Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My greatest passion is dreaming. I love imagining new worlds and using those images to paint beautiful pictures for my readers. Through my writing, I also hope to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. I love helping people and the best way is by creating stories to show that we are never alone in our struggles or even our happiest moments.
So far, I have written two books. “Flying Away: Life and Love Through Poetry and Prose” and “In a Heartbeat.” I am currently working on two new books and brainstorming a third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “In a Heartbeat.” My inspiration came from a true love story that deserves a happy ending and my own dreams. I believe in destiny and I think everyone should experience love and happiness in life. Reality rarely goes according to plan, so I try to incorporate that in my writing. But I am a firm believer that good and love always win, so I make sure my characters are examples of my thoughts.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how “unusual” this habit is, but when I start a new project, I need to write on scrap paper before I type. And I always listen to music to get me in the right mood. For example, if I’m writing a fun scene like a beach party, I will listen to music that has a really fast beat. But if I’m writing a sweet love scene, slow, smooth sounds are all I want.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m influenced by many writers, including Sandra Cisneros and Khaled Hosseini. I love stories that reflect different cultures, stories that teach me and transport me to a new place. I am inspired by too many stories to list all of them, but “The God Box” by Alex Sanchez is definitely on the list.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on three new stories. My biggest project is going to be a mix of fantasy and romance. It will have adventure and passion. It will have realistic struggles and ultimately, an ending worthy of my characters. I’m pretty excited to write this novel and I can’t wait to publish it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that word of mouth works better than most methods because when I can tell people about my books, I have a better chance of convincing them to read. But I do use Twitter and Facebook to let my fans know where they can find my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write to be inspired! Don’t let anyone get you down, not even publishers who reject your manuscripts. If writing is something you love, don’t let anything or anyone destroy your passion. Live your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have a heard a lot of great advice – about love, life, crying, everything. I think the best advice I’ve ever heard, though, has to be “Follow your heart.” Life is so short and every day is a struggle for some people. But in the end, if you follow your heart, if you focus on your dreams, life can be so beautiful. I am amazed at how successful I have become in my personal and professional life just by listening to my heart and watching my dreams unfold.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am rereading the Twilight series. The first book is probably my favorite out of all four because it’s the introduction and it creates a magical world in which I enjoy immersing myself.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned before, I’m working on three projects right now. I am hoping to finish at least one before the year ends, but either way, I know I will be busy and inspired for a while.
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?
Yikes! How does one choose? If I had to take three books with me on a desert island, they would be: “The Giver”, any of the Ian Rutledge mysteries by Charles Todd, and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” because one is never too old for a Dr. Seuss classic.
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