What was your childhood like and what kind of child would you say you were? Have you always had such a deep rooted love for animals?
My childhood was pretty special because my dad was in the United States Air Force and we traveled a bit. Even though there were times of sadness (like when we had to move), or times of uncertainty (when I started a new school). I've always felt these lessons actually helped shape me into the person I am today. I hope my kids feel the same way because I married someone in the Air Force and we moved around a lot, too. I guess when it's in your blood, it's in your blood! I have always loved animals, and rescue animals especially are very near and dear to my heart. In fact, I give a percentage of all book sales to animal rescue yearly.
Growing up, who were some of your literary heroes? How has reading their books influenced your writing?
I read Nancy Drew and the Little Women series like most young girls. As an adult I liked Jackie Collins and Danielle Steel. I think the turning point for me was when I picked up a Nicholas Sparks book. I loved his earlier books especially.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is working my 9 to 5 job and writing when I can. However, come May, 2018 I'll be retired and then I'll officially become a full time writer!
If someone were to make a movie about your life, which actor would you want to play you (and perhaps a possible love interest as well)?
Make a movie of my life, huh? Well let's see. I guess I'd pick Reese Witherspoon to play me and for a love interest, how about Chris Pine or Josh Holloway, lol!
What are some common romance (novel) cliches that you hate and avoid like the plague? Cliches that you love?
Romance cliches I hate...I don't know if I have any. The ones I love that some hate are falling in love fast. It happens. It happens all the time and in fact, it happened to me!
If you met a person that said they hated romance novels, which book would you suggest them to read to change their mind?
That's a hard one. I'm not really sure. Although I do write romance, I really am a women's fiction fan and am trying to write more of that. It's like having a little bit of both worlds in one genre. Family drama, romance and that sort of thing. But I guess I'd ask them to read my book, The Salty Dog.
When writing a series, do you plan everything our beforehand or just start with a general idea and see where that takes you?
I start with a general idea for a series. It takes off like a bolt of lightening after that!
Who were the inspirations behind the characters Cody and Darla from "Cherishing Mrs Right"? Do you have any military men/women in your family?
Yes we're full of military people in my family. Both my father and father in law served as well as my husband. Many of my stories have elements of real life stuff that has either happened to me, or someone close to me. I used to be a flower girl back in the 70's. Growing up in California it was the thing to do. I've always been sort of a free spirited type, and thank goodness my husband keeps me grounded. I'm not a vegetarian, however.
Do you normally think up a plot first and then write the characters? Or do the characters come first and the story after?
I have a general idea of the characters. Sometimes they stick around and sometimes they get booted. Ha Ha.
What brought about the idea for your book "Ties That Bind"? What was the hardest scene to write? Do you find yourself relating to Pat in any way
Ties that Bind was inspired by true events regarding my mother's adoption. During her last years we worked on it together. Unfortunately she never saw it published. But I know she's looking down and smiling. The hardest scene to write was toward the end of the book. I don't want to say too much for fear of giving away the story.
Of all your characters, who would you take out on a dinner date given the chance?
Of all my characters I would love to go on a date with either Gabe in Finding Mrs. Right or Cody in Cherishing Mrs. Right.
During the editing process (after you're done writing a book), how do you decide what things to edit out or in? Who was your first beta reader?
I read through the manuscript before passing it off to my paid editor. I will take some things out and even add up until that moment I pass it off to her. She offers suggestions as well, but ultimately it is my choice. However, I do listen to her quite a bit. My first beta reader was Jayme Maness. She still reads for me today.