What is your most cherished childhood memory?
Sage-brush hopping. Where we grew up in rural Utah, there wasn’t a lot to do. My mom invented a game called “Sage-brush hopping” where we would put on our snow suits and run and jump in these giant sage brushes.
At what age did you write your first book? Did it get published?
I was 10 years when I wrote my first short story called “Meemaw & Bohonkus”. I published it in my Book of Short Stories in 2021
When and why did you choose to become an author? Whom do you write for?
While in the Army I always found that writing took away all my stress.
Who all are a part of your family and how do they give you stories and ideas to work on?
My great grandmother Ruby Randall grew up in Oklahoma when it was a territory. She chronicled her life from 1899 to the early 30’s and then typed it all out on a typewriter sometime in the 40’s. She never published it and I have both copies. I plan to publish her works this year. She was a very gifted writer. It give a real Laura Ingalls-Wilder vibe.
What made you decide to retell the stories of your Great Grandma Ruby Randall? Where did you find these stories?
She typed out her works and titled it “For My Grandchildren” I feel like a lot youth these days can definitely benefit from her types of struggles to see how hard life could be.
Have you decided on the title of your next book? Did your family help in choosing one?
I didn’t know what to give my nieces Florence & Marley for Christmas, so I surprised them by writing a children’s book titled “The Adventures of Florence & Marley”. It is now on the market. They were shocked!
What should a writer keep in mind when writing about an LGBT character?
To write them as you would any other character and to give them a chance. Take your time developing the story and give them the happy ending that some LGBT haven’t gotten yet.
As a writer, how has your "voice" developed over time?
I have listened very carefully to criticism and critique which has overall helped me become a better writer.
How far do you think you have come from just starting out as a writer till now?
I have come very far. I have learned better writing techniques, better marketing strategies…I am really starting to get a following.
What is the most important thing to remember while writing a story?
Write what you know and don’t be so hard on yourself. I have learned to write just to write. I don’t do it for anyone, I do it for myself. When I publish and get my books onto the market, I find the best marketing strategy and I tag it towards people who may be able to relate to my books.
How much do you think positive feedback be it comments or reviews from your readers on different social media platforms affects you?
I have learned that not everyone is going to like what you write. I had one review where someone said “They found the protagonist very shallow and pretentious” which was EXACTLY what I was going for, so although they didn’t mesh with the narrator and didn’t like the story, I did exactly what I set out to do. It was a 1 star review that acknowledged exactly what I planned. So I took it as a win.
What has been your most memorable hiking experience with your German Shepherd Duke?
We did Mount Charleston just outside of Las Vegas and it was amazing. Nobody was there and he got to be off leash the entire time (probably wasn’t supposed to be) But I used the opportunity as a trail run and I ran the entire time and he stayed by my side. Didn’t wander or chase. He was with me. Then, when we got to the top he sat there and just enjoyed the view with me. Then he laid his head on my shoulder.
Out of all the novels you have read to date, which one holds up the best today?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo has always been my favorite. I read something new every single time I pick it up and it is truly an amazing book. I have probably read it 100 times maybe more.
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans? When can they expect a new book?
I would like to say thank you. Your constant support and love and likes and shares have truly helped me grow as a writer and reach a lot of different countries. I have some exciting things in the works and I will have Great Granny Randall’s book out this year as well as a book I have co-written with author Lance Taubald (It will be a Catholic Romance).
Who or what introduced you to AllAuthor? How would you describe your experience so far?
Author Joni Scott from Australia actually turned me onto All Author. Since then I have made some really good friends with some really good writers like Heather Graham.
