Tell us about your childhood. How did it affect you as an author?
As a child, I read voraciously to escape reality – always books about horses! In adult life I wanted to try my hand at writing the kind of books I enjoy reading.
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?
My first original story was written after an adult fiction writing class, and came second in a national writing competition. I was hooked after that!
When and why did you choose to become an author? Whom do you write for?
I became serious about my writing when I returned to my Catholic faith. I wanted to share the Good News in a way that readers would enjoy. I write for fellow Christians and horse lovers.
What developed your passion for writing uplifting books?
Being a naturally optimistic person, I am unable to write anything other than uplifting books. Although that doesn’t prevent me from tackling difficult topics.
What inspired you to write your first novel, Riding Out the Regrets?
Actually, my first novel was Brittle Diamonds, about a Catholic priest who is accused of sexual abuse. My then parish priest was going through the same trials, and I wanted to address the fact that most Catholic priests are good and holy shepherds of the Church.
Who inspired the character of Mark in "A Truthful Man"?
Mark is purely a figment of my imagination. But I wanted a character who’d royally screwed up so I could show that redemption is possible for everyone.
What are some of the biggest challenges of being a fiction author?
I sometimes get stuck for a memorable ending, and have to take a step back from the story, work on something else and let my sub-conscious work on it for me.
Once in a while, one of my characters becomes rebellious and won’t follow the storyline I’ve outlined for him or her, which entails a big re-write.
Also, as much as I love writing, I often find it difficult to put my posterior in that chair and get going!
What is the one thing apart from writing that you enjoy doing the most in your free time?
Horses are, and always have been, my passion. I own a lovely horse, and ride other people’s horses, too. I used to showjump, but now compete in dressage, which is a wonderful way to stay fit after sitting for hours at my desk. It also engages my mind on something other than my current book, plus my experiences and those of my horse friends provide endless new situations to include in my plots.
What is your creative process like? How does an idea in your head become a novel?
Events in my life often spark an idea for a novel. For example, the strength and courage my son has displayed throughout his battle with ulcerative colitis moved me to write a book with a hero who suffers the same disease. That is how Jack Harper in the first book in the Riding Out series – Riding Out the Devil – was born. The novel was supposed to be a standalone, but public pressure turned it into the first of three connected trilogies!
A second example is the unjust removal of Catholic priests by their bishops from ministry because they have the guts to tell the Truth from the pulpit. It was bothering me hugely. Then, after an older priest at my church told me that my mission from the Holy Spirit is to write Christian fiction, because people need the Truth, the idea for A Truthful Man was born on the five minute drive home.
Again, it was supposed to be a standalone, but readers kept asking “What happens next?” A Divine Truth and A Blazing Truth have turned that first book into a trilogy.
What are some of your biggest fears when it comes to writing?
That I will write a huge flop!
What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?
My favorite part is the freedom that comes with self-publishing. I did have a publisher at one time, but I missed having control over my content and went back to self-publishing, where I can dictate my writing pace and see exactly how many books I’m selling.
I hate formatting my books, writing the blurb and marketing!
What was the best advice you've ever received related to writing and could you share it with us?
You often hear the advice ‘Write to market.’ But I ignore that and write what I’m passionate about, and then worry about marketing it. These days there’s a niche for absolutely everything, so no matter what topic an author chooses, there will be a market for it. So far, so good.
