Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 30 books and am working on more. I simply love to write! I also love to read and am always on the lookout for new authors and adventures. When not writing or reading I can be found hiking in the woods (my favorite place in the world; what can be more exciting than a new path to explore?) or rooting on little nieces and nephews at ball games or crafting handmade jewelry. I am also very active in my church and lead the prayer ministry and sing on the worship team.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I published Fear Not My Lord the Princess Who Fought for Love in January of 2021. A couple of years ago I came across a short story by Hans Christian Andersen titled The Ice Maiden. It is not as well-known as The Snow Queen, but I found it haunting and eerie. The story is about a young man who is stalked by this frightening supernatural being from the time he is a child. The Ice Maiden is determined to destroy him and relentless in her pursuit. It was one of those stories that was difficult to shake after reading it, and I knew that I had to incorporate it into my Princess Who series of fairy tale adaptations. In my version I amalgamate it with Cinderella, who is sent by her godmother on a quest to save him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write outdoors and find many inspirations in the beauty of nature. The song of a bird, the scent of a flower, the ripple of a stream running over rocks have all inspired scenes over the years.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The works of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Edith Wharton and Louisa May Alcott have all left deep impressions on me. But I also love the whimsical humor of Gail Carson Levine and her ability to convey truth while keeping the reader laughing at her unexpected twists to a story. All of these authors have layers to their writing: at one reading you may pick up only what lies on the surface and need to reread a book to see the nuances hidden below the surface.
What are you working on now?
I am presently working on the 4th book of the Chronicles of Israel series, shortly to be released. This one focuses on the life of King Saul and how Israel changed dramatically when they replaced the Judges with monarchs.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I focus on releasing new books in season and promoting free books likewise. There are some months that simply don’t work well for releasing or promoting a book because readers are simply too busy to read, such as December with holiday activities and June, when many are spending weekends at graduations or weddings.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft before you publish. Don’t believe that just because your family or best friend thinks that you have talent that you are ready to be professional. Take a writing course to learn plot and character development, and to brush up on punctuation and grammar.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take whatever you have a burning desire for and pursue it with a determination as fierce as your desire.
What are you reading now?
I just finished a biography of Paul McCartney. At present I am not reading because I am spending my time working on my soon to be released new book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I write in multiple genres such as fantasy, fairy tale adaptations, historical fiction and Biblical fiction and have several ideas for nearly all of these genres.
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?
My Bible, The Lord of the Rings, and the works of Homer.
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