Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oh, boy. I never know what to write in these things. I’m a romance author still looking for Mr. Right. I am the oldest of nine kids. I studied vocal performance (opera specialty) in college and then got a Master’s in Elementary Education. Music, books, and education have been my passions for as long as I can remember. I’ve written five books with two more coming out in 2020, and a long list of projects I want to either get back to, or that I’m looking forward to starting in 2021 and beyond.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Sweethearts Old. It’s book one in a series that was inspired by the wedding rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” All four books will have that theme typing themselves together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to film scores as I write. It’s an easy way to get my mind motivated and relaxed enough to get a good number of words on the page.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! As a kid, I loved the Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter series. I’ve read so many books by Debbie Macomber, Mary Higgins Clark, and Richard Paul Evans. I still enjoy YA and Middle Grade books, so I’ve loved Rick Riordan, Marissa Meyer, Kiera Cass, and Michael Buckley as well.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Lucky Sweethearts series, Sweethearts New. After that, I’ll be working on my Christmas release, A Little Christmas Conflict, which is the second book in the Need a Little Christmas series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working this out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Ultimately, get your words down on paper. They can be polished at that point. More than that, find writing friends and mentors. There are a ton of people out there who are willing to help you out as you get your sea legs. If you can find a good writing community, you’ll be more successful than if you try to go it alone.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is “do something today that your future self will thank you for.” It’s done wonders for getting me to focus on one little thing at a time to help improve my life, including helping me finish these projects!
What are you reading now?
I’m in between books right now, but I will likely read Blue Midnight by Tess Thompson since that was on my list for my retreat a couple of weeks ago.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish the Lucky Sweethearts series by the end of 2021, then I hope to start a spin-off series called Stubborn Hearts which will delve into some of the other characters who didn’t fit in the wedding rhyme mold, some prequels, some sequels, and a whole lot of love. At some point, I’m looking forward to working on a YA project which is on hold in my brain until I finish this series.
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?
My scriptures, Our Town by Tennessee Williams, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained by John Milton
Author Websites and Profiles
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