Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with readers…one of my favorite things to do. I’ve published nineteen novels, beginning with Harlequin Superromance (15 books) and now have four books on Amazon. I began writing romance novels, but since everything I wrote seemed to include mystery and suspense, I found myself writing romantic suspense. My new books are more mainstream with heavier suspense, but still include the deep character development and emotional connections that characterized my earlier novels. As my bio suggests, I love to travel and use that as an opportunity to do research and photography, my second love after writing. There’s nothing more fun and rewarding than traveling to distant places, meeting new people and learning that no matter how far apart we all are, or how different our cultures…we are all very much the same.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, DETROIT RULES, the first book in my new Street Law series, was inspired by the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in Detroit and learn about the city from native Detroiters, who have a far different perspective than what we see in the news. I became fascinated with the history and how things deteriorated…and now, how things are changing. Instead of seeing bleak devastation and a city crumbling in around itself, I see a city on the move…and proud people working against all odds to make their lives and their once magnificent city whole again. And while I do depict the city realistically, I hope I’ve captured the heart of the city…the amazing people…in DETROIT RULES.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, nothing unusual. I aim to have a schedule, but because of the creative nature of writing…and life in general, it’s sometimes hard to do. I begin writing…and then need to research something, and then, whoa… all of a sudden I’ve been researching for hours instead of writing. Research is one of the most fascinating parts of writing for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far too many to list, but early on I read all the classics and my all-time favorite book is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I’d never read a romance until one day (years ago) while moving, I was stuck in an empty apartment waiting for furniture to arrive and picked up an early Rosemary Rogers book. I was fascinated with the amount of history in the historical romance novel (not to mention the sex) and subsequently read all of her books. I can’t say those books influenced my actual writing, but it did encourage me to step outside my usual literary tastes in reading. Prior to that, my early writing (as a young adult) was totally random. I wrote a Star Trek like story…sort of a Robin Hood in space, a time travel that had two consecutive stories, one in the past and one in the present…and others that resembled Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone stories. It’s been an interesting writing evolution from all over-the-place to settling on romantic mystery, suspense and intrigue…the types of stories I love to read and write.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on DETROIT HUSTLE, the second book in the Street Law series, and also THE BETRAYED, the 4th book in my LAPD Special Investigations romantic suspense series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m on Facebook every day and also Twitter. For me, Twitter is one of the best venues to get word out, but really a combination of social media outlets works best.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same old, same old…read and read some more, write and write some more, but just as important, learn your craft and never stop.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing advice….in addition to the above…never give up!
As for advice in general, I just posted this on my Facebook page the other day and, for me, it’s the best advice ever!!
“None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an after thought. Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else.”
What are you reading now?
I tend to read more than one book at a time. Right now I’m reading STAY DEAD by Anne Frasier, and also a James Scott Bell novel. But I read all over the place…from historical novels to futuristic. Marcus Sakey’s BRILLIANCE was a great read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books, of course. I’m going to keep writing the Street Law series, and I’m also trying something new…a young adult novel that I’m writing with a young adult. 😉 I think it’s going to be awesome and I’m having a great time writing it. It should be out early in 2016.
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?
Too hard to choose. They would have to be books I could read over and over… something very, very long…and inspiring…and funny…and emotional…and deep.
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