What’s your happiest memory from childhood?
Going to Baskin Robbins with my dad just about every weekend. He was a cop and worked really long hours so I didn’t see him much during the week. Those trips were our time together with just us.
Do you remember the first book you ever wrote?
Actually, Collide, that I released this year, is the first one I’ve ever written! I’ve always loved writing in general but something just told me now was the time!
Are you a "re-reader" or are you a "read-it-once-and-I'm done" person?
The only books I’ve ever reread are the Outlander Series books by Diana Gabaldon. I find something new I’ve forgotten or missed every time I reread them! I’m a total fan girl of hers!
How long have you been writing and what inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve written in some way as long as I can remember whether it was in a journal, papers for school or creative writing. I’ve always loved books and my dream has always been to write one of my own. Now my dream is to be able to be a full time writer someday!
In what ways do you try to better understand the craft of writing?
I’ve taken a couple of classes on line about plot arcs and character development after a wrote Collide as I feel I can always improve. Honestly, though, I learn the most by getting feedback from my beta readers and fans. Having happy readers that enjoy my work is really more important to me than doing it ‘right’.
Do you relate to the character of ICU nurse Dani Davis?
In little ways. For example, her dislike of coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper addiction are mine! Lol I think I would have liked to be more like her when I was younger- more outspoken and living life out loud. And falling into ‘nurse mode’ in a crisis and trying to block everything else out is based on my nursing experience. My first nursing job was in the ICU - though I never had a prestigious but unavailable Dr boyfriend! Lol
While choosing a name for your character, what aspects do you consider that determine what you finally call them?
It’s a really random process! The first book had a lot of family members’ names though not based on the character. For example, I had an Aunt Lu, and Aunt Maggie and Eustace was my grandpa’s name. Otherwise, I just pull names I like out of the air. Zane Savage was just a cool name!
Do you have a “reader” in mind while writing?
I write romance, of course, so that is my primary reader so I always want an HEA but I don’t want to just write to formula. I hope readers can really get to know the characters in a deeper way and like to weave a little mystery/drama in there as well so it’s not just girl/guy can’t get together, they get together, something breaks them apart and they get back together at the end. I mean, that is the basic formula but I’m hoping to bring more to the party than just the basics. I hope my readers don’t see every twist and turns coming.
Why did you name your series, The Gladewater?
Gladewater is an actual little town in east Texas. My mother was born there. The town I really use for the series is Kerens, TX where I visited family every summer but (sorry Kerens!) Gladewater is just a prettier name!
Non-fiction writers may go to the library or buy a history book to research their work. What kind of research do you have to do as a romance writer? Would you say it's harder or easier?
So far I haven’t done a ton of research other than using my memories of the place and things I experienced myself. My new series is set in Savannah, GA. I just woke up with 3 books in my head one morning and it was in Savannah, where I’ve never been. So my husband and I had to take a weekend road trip so I could take pics and get the feel of the place. We also took a couple of history tours so I could weave a little of that in as well. A PNR book I’ve also got in the works is set in Wyoming(where I’ve also never been) and has characters who travel in time from ancient Norse lands so I’ve done quite a bit of internet research for that. Someday, I hope to travel more and have even more personal experiences to use. I like to make things as authentic as possible.
How many books do you plan to write in The Gladewater series?
I’m currently writing the last book in the main series but I do have a Christmas novella planned for the characters as well.
When you're not reading or writing a book, what are some other things that you love to do?
I’m a yarn nerd. I dye wool and silk yarns and sell them professionally (LakeLife Fiberworx on FB) and I knit, crochet and weave and teach classes though a lot of that has taken a backseat to my writing since the writing bug got a hold on me!
According to you, what is the perfect setting for a peaceful and fruitful writing session?
Quiet! I can’t even have music on. With as few of distractions as possible. I often find myself writing in the middle of the night as I’m quite an insomniac unfortunately. If I run into a block, somehow a bubble bath with a glass of wine seems to loosen something in my brain!
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Oh goodness! Well I have 3 books I’m actively writing at the moment. The last book (book 3) in the Gladewater Series which is a fake relationship trope titled Redeemed. I’m shooting for a September release. Second I’m writing the first book in the Savannah Sisters series which is a second chance romance called Remember Us. And finally I’ve got the PNR which is a Viking, time travel, wolf shifter extravaganza. Lol It’s a whole new genre for me but it’s a lot of fun.
When did you join AllAuthor? How has your experience been?
I liked the ability to create post featuring my book and getting it out there to new people. The weekly posts that are crated for me have been great too and have gotten a lot of good feedback!
