Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started on this journey to writing as part of my day job; I had encouraged others on my team do to nanowrimo so they could get more comfortable with writing small things like PowerPoint presentations or blog posts. If you’re not familiar with nanowrimo, every November people from all over the world try to write a 50,000-word book in 30 days. After I challenged them, I said I’d write a book too to set an example. Three books and three years later, here I am.
I still have a day job. I’m a single mom raising two teenagers, and I went a little crazy when the local shelter had an adoption special. We have 5 cats, which is about 4 cats too many.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Catalyst is the name of my most recent book. It’s the second in the Jo Benally series, picking up where Beacon left off. Part of the inspiration comes from the scientific explanation for the word – the catalyst begins the reaction in any given experiment. However, the lead character is a catalyst for other people. Her role as a pastor defines her trying to help save her congregation’s very souls, with Jesus as her catalyst. There are many reasons behind the title.
The Jo Benally series is probably closest to the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton, particularly in regard to having a strong female protagonist and moderate levels of sex and violence. I also have to say that Stephen King has always been my biggest influence as a writer. His innate gift with giving small simple details fresh elements of true horror. My books may not be a great fit for TWILIGHT fans, as BEACON definitely doesn’t shy away from exploring some of the darkest parts of what makes us human. In that, it’s a lot like the Mercy Thompson series where humanity is constantly reshaping core concepts of inclusion, evil, and fundamental rights in a world where humans are aware of and must interact with vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and the fae.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a writing chair in my house. It’s my safe space and the only place I can really create. I don’t know that it’s unusual. I can edit anywhere. I can only write in my chair.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mentioned before that I love Stephen King. I started out as a playwright, so I bring to the table excellent scene-setting and dialogue. Some of my favorite playwrights are French: I like Sartre a lot.
But I am a reading addict and I’m always reading something. You can keep up with my tastes on Goodreads. I dabble across all genres: I love Richard Adams, Diana Gabaldon, Jack McDevitt, and lately I’ve been re-reading David Farland. Because of that diversity, my own writing tends to be hard to pin into one genre. The strongest feedback I’ve received from readers is that they a) can’t stop thinking about my book after they’ve read it and b) can’t figure out what genre I belong in. I’ve gotten Christian Contemporary, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary Crack, and Horror. I believe a story should teach us about who we are and what we believe. BEACON and CATALYST are designed to do that, under the guise of vampire popcorn literature.
What are you working on now?
Actually, I needed an emotional break. The US election cycle has really drained me – I probably care more about politics and civic leadership than I should. So I’m writing a business book about how to hack into a career in digital analytics (my day job career).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had the most success with Facebook ads and Goodreads giveaways. Since my background is in marketing, you can believe I’d tried just about every other marketing method.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. You have a story within your fingertips that the world deserves to read. The hardest thing about writing is silencing your own inner critic. My best advice: write the story that is in your heart, and worry about everything else later – editing, proofing, publishing, marketing, etc. Write for you. Then worry about everyone else.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
[Feel free to edit this if you need to] When I was in middle school, my parents debated the need for us to have a family motto. I’m not really sure what inspired it – maybe it was just the thing people did back in the 80’s. My father lobbied diligently for our family motto to be “Fuck the Dumb Shit.” My mother, a proper Southern woman, never allowed it. But even though it’s not a great family motto, it’s great advice that has always stuck with me. Thanks, Dad!
What are you reading now?
Time Travelers Never Die by Jack McDevitt. I also finished reading a beta copy of Domain, by indie author Vincent Wade. I like reading work by other indie authors and I always welcome a review exchange.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After the business book, I’ll settle down for the third book in the Jo Benally series. I’m also working on a spinoff book to really tell the story of Jenna Smith (she’s dead in the Jo Benally series but I’d like to go back and write her story).
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?
Watership Down – Richard Adams
The Stand – Stephen King
IT – Stephen King
Echo – Terry Moore
Author Websites and Profiles
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