Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mom of two boys, two dogs, and am totally in love with writing. The characters in my head are always clamoring to get out, just like the kids, the dogs, and the husband. I have published a total of six books and written countless others.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Other books inspire me and even a bingeathon helps. It takes me getting out of my own head to start writing. Threshold for instance was supposed to be a standalone novel and was originally written as such but then after reading Daniel H. Wilson’s Amped, I realized that Threshold needed a companion. That is how Peak came to be.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably that each of my books is outlined on an old store receipt, or whatever scrap of paper that I dug out of my purse at the time the ideas started pouring in.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been writing since I was nine so there are quite a few. Sarah Dessen, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, R.L. Stein all got me through my childhood and showed me how beautiful writing is. They inspired me to create on the page. Of course J.K. Rowling, I love love love Harry Potter. Barbara Kingslover because she’s from the Southwest as well and just an amazing author.
What are you working on now?
Two things, I’m editing Peak so it’s ready for it’s release this Fall and my first adult novel. My first Adult fiction work is about food, love and life. It consists of ten years and 4 cities.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
SXSW Books is the creation from myself and fellow author Shannon Barczak. We are trying to connect with readers and authors and it’s great to be able to share our work with others that way.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love it and write as if no one is ever going to read it. That way your aren’t plagued with expectations and other’s opinions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be selfish. It sounds awful but as a wife, mom, daughter, friend and everything else, we do so much for everyone else. And it’s easy for me to forget that I need to take care of myself and pursue what I want.
What are you reading now?
The Rule of Three by Eric Walters. We were on vacation with my in-laws and I had just finished the book I had brought to last me the trip. Luckily my mom-in-law had all three of these.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a magical realism book floating around in my head, so that will be the next thing.
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?
Wow! Tough question. Okay I don’t usually read books more than once, I always give them away to someone else once I’ve finished them. However on a desert island I’m sure I’d read anything so with that in mind I’ll choose some of my favorites.
Jodi Picoult’s The Pact, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
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