Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in New Jersey building worlds, reading, and indulging in severe caffeine and chocolate addictions. My podcaster husband, film-obsessed son, book-munching daughter, and self-absorbed parakeet are among those who put up with my unnatural attachment to the keyboard. Despite creating characters who can’t wait to leave this planet, I actually love the Earth, but wish bullies and the word moist would just disappear.
I have written two full-length novels for my YA fantasy series, Based on a Dream. Treehugger comes first, and Risktaker picks up shortly after Treehugger leaves off. There will be two more books in the series. Before writing fiction, I wrote non-fiction freelance and some short stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Based on a Dream series was inspired by some dreams I had about the characters many years ago I never quite forgot them and wrote about them in rough draft from time to time. So the title of the series is, in a way, based on my dreams, but the really story behind the title is that the exciting stuff happens when my main character goes into R.E.M. sleep. That’s the state in which our minds dream. Only, in my books, the characters aren’t always dreaming.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If the weather is above 55 degrees and it’s not raining, I will usually write outside at the patio table. It’s my “outside office” and just today, I battled fierce wind while working!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am inspired by Barbara Kingsolver’s beautiful imagery and Wally Lamb’s amazing characterization.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on book three of the Based on a Dream series, and fleshing out a story outline and characters for a New Adult novel I have in my head.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still exploring that. It really does seem that what works for one person’s books doesn’t work for someone else and vice versa.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Unless your writing is simply poor grammatically or structurally, don’t sweat the bad reviews. It helps when you have good ones to balance them out, but realize this: Reading is super subjective. I remember buying a copy of one of my favorite books (Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal Dreams”) for my mom to read. She was bored out of her mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one”
― Bruce Lee
What are you reading now?
“Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing the Based on a Dream series.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Author Websites and Profiles
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