Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been drawn to writing since childhood. Putting thoughts onto paper was always my method of processing events, sharing experiences and pursuing the fantasies I’d created in my head. Though I’ve published several poems over the years, it wasn’t until recently that I published my first novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Expert Witness is a romantic suspense novel in which the protagonist is a forensic psychologist. The story is one that I’ve had in my head for a while. My background in the field of psychology inspired the setting and the characters developed from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not anything too odd. I’ve always avoided working at a desk unless it is unavoidable. When I’m writing, it’s usually on my couch… Well, unless I’m toting my laptop to my kid’s sporting events or trying to squeeze in a chapter while waiting between appointments in my car.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read many of the classics while growing up and these were certainly influential. At the time, I read the works not fully understanding the significance or the immense talent contained on those pages; rather, I was an insatiable reader and would read anything I could find. As an adult, my greatest influences have been more modern writers. I admire how Nicholas Sparks identifies these gut-wrenching situations and delves into human relationships in such a way that you are immersed into the characters he creates. The most recent book I read that I couldn’t stop thinking about was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I think the multilayered messages about society and how personal beliefs drive humanity are intriguing. I’m not sure that I can identify one author or a single book that inspires me. Overall, my greatest influence has been my lifelong love of reading.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a dystopian/paranormal young adult novel. This novel is much different from my previous romantic suspense and, thus far, the change in perspective, approach and content has been fun to write.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m relatively new to the marketing aspect of being a writer and, consequently, am still exploring the various markets for promoting my books. However, despite being new, I’ve heard great things about Awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give is to write regularly. I’m guilty of putting my writing aside when life calls, but I finally realized I would never finish my book this way. I began to write whether I felt up to it or not, and found it was much easier to keep up with the plot and the unique aspects of each character. The other piece of advice I would give new authors is to develop a support network of fellow writers. I enjoy conversing with authors, sharing advice and encouraging one another. In areas where I may not be as strong (e.g. marketing), a fellow author may have some great tips. In turn, I might be able to offer helpful advice on another aspect of the writing or publishing process. Plus, it’s just really nice to have someone to talk writing and books with who shares the same passion.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve received is to “just keep writing.” There can be so many inherent obstacles to writing and publishing a book. Persistence is invaluable.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading the final book in the Twilight novel series, Breaking Dawn. I’m a little (a lot?) behind in reading these as they were released awhile back, but I’m enjoying them now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My current young adult book is the first novel in a series. After I finish this one, I will begin writing the next. I know as a reader I don’t like to wait too long in between novels that build upon one another (ugh, the suspense! 🙂 .
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 would take the Bible, a survivalist book, Gone with the Wind and the Complete Works of Shakespeare.
Author Websites and Profiles
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