Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer ever since I was a kid and always dreamed of being a published author. As a kid, I imagined my days as an adult would be spent sitting a desk in front of a pretty window writing books. Life didn’t quite turn out that way but I’m finally getting around too fulfilling the author part and it feels pretty good!
So far I’ve written two books and I’m actively working on a third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Dickhead: Stupid Things Men do with their ‘Little Heads’.
This was a fun book to write but also involved quite a bit of research. As I say in the book, it’s based on something I often say to my husband. Every time I read about another guy who is paying millions to leave his wife for a ‘hot young thing’ or who is forced to resign over some sexual scandal, I say to my husband, there’s another guy who was thinking with his ‘Little Head’.
As I was researching for the book, I found so many great (and sometimes disturbing) stories and it was a difficult task deciding what to include in the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…let’s see. I’m very shy about my writing so very few people get to see my work before it’s published. My husband is actually my favorite editor.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of the classics – Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte are my favorites. I suspect they would both blush at my books!
I also love a good historical romance, my favorite being an oldie, ‘Enchanted’ by Elizabeth Lowell.
What are you working on now?
It’s a secret! But it will be something that goes well with my ‘Dickhead…’ title. I’ve finished the bulk of my research and now moving on to writing, cover design, an exciting title, etc.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a complete newbie when it comes to book marketing! Once I figure it out I’d be happy to let people know what I’ve learned.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read, specifically about what other authors have experienced and how they’ve promoted their books. And know that if you’re self publishing, writing the book is practically the easy part!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I recently heard someone say that there is nothing new to be said, only the way it’s being said. So if you have an idea for a book, just write it. Maybe it will be a bestseller and maybe it won’t. But you won’t be wondering ‘what if’ for the rest of your life.
What are you reading now?
I’d like to say I’m reading some great new novel but in truth, all I have time to read right now are websites on how to be a successful author. I’ve got a lot of reading to do!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my third book and hoping to have it published in the next few weeks. After that I have some other books in a completely different genre that I’d like to start working on.
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?
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
…because the characters are like old friends after all the times I’ve read it. And Elizabeth is still a strong heroine!
2. How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams
… because he’s both funny AND wise. Failure is just a learning opportunity.
3. Gone With the Wind by by Margaret Mitchell
… because Scarlet was a survivor.
4. The Bible
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