Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Baltimore, MD. I currently live in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Now that I am a Ninaw, my husband, daughter, and son-in-law are just second best lol. They don’t mind. We all think my grandson is absoultely perfect.
I am a novelist, reviewer, content editor, blogger, T-shirt wearer, and professional snacker. My family is blended from three cultures. I have opened my home to foster children, drug addicts, AIDS victims and anyone who needed an assist. I know people who have committed murder and people who have dined with the Pope.
Which is why I write sweet stories about tough love…and takes naps.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a light hearted fairytale entitled Dragonfly Dreams. Years ago my daughter was into fanfic. I did a piece for her as a gift. She loved it, posted it and I was surprised at the response. Last year my publisher put out a call for anthology submissions. I brushed Dragonfly Dreams off and changed it from fanfic to an original piece and submitted it. I was honored when the publisher decided to make it a stand alone instead of part of a compilation.
I also just released my very first novel, Civil Warriors, An interracial romance set in the 1860s. That one is based on a local legend and a Civil War diary, belonging to my family.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this can be considered a habit, but if I don’t write something first thing in the morning, life will not be good Also, I visit my stories settings to get a feel for the place. My fantasies have some tangible world mixed in; I map it from there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien, Sharon K. Penman, Alex Haley, G. Martin. The combination gave me a rich history, a larger than life world and truth from every angle. Jennifer Blake’s Royal Seduction made me fall in love with overconfident men.
What are you working on now?
I am part of the Crazy Ink Beyond the Fairytale 12-Anthology collection. I am contributing to three of the anthologies: Beyond Wonderland, Beyond Neverland, and Beyond the Rose. I’ve completed Wonderland and I’m working on Neverland now.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Lovekissed, Reading Deals, I appreciate just any NL shares. I’m glad I found this one!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Understand the value of butt-glue. You learn how to write by writing. If you never get it down, you won’t have anything too correct.
2. If you are writing for affirmation or approval, then quit, because you’re doing it for the wrong reasons and giving away your joy.
3. Always, Always, ALWAYS, appreciate anyone who takes the time to read you work. even if they don’t like it. They gave you time that you can’t give back. Be thankful.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Butt-glue! Also, success doesn’t come in a box. It looks how it looks and we each measure it differently. Stay away from comparisons and be thankful.
What are you reading now?
I am an acquisitions reviewer. Most of my reading involves pre-published works.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Along with the Beyond series, I am collaborating with a fellow author, on a continuation of a story we did for an entwined anthology- Siren’s Lullaby. This was six perspectives sharing the same fate. Our stories told an epic tale of a romance between a pirate (me) and a siren. After that, I have another standalone almost ready to go. For me, always writing, always, writing, always writing….
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?
Harry Potter, Roots, & Lord of the Rings. I think my time would be well spent dissecting those tales.
Author Websites and Profiles
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