Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer by nature all of my life. Things are just clearer to me when written down. I have been published in non-fiction for more than 25 years. My first book, Dino, Godzilla and the Pigs (Life on our Missouri Hog Farm) was published by SoHo Press in 1993. They asked me to write about life on a modern farm from a modern woman’s point of view. So I did. From there, I continued to write in non-fiction for many years. I’ve had articles published in national magazines and I freelanced through internet connections. Most of the internet writing has been ghost written except for Civil War articles through http://www.7score10.com. Through it all my heart remains in writing fiction, specifically romance fiction. That dream came true when in May (2014) AKW Books published my first romantic suspense e-book titled Pigeon in a Snare
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Roses for the Sparrow is #2 in my romantic suspense series collectively titled ‘Birds in Peril”. #1 was Pigeon in a Snare.
Rose for the Sparrow is Jani’s story.
Jani was introduced in Pigeon as Lisa Cromwell-Hunt’s employee and close friend. Jani was present when Lisa was kidnapped and Jan was instrumental in helping Lisa to escape. So then, it seemed logical that Jani’s story would be the next to tell.
All of the ‘Birds in Peril’ series involves primary characters who live in the rural Midwestern U.S.A. All characters are friends, family or employees of Hunt Real Estate and Construction, Cromwell Inc. or Harvester Law.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl. Writing is better at night when the phone does not ring, the television is off and my husband has gone to sleep. Then, in the solitude of my office I can concentrate on ‘creating my muse’.
I raised two sons while operating a productive family farm with my husband. Years ago I developed the habit of taking care of my family, my house and the farm during the day. I demand two or three hours every night of ‘me’ time when I can read or write or watch t.v. Most of the time I write.
I don’ t know if that is unusual or not. That is what works for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I am also a fan of Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Sherilynn Kenyon and Kim Harrison. They are a diverse collection of writers, to be sure. I like the quality of their writing and I admire their will to persevere.
What are you working on now?
#3 of the Birds in Peril Series titled “Plight of the Dove” which is Susie’s story.
Here is the opening blurb: The house possessed a history; the story of love and companionship among friends as well as a tale embittered by secrecy and murder. The last residents were said to have vacated in fear of ghostly creatures that kept them awake with eerie screams while they slammed doors and tramped floors throughout the night. Secrets would remain buried in the house’s depths only to be uncovered by the most innocent and unsuspecting…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am relying on my publisher through AKW books to guide me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Sit your butt in a chair and get those words on paper or computer screen. It helps to study other authors, to join writers groups and to associate with fellow writers. However, that writing is only going to get done when you do it…no matter how long it takes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write what you know” has come from several sources but it is as tried and true as ‘just sit down and write’, ‘finish it no matter how long it takes’
What are you reading now?
I tend not to read while I am writing. As I generally read some form of romance, someone else’s work is too distracting from my stories that I need to concentrate on
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep pubishing. There will be at least 3 more in the Birds in Peril Series. Plus, I have a couple other book length manuscripts I would like to publish as well as several ideas for other books.
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?
The Bible, Ashes in the Wind and …let’s see, I have Sandra Brown’s latest book ‘Mean Streak’ ordered, and Kim Harrison’s ‘Witch With No Name’ on my book shelves. Nora Robert’s next ‘Blood Majik’ is also ordered. Hopefully that island won’t call me before I receive those new additions. But, I’d have to take my Kindle with me (It’s got about a dozen books on it I have yet to read. I just hope that island has a way to keep the Kindle battery charged.
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