Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began my career as an actress in theater before switching to casting for film and television. I worked for a major film company and for independent directors on hundreds of projects. It’s a fast-paced business and intense! I ran to the country where I began writing fiction. I published “Heathcliff” and “Earnshaw” last year, two novellas based on Wuthering Heights.by Emily Brontë. Then I wrote “Girl on a Wire”, a noir-style new adult romance, and finally found my groove with “Hamlet and Ophelia.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hamlet and Ophelia was inspired by my experiences training in a professional acting program much like Bitter Green Playhouse. I liked the idea of following a group of aspiring actors on the journey because there is so much drama! (pun intended). The dreams are big, the risks are huge and there are no guarantee of making a living as there is in other professions. And then the effect that pressure has on relationships is fascinating. I see this as a 6-book series, following six couples introduced in “Hamlet and Ophelia.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I settle in to write 2000 words and then immediately start doing other stuff. But the second I have to go somewhere for an appointment, I absolutely MUST write. I’m like a cat. So my trick is to give myself a task to do at a certain time–a disagreeable task, like laundry or cooking. It seems to work. Except today. Today, I’m doing this interview.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Emily Bronte and her sister Charlotte Bronte were huge influences because I read them when I was young. I have theatrical tastes from reading plays. Influences are hard to pin down–I think so many authors have subtly shaped my writing over the years. I love a good mystery. Agatha Christie, PD James, Ruth Rendell. Nancy Drew! I loved those books. And I’ve read many of the classics.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to “Hamlet and Ophelia.” It’s called “Invisible” and it’ll be a contemporary spin on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still trying to figure that out! I don’t understand Facebook. I know I should, but honestly, I don’t have time. I’m just dipping my toe in with this novel and I’ll see what works. YA is a special cat. to try to reach readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Keep your mind on your story for one hour and you’ll be amazed at how much gets written. It’s amazing because it is hard to do but you get there with practice.
2) Don’t read your reviews. UNLESS you are prepared to keep working no matter what you see. I don’t know if it’s developing a thick skin so much as just making up your mind that nothing is going to keep you from writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve seen (and haven’t taken) was given by Hugh Howey who said don’t check your sales. Just don’t. He’s right. They mess with your mind and your focus is blown.
What are you reading now?
“Talent is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin. I’m hoping he’s right! 🙂
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing writing Bitter Green until I get sick of it or the readers do. And finishing the Wuthering Heights series which is owed one more book. And learning Facebook. Arghh.
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. The Complete Works of Shakespeare. An Agatha Christie omnibus (if such a thing exists) and Survival 101 for Dummies because I would die before I got to read anything!
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