Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a southern girl and former marketing and public relations mercenary. I’m currently working on my twenty-first book––which is hard to believe considering I lied about writing my very first book in a pitch session. You read that correctly. I’d written millions of words for marketing copy, but I’d never written a novel. But I knew how to pitch. So I lied and believe it or not, got several offers for what became my first book in the Sex and Lies series: Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea. And now you know where the Lie really was in my pitch, but it all turned out okay in the end. It’s four years later, and I’ve been busier than a set a jumper cables at a family reunion ever since.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is number 8 in the Sex and Lies series. Sex, Lies & Champagne was actually inspired by two different trips to France, and by a secondary character I wrote in Sex, Lies & Diamonds named Tristan Bleu. He was so so much fun to write, I wanted to give him his own book. Even writers fall in love with their characters!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really do drink iced tea–all day long. I always have a glass of it next to my keyboard. I do have a lid on it because I’m a tad clumsy at my desk. I also wear headphones and listen to music while I write. Nothing with lyrics. I’m strictly a classical chick while writing. When I’m not writing I’ll crank the AC/DC. I mean, I did grow up in the 80’s. I usually begin writing at my desk each morning, and if I work late into the night, I switch to a La-Z-Boy chair in my office.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The very first romance writer I really got into was Lucky, by Jackie Collins, but I read lots of authors. Stephen King is one of my all time favorites and being a lover of suspense and horror, I even wrote a horror novel entitled, Beauty. It’s inspired by a true story, so if you’re a fan of scary, I highly recommend you check it out. It’s my seventy-nine-year-old mother’s favorite book I’ve ever written. So there you go. I also love Harlan Coben, Dean Koontz, Vince Flynn, Lee Child and Deborah Harkness.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on finishing Sex, Lies & Leather–book 9 in the Sex and Lies Series. I’m also working on a secret project. Shhhhhh…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Take it from an old and seasoned and “spin doctor.” Word of mouth is still the best way to promote anything. ANYTHING. Personal recommendation is the best advertising and always will be-in my humble opinion. Aside from that, there’s lots of free and paid website who have avid followings and large newsletter subscribers. And then there’s the bloggers who love to read and promote new and free books. And thank goodness for them. Without bloggers and readers sharing their thoughts on what we read, we’d all be in a world of hurt.
There are also plenty of websites handing out plenty of free advice on what and what not to do. Do your research. There are lots with excellent information on how to market your books. But know that marketing is always a moving target so I say again–do your research. I suggest reading David Gaughran’s books and blog. You can also use other great websites like Awesome Gang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s an old saying, “Write what you know.” I think that’s true to a certain extent. My advice is to write what’s in your heart. What you know will come out in your writing instinctively. But if you try to write what you think you should, or what someone else tells you to write, you won’t do your best work. I’ve always found that if you write the book of your heart, it will lead you to an amazing story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I saw a quote by actor/comedian, Ricky Gervais that said, “The greatest bit of advice I ever received was, ‘Don’t worry. No one else knows what they’re doing either.'”
I think it’s important to be open to new ideas and challenges, but know that life is an experiment. Some ideas work, and some don’t. Experts in their field will always tell you they don’t just know how to do their job–they know how NOT to do it as well. Life is trial by fire. Just make sure you keep an extinguisher handy so you can put out flames and move on quickly.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Deborah Harkness’s newest book, Time’s Convert. I’ve read all the books in the Souls Trilogy and if you haven’t read them, I highly recommend. Start with Discovery of Witches. I wasn’t a fan of paranormal or time travel, UNTIL I read Deborah’s books. These books have it all. Love, vampires, witches, magic and tons of history.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After Book 9 of the Sex and Lies series is published in January 2019, I’ll be back to writing the Jane Doe books. She’s so bad ass, and I can’t stay away from her too long. Besides, I kinda left her story with a new beginning. And I really like new beginnings for characters. I think it inspires people to know that every day is chance for their own.
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?
This a tough one for me, but I’ll try. I’d take Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, IT by Stephen King, Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and my grandmother’s Bible. These are the four most worn out books on my shelf. All well loved and for a good reason.
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