Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far, I’ve written two books. One is a science fiction, romance titled, The Group. The second is a collection of poetry titled, Not by Chance: A Poetry Collection.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is The Group.
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved all things science fiction, not to mention time travel. So, needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity to write a science fiction time travel novel. Of course, there’s a little romance added—at their core, who doesn’t love romance?
As for the inspiration for the title… This story focuses on a group of people who, at first glance, are different than the other but must use their differences to help one another. I’ve always loved stories and movies where people with different personalities and backgrounds come together and become a strong unit or team.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As far as I know, I have no unusual writing habits. Though to some, writing, in general, is an unusual habit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that truly captured my attention was Gone with the Wind. I was a kid in 8th grade reading this literary classic and thinking, “Wow, Scarlett O’hara is a phenomenal character.” But once I was older, though Scarlett was a strong woman, I realized she was not the hero of the story. The character, Melanie, was the true hero.
I guess you can say this is when I realized every character in a book matters, and the character that is underestimated at first glance can indeed be the most powerful one.
The second book that I fell in love with is Michael Grant’s Gone series. I was amazed at how he brought several perspectives together and created this wondrous and somewhat frightening world of children who possessed impossible powers.
Grant showed me that it doesn’t matter how many perspectives your book has, but what matters is if you can use every perspective to create a book your readers can’t put down.
What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is my baby book—the one I first began in high school, the one I want to be just right.
If you love supernatural fantasies, you’ll love this book!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, my best method for promoting my books is you, the readers. Share, share, share!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is my advice, writing is fun, but it is also a challenge. Find the joy in both.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received is “Know God for yourself.” This may not resonate with some but in this advice, I’ve come to know myself and even know my purpose for writing.
What are you reading now?
What I’m reading now is Jane Eyre. If you know anything about me, you know Jane Eyre is a favorite of mine!
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is writing more books and sharing them with my readers. I love writing and am excited to hear from my readers on what they think of my work and how it has changed their lives for the better.
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?
Of course, Jane Eyre for literary entertainment.
The Bible for my spiritual sanity.
My first fictional publication, The Group, for a reminder of what I’m capable of.
And I’m going to take a creative leap here and say…a notebook—which should count because it has the word “book,” right?
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