Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In my old life, I was a public health microbiologist. I traded my lab coat for bibs several years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. I love lab work, but I once I began my first book, I knew that was the career I’d be gunning for. Thankfully, I get to write while raising my kids – or hiding from them.
So far, I’ve published five books and three short stories, along with another manuscript that hasn’t been published yet. Two books are in progress, fighting for attention.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
DEMETRIUS is a character who’d showed up my first series. As soon as I wrote him, I knew he was a fun guy and totally book-worthy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None. Oddly, I listen to music constantly, except for when I write. I prefer total quiet to write when I NEVER prefer silence otherwise.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love, love, love J.R. Ward. I mention her in everything and soon her people are going to ask me to stop, just stop. Or hire me! All kidding aside, her material just grabs me and won’t let go. I get hugely inspired when I read her work and I feel like I can write with a more authentic voice than ever. It’s like she can pull this repressed little writer out of her shell.
Any book that does the unexpected influences me. Like when George R.R. Martin killed Ned off in Game of Thrones, or The Shadows when Ward did the unthinkable with the love interest. Mind. Blown.
What are you working on now?
I plan to wrap up DEMETRIUS in January and move it into editing mode. Then I want to map out (because I’m a horrible pantser) REGAL CLAIM and begin that one for a June release date.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve fallen hard for Twitter. It’s instant and reaches so many people. Anything I put on my website or Facebook, I put on Twitter. Admittedly, I need to get better at promoting.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Write because you enjoy it. Bad reviews and rejections are all part of the process, and every negative experience makes the positive ones so much sweeter.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It wasn’t advice as much as an encouraging word from J.R. Ward herself. The main reason I fell in lust with Twitter. If one of the biggest names in the romance business can support and encourage a flailing indie, then there’s no reason to get discouraged and give up.
What are you reading now?
Runner’s World, lol. I haven’t gotten into any books recently, so I fall back on my magazine quicky reads.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. I’m trying to tempt agents, but none are taking the bait – yet. I’ll reel one in, some time.
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?
I’d take the first five books of the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning. It’s like one giant romance novel and I was fortunate enough to read them after they were all released. Or unfortunately because I was out of commission until they were done.
Author Websites and Profiles
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