Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 32 yr old NJ native, not to be mistaken for the craziness that is the NJ Housewives or Jersey Shore! I have two children, who are my life, and family that makes me want to scream at times, but I love them. I started my affair with reading and writing at a young age. I loved where books took me, and wished for the day when I would meet my dream boat. (Yes, I referred to my future man as a dream boat. Child of the 80’s here!) I grew up on Stephen King, Nora Roberts, and anything my library would let me borrow. I would always grab a notebook and start writing about the books I read because I wanted the story to continue. I never took it seriously until I had a friend a few years ago tell me that I needed to publish my work after I wrote down a short story. My reaction was…yeah, right! The words stuck with me and I was constantly asked, “Did you write more? Are you done?” A back injury put my writing on hold for almost 2 yrs and last year, I found the WIP file and started reading. Then, I started writing and adding to it. That little dream turned story will be my debut novel, Love Lost. I currently have 1 book out, Love Lost. Hidden Heart is my first novella in the Lost series and it will be released Sept 2014
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love Lost is my first and only book so far. I’m a vivid dreamer and I had a dream about a detective that falls for a lawyer, but she has ties to a criminal he is trying to take off the streets. I told a friend about my dream and he told me to write it down. I started to write it down and it became Love Lost.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need the TV on or music playing while I write. I can’t be interrupted when I start writing or I will just be in a horrible mood….Ask my husband and he will be happy to tell you how bad it can get. I also like to have Mountain Dew and chips or candy on hand to avoid having to move from my space.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Any author willing to put their writing out there for the world to read is an influence to me. You take a risk when you allow someone to read your inner thoughts, opening yourself up to the good and bad reviews. I grew up on Stephen King and Nora Roberts and they inspired my love of reading and writing, and the indie authors I have met as I started my journey in the author world keep my love of books soaring.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Hidden Heart. It is the first novella in the Lost series. Love Lost introduces Vincent Arroyo, a tough detective with a stubborn streak and best friends with Jason Straiz. He is kidnapped by Lucio Cardoso in Love Lost and Hidden Heart tells the story of what happens to him when he disappears. This novella sets up the story leading up to Book 2 in the Lost series, Lost Soul.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When I want to promote my books, I post links on my Facebook page as well as posting links in various author groups for sharing. I have a street team that shares my links as well. For extra promoting, I send messages to bloggers and ask for any help in sharing the links or willingness to have an author takeover or giveaway featuring my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It takes time to climb the ladder to success in the author world. Make friends with fellow authors as well as your readers. Be patient and write what you want to write. Keep in mind that you may not please everyone with your stories and that you are writing for yourself and no one else.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t your reviews, especially the bad ones. I think this is the best advice ever given to me because I had someone write a review that tore me apart in a way that left me wanting to stop writing. I almost did stop until I had another review that praised me for my book. Not everyone will love my book but I don’t have to make myself sick over the ones that don’t like my book.
What are you reading now?
I wish I had time to read. I spend most of my time writing. When I do read, it’s for books that I beta read. I beta read for Elizabeth James’s contemporary romance series and Kym Grosso’s paranormal series. I also edit for Rachel Walter and her books are a wonderful YA read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my Lost series which will include a total of 4 books and 4 novellas when I’m done. I also have a few standalone books on my wait list to write along with a paranormal series that is itching to come out. My brain is on over drive these days.
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?
Book 1: any Black Dagger Brotherhood book by JR Ward. I can reread them over and over again.
Book 2: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Book 3: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. I need a book that will keep me young at heart and this one does that for me.
Book 4: Love Lost. I love my book and I would need it with me to remind me of what I accomplished.
Author Websites and Profiles
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