Where did you grow up and what was it like being a part of a family that loves motorbikes and classic cars?
I grew up in Ohio, where the love of classic cars and motorcycles is quite common. I don’t know what to say about growing up with a family this way. It’s the only family I know. We went to a lot of car and bike shows growing up. Spent a lot of time outdoors. And I watched the men in my life fix up pretty much everything since I was a child. I’ve always said that my dad was born with motor oil in his blood.
Are you fond of riding the motorcycle yourself? Who taught you and how long did it take you to learn?
Does anyone NOT love riding motorcycles should be the more apt question. Lol. My dad taught me everything I need to know about riding and driving since before I was supposed to drive. I was the kid who rode on Dad’s lap and helped steer, whether it be a 3-wheeler, a mower, car, snow mobile or bike—makes no difference.
What most adventurous thing you have ever done?
I am not a very adventurous person. I’m sorta a homebody. Does going to a Male Review count? Lol.
Have you always been a writer? Do you remember the first piece of writing you ever created and what it was about?
I’ve written a lot since I was a child, yes. But never thought I’d pan into a career. As for the first piece of writing, I can’t recall what that would’ve been. I do know I’ve always had quite the imagination for storytelling.
Who is Eva "Bink" Cummings and how has her character changed through the MC Chronicles?
Eva “Bink” Cummings… is a book character that I created based on myself, minus my tattoos, who, like myself, has been through a ton of crap in her life. ‘Bink Cummings’ is my pen name for writing, which is a very special name to me.
How much of the MC Chronicles is fiction, and how much is based on truth? Can you tell us some instances from the books that are based on real life?
I write fact mixed with fiction in 80% of my books. I just decided to stop labeling them a fiction with aspects based in truth. As for the book, I’d say it’s grossly fiction with many of the characters themselves being real. For instance, Deb, she’s a real person to me, although her name is fictionalized. She has always worked with dogs, looks a lot like her character, and plays a mature role in my life. Big is based on my true to life partner—on a personality level. He is much older than me, does have those same blue eyes. Leech really is my daughter’s nickname. The club concepts are taken from family experiences with club life and transformed into a book of romantic fiction—minus all the drug use. I try to avoid drugs in my book as a whole.
The last book in the H.O.P.E Trilogy, Hopelessly Devoted, is written from two points of view. What are the pros and cons of writing novels with multiple points of view?
Both Hopelessly Devoted and Hopeful Whispers of that series are dual Pov. I believe that style of writing should only be used when necessary. Authors oftentimes have a habit of giving too much away to the reader when using dual pov. Therefore ruining the suspense and uncertainty that many of us crave. As for a pro using that stylistic approach, I’d say it’s helpful to show another side of a plot, that you can’t get from one person. If someone hates a character, sometimes getting their insight makes you understand them more. This may sway you into liking them, if you realize their actions were done with the best intentions.
Are there any characters in the H.O.P.E Trilogy that you would consider writing a standalone or a spinoff series for? If so, why?
Guess this is the perfect platform to announce that Rosie will be getting her own book. If all goes according to plan, the series will have a total of 7 books.
How did you come up with the Sacred Sinners MC?
I knew I wanted something that involved a ‘sisterhood’…. Which is where Sacred Sisters came into play. And with that, naturally the Sacred Sinners evolved. It’s also a pretty badass MC name, if I do say so myself.
What is something that most people don’t know about being an author?
That 40% of the job consists of the writing. Whereas the remaining 60% is made up of other facets of the job… Blurb writing, promotion, social media, editing, teaser and cover creation… etc…
What is your biggest achievement in life that is not writing-based?
Being a mother. That’s the easiest question on here.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Art is never finished, only abandoned. – Leonardo Da Vinci. – This is very true. There can always be a better word choice or different word choice. More sentences, less sentence. If we, as authors, focus on this too much we could go mad. Learning when to let go is always hard, but a necessary evil in this industry.
Do you have a ‘secret’ to success?
No. Hard work. Hard work. Hard work. And never stay stagnate. You can always learn more… evolve more.
What book ideas are you currently working on?
I have over 10 book ideas churning at once. As of right now, there are 3 of those living in the forefront that will get action at some point this year.