Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 1 entire book and bits and pieces of several others that I intend to flesh out and publish as well. I’m 40 years old for 1 more month. I’m a single mother of a 15 year old son. Besides writing I love photography.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Uninvited. I started writing a book just out of high school and because of a lot of sudden changes in my life I has to leave that book behind when I moved to Maryland. Uninvited used some of the same ideas. Revenge between brothers who hadn’t seen each other in a long time, one of whom is very happily married. I don’t really know where that idea originated in my brain but I’m sure it’s something psychological 😁
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I tend to get inspired by actors. I started writing Uninvited after seeing Tom Huddleston in The Avengers. It helps me to think of an actor while I’m writing because I can watch interviews with them and watch how they move and hear how they speak and it kind of brings my characters to life for me. I also tend to write scenes that come to me while I’m working at my very boring job. So I’ll have a few scenes written and I have to find a way to connect them. It’s probably not the best way to do it but until I can write full time… it’s what I do.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I wanted to be a writer mostly because of S.E Hinton. The Outsiders changed my life as a young wanna be writer. I felt like it was accessible because she was so young and so good. Of course I’m no longer young but she was definitely a huge influence.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a few things. At the same time I was writing Uninvited I was also writing a more RomCom story that came a bit easier because I fancy myself quite funny. I gave both to some co workers to read and they all preferred Uninvited because of the suspense aspect. So, I’m going to go finish the other one and see how that does. I also have a kind of sequel to Uninvited called Lost that I’ve just barely begun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve done no promotion so far, and it shows 😟
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t know that I’m in a place to give any advice but I would say don’t give up. Publishing a book has been a dream of mine for the majority of my life and being a full time author is still my dream and I’m doing everything I can to make that dream come true. So, even when it seems impossible just keep going. And believe in yourself. Don’t go into ANYTHING expecting failure.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Read every day. I do neither.
What are you reading now?
My sister lent me a David Sidaris book. I love him. However, do to somed issues I’m having with my eyes I’m not reading as much as I’d like.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just doing what I can to get my work seen and putting out as much quality work as possible. I’m thinking Lost will be my next published novel.
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?
Oooh. The Outsiders. I’ve read it a million times but I love it. Other than that I would want things I’d never read. A romance, a mystery and a comedy. Long long ones.
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