Where did you grow up? Do you think your background has colored your writing in any way?
I grew up in a small town in West Virginia. My father wrote in a notebook at the kitchen table almost daily—stories for children. I admired him for his tenacity to get the story completed. He was proud of his accomplished work even when a publisher rejected it. He continued to write stories for his own enjoyment. That’s how I feel when I write.
What developed your interest in the suspense genre?
I’m curious when it comes to paranormal events. They fascinate me—spirits, odd sounds, strange things happening all around. I want to find out—is it real or just someone’s wild imagination?
What was that one moment in your life when you realized you wanted to write?
My English classes in junior high and high school gave me the opportunity to write a few paragraphs on a topic chosen for class—even a haiku. The same occurred in nursing school writing a care-plan summary on a patient in Med-Surg class. Each of these instructors took my paper and shared it with other students as an example. It was a proud moment in my life.
Where do you often go for dinner with your husband?
My husband and I typically go out to dinner wherever there is pizza—mainly for me, not him.😊
When did you publish your first book?
My first book SPIRIT OBSESSED was self-published August 30, 2021—a labor of love!
Who inspired the character of Remi Sterling in “SPIRIT OBSESSED?”
Remi’s character is inspired by my own interactions with a spirit presence in our former home. Although the book is a work of fiction, some (not all) of Remi’s spirit encounters were what I experienced or sensed while living there.
How was the idea for your first story born?
My coach from a self-publishing school program heard my story idea—child sees spirit in the house—and the various encounters that ensued. Based on the information, it was determined I should write my book as fiction to enhance the story content. It amazed me how my mind pulled characters and events together to create a story around the spirit events.
What is the important essence or ingredient to writing an adventurous story?
Write about what you’ve experienced in the past or present. Take that information and create a solid story around it using your imagination. The beauty of writing is the freedom to remove it from your mind and put it on paper—catharsis (my favorite word).
How do you draw readers into your stories?
Start the story with a good hook to draw the reader in wanting to know more. Always end each chapter with a cliff hanger to get the reader to turn the page to find out what will happen next.
What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?
Favorite part: hitting the “send” tab to publish the book; opening the box with my book inside: holding my book in my hands for the first time
Least Favorite part: marketing the book
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Some of the character quirks I write are based on habits from family, friends, acquaintances, or myself. If you watch people closely, you’ll pick up on one of their routine habits right away.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
There’s more to your book than just writing words on a paper—classes, coaching, webinars, editing, formatting, cover design, tier ones, keywords, categories, and the list goes on. Writing a book is a business.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I had a launch team with my first book. A few of those team members wrote an honest review of my book SPIRIT OBSESSED on a platform where they purchased the book. I was pleased to read their comments.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
The self-publishing school I attend has a Facebook community group with other indie authors. It’s a great opportunity to bounce ideas around and receive feedback through online chats.
What is your takeaway based on your experiences with AllAuthor?
AllAuthor has been an asset to me personally and professionally as a new indie author. I receive weekly emails, book mockups, twitter notices, book cover contests, etc. that keep my book SPIRIT OBSESSED in the public eye. I am pleased with the service they provide to new and novice authors in getting our book out there for everyone to read and enjoy! Thank you, AllAuthor!
