that maybe her life wasn’t as simple as she thought?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve created ads on a lot of websites and such, but at the end of the day, word of mouth is your best source of promotion. If you write a good book that matters to people, you’ll create raving fans. And those raving fans will share your book with their friends and family. They’ll buy it as gifts. They’ll share your promotions. They’ll tell their reader friends. There is nothing like word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
#1 Be true to your story. You can’t please everyone.
#2 Write liberally, then go back and cut 10% out. Make it lean. Use interesting words to replace short clusters of words.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The 10% rule from Stephen King. Write first without editing, then go back and cut out at least 10%. It has helped me so much as a writer.
What are you reading now?
Therapy by Kathryn Perez. She is an indie author as well, and I am really enjoying this book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m in for the long haul. I have six more book ideas after the my current work in progress. But recently I’ve also been inspired for a couple nonfictions books as well. I freelance edit and love to come alongside other authors and help them with their books, so sometimes I feel like my entire life if books. But I love it. I’m a lifelong writer!
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?
#1 My Bible – The Message Translation
#2 Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah because it inspires me and I swear I’ve read it over and over
#3 Pep Talk by Terri Savelle Foy because clearly being stranded on a desert island I would need a massive pep talk!
Author Websites and Profiles
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