Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My day job is in music. I’m a bass guitarist. Yep, chick bass player. I’ve written four books so far. My first novel, The Land Uncharted, will be released October 21, 2014. My husband and I live in Nashville. We frequently perform and tour together. When I’m not writing stories or playing bass, I enjoy dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Land Uncharted. It’s the first book in the Uncharted series. I love several different genres, but I was ready for a new story, so I decided to mix it up. The Land Uncharted is an unusual mix of science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Some call it a genre-blender or a mash-up. I wasn’t out to break genre rules; I simply wanted to take what I love about several genres and use those elements in an original story. I started with a question: What if an uncharted land existed but was undetectable to modern technology? That’s the science fiction element. I was inspired by my family history research. My ancestors migrated to the American West during the mid-1800’s. I thought: what if during that era a few families wanted to find a whole new land instead of going west? What if they packed a ship, ran aground on an uncharted land, and founded a new society there? That’s what gives The Land Uncharted its historical fiction feel. Finally, I believe romance is truly one of the most magnificent parts of life. One of. I also like to give these women cool jobs, big adventures, and some character development so they are ready to love when the time comes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not only do I work on writing about 40-50 hours a week, I’m also a working musician, a homeschool mom, and I help my husband with his business, so I have pens and notebooks and sticky notes in every room of the house. When I get to sit at the computer, I compile all those notes and start writing. It took a few months of trying every day to be able to shift my focus from my other duties to my writing, but I’ve finally got the hang of it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemingway – for his athletic prose. The Sun Also Rises is my all time favorite book.
Angela Ewell Hunt – I’ve only read one of her novels, which I adored, but her influence on my writing has been through her series Writing Lessons from the Front.
Oswald Chambers – I don’t know how many times I’ve read My Utmost for His Highest and still every time some line sticks out like I’ve never read it before.
Eleanor Catton – Let’s face it: Catton’s command of the English language is second to none.
Robert Frost – I could get lost in his poetry for hours.
John MacArthur – for his Bible commentary. He makes me look up words while I’m looking up words.
Jack London – for The Call of the Wild, the first book I voluntarily read twice.
William Shakespeare – because at thirteen I opened a copy of Othello (of all things!) and learned there was more to the English language than I ever dreamed.
Donald Maass – for the questions at the end of each chapter in Writing 21st Century Fiction.
King David – Yes, the Psalms are attributed to several different authors, but I’m most fond of David’s Psalms. He was so real—a big sinner and a big repenter. I can relate.
What are you working on now?
The Uncharted series was originally going to be 3 books. I’m plotting my next stories now and the possibility of extending the Uncharted series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a newbie at this, so I’m trying everything.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Grow thick skin.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Grow thick skin.
What are you reading now?
Uncharted Inheritance, the third book in the Uncharted series, for my final revision.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More novels. I love living in the process of novel-writing.
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, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, and War and Peace for its high page count for kindling.
Author Websites and Profiles
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