Which is your favorite childhood memory?
I love time out in the woods, just exploring. I have a lot of siblings, and we would make up so many amazing places to visit and explore just in the woods out back of our house.
Who introduced you to the world of books?
My grandmother always gave me books to read as a kid, and I loved all the different cool places I could go just through reading.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
Self-publishing. I honestly have a tiny control issue, and so self-publishing worked best for me. I enjoy how far self-publishing has come, all the editors, cover designers, and other authors I've been fortunate to meet over the years, and at this point can't see making the switch, to be honest.
How did your writing journey begin? Why did you start writing?
I underwent some childhood trauma, and the therapist I went to asked me to journal my feelings. I was hooked and keep journals of story ideas, notes, feelings, and experiences to this day to inform my writing.
What's the difference between 'general romance' and 'contemporary romance'?
I think general can be romance in many forms, but what makes it contemporary is taking a scenario that is current to our world situation and turning it romantic. Contemporary resonates with current world events more directly than general romance, which is normally a complete fantasy for me.
Who inspired the character of Morgan in "Scripting the Past"?
Actually, it was a news story I read about a woman held hostage away from the world for years. That story really was about the man who held her, but it got me wondering how someone might turn such a situation around from being a victim to a unique reason for that circumstance.
Do you relate to the character of Jordan Kuriel in "Scars of Yesterday"?
Yes, I've overcome many traumas in life and continue to do the best I can every day. I love strength in women because I think so many in this world find that an unattractive quality, but for me, it is the difference in existence and thriving in our world today.
What are some things you did to understand and perfect the craft of writing?
I took numerous workshops over the years. I find that writing is super personal from your process, inspiration, and even voice you write in. That said, I find that learning writing from different perspectives, genre authors, and even educational writers has helped me improve my writings to this day.
What is the one thing you most often scribble about?
I travel, so a lot of my scribblings have to do with places I have been that I use for inspiration and places I hope to still see.
Who decided the names of your puppies, Tesla and Harley Quinn?
Harley Quinn was named because she literally kicked her brothers out of the way to get to my daughter when we went to pick her up. We decided Harley Quinn, almost on the spot, would be her name. Tesla was named in honor of another lab that my boyfriend had.
If you ever get writer's block, where do you go to overcome it, or what activities help you overcome it?
I go run or walk. I find that just getting outside and getting the body moving gets my brain loose and able to work through whatever is stopping my writing.
As a writer producing a work of fiction, do you tend to know the ending when you start, or do you find out as you write?
I would say this is fifty/fifty. I know the ending most of the time, but the biggest shock of my writing to date was Discord's ending. I thought it would be a traditional HEA, but that ending did shock me even as I wrote it down. I realized later that there was no other way to end the book, but killing your heroine in a romance is definitely not something that everyone considers doing.
Are you willing to post an entry, old or new, from your journal?
Nope - you would think I'm crazy as I also doodle and make wild, crazy thoughts. My journal is a step inside my head and not a place anyone should ever visit.
What kind of audience do you hope to appeal to with your books?
All people that just need a pick me up from life. I try in most to have relatable, real characters that inspire, triumph, and just make you feel better for having read their story.
When did you join AllAuthor, and what are your opinions about the website so far?
About a year ago or longer now (not sure of the exact date). I love the site, I totally enjoy the mockups as they are so easy to use and market my books. I enjoy learning about other authors and feel that the site is designed to give authors a leg up, which I appreciate.
