Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always been creative but becoming a published author wasn’t one of my lifelong goals. However, after having our son, I began to write children’s stories. In 2012, my first book, “Guess What is on Grandpa’s Farm” was published. By 2015, I added four more books to the Guess What series. This year, I created a coloring book to go along with the series. While I was drawing the illustrations for “Guess What You Can Color”, I was also working on my first adult fiction, “Her Way Out” which was released on November 1, 2016. In addition to those, I published a book of my dad’s sayings and life philosophies. “It’s Always Somethin’: 101 Sayings from an Old Rancher” is full of one-liners but also has a lot of good, solid advice for all parts of life regardless of what industry you’re in. He was 88 years old when the book came out and is now 92 but still going strong on their ranch.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the adult fiction, “Her Way Out.” After writing children’s books for several years, I wanted to see if I could write more than a few hundred words. It was a fun adventure and it’s good to finally see the book in print.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am the most creative when I can write outside in the sunshine and warm weather. Since it’s too hard to see a laptop screen outside and suntan lotion gets too messy, I always write my first drafts in a spiral notebook with a Uniball pen that I buy in bulk from Costco. I can’t live without those pens, even for normal use. Now if I could just figure out a way to keep my notebook dry while lounging on a pool float, I’d have the perfect writing environment.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
While going to college to get my paralegal degree, I loved reading John Grisham’s books.
What are you working on now?
I have a custom illustrated book that I’m doing for a client but I’ve also started working on the sequel to “Her Way Out.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think there is one best method. I use social media and newsletters but an author has to use all resources when it comes to promoting. There are so many books available today and with self-publishing, the competition and numbers are always increasing. Being creative and trying lots of options is essential.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what your heart tells you. If you try to be someone that you’re not, it shows in your writing. Then when you have your polished draft finished, find the right people to help (beta readers, an editor, designer, etc.) And above all, be patient. Things worth doing take time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is one of my dad’s saying and simply said: “It’s not about what you know. It’s about how you use what you know.”
What are you reading now?
The Hidden Soul by Reagan Colbert. It’s a fiction novel based on the crucifixion of Christ as told through the eyes of a Roman soldier who was ordered to drive the nails into Jesus’ hands. It’s one of the few books that I’ve read recently that kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. The author is only 19 and this is her first book in a series but she is a great storyteller.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I like to keep my options open and see where my creativity steers me. In addition to the projects that I am currently working on, I have several other children’s stories that I plan to pitch to agents and see if I can break into the traditional publishing arena.
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 2 and 3 in Reagan Colbert’s “The Roman Soul Series” and “Witness to a Trial” by John Grisham.
Author Websites and Profiles
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