Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
I was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. I am the oldest of four, so life was good but busy. I helped my mother with my siblings who are five, six, and eight years younger than me. Our parents made sure we had all we needed and some of what we wanted, and I'm BIG SISTER to the heart. I take this role serious and I try to always keep an opened door for them.
What are your hobbies apart from writing?
I am an avid reader. My mother would buy mystery magazines and Jackie Collins books. Of course, I had no business reading the bad girl of books, but I did and in the process fell in love with books. I also love taking pictures and cooking.
How did you begin writing both Christian fiction and non-fiction books?
I actually started with non-fiction. I was totally led to write a book called Not Until You're Ready, and then His Mistress or God's Daughter? When I put a fiction story in His Mistress or God's Daughter?, I realized I wanted to write fiction as well. I did and here I am twenty something books later.
How would you describe your journey of studying Theology at Louisiana Baptist University?
After what I would call my Jonah in the belly of the fish moment, I knew I needed to be educated in the Gospel, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. So there I sat, in a room filled with men, and praying that no one would ask me any questions and if they did, that Spirit would lead me into the right answers. Well, they asked, and He did. Not only was I able to grow, the late Dr. Murphy Hunt saw enough in me to give me a scholarship. Indeed a blessing. There are some things I learned at LBU that I will never forget as well as being taught by some powerful men of God like the late, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Wallace, and Dr. Mark Crook.
How has your psychology degree served you?
Psychology has given me insight into the human mind and the behaviors of men. It is so much so a part of my writings. My characters have heightened emotional factors governing their actions and I often try to explore how these emotions leads to them making horrible or questionable decisions that affects their lives.
Which book took the longest to write in the "A Louisiana Love" series?
The Perfect Chance took me the longest to write. I really wanted Selena and Damon to get married and when I realized she couldn't make that commitment to him, it stalled me. Sometimes, Spirit will change my direction and when I don't agree...I fumble the ball and waste time trying to plead my case. Eventually, I turn my will over and to me, it's the best book in the series.
How did you come up with the character of Evonta in "Evonta's Revenge"?
That book was based upon a dream. Every part of it. As soon as I woke up, I just started writing. It was like God played a movie in my mind and didn't let me forget the details. I still remember this book like I've seen the movie over and over again.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
I believe the most important elements of good writing is TRUTH. I always ask myself...If someone picks up your book, would they think every piece is believable? Would they be able to see themselves or someone they know in your characters? And, Would they desire to come to know the Savior you write about? Once I have answered these three, I believe I've given the elements of good story telling.
What's something on your bucket list that you think is unique?
One of the things I want to do is take my babies back to the place they were born, Yokosuka, Japan. They both are almost thirty (28 & 26) and I believe a trip back would really bless them.
Do you shoot photographs for your book covers on your own?
Some of them, I have. This is amazing. No one has ever asked me if I took the photos. Photography is one of my distressors. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by life or ministry, I pick up my camera. I promise it's like seeing things through God's eyes instead of your own. You can see much clearer through the eyes of a camera lens. Sometimes, you find things in pictures you never would have captured. I know it sounds crazy but pick up a camera and just start taking shots. Afterwards, sit and look at what you've captured. I promise you'll be blown away.
Writing and finishing a series can take an immense amount of discipline. How do you keep yourself motivated and keep the dreaded writer's block from attacking?
I asked Spirit to assist me and I make sure the energy around me is conducive to life, light, and lessons. You know, when we dig deep to become committed to something (no matter what it is), we get the best out of it. I committed to writing and I am just as excited as my readers to see what's about to happen. This motivation and desire to know keeps writer's block at a distance.
Audio book vs e-book vs printed book, which one do you prefer and why?
I am definitely a book girl. I love holding the book in my hand and writing little notes to the side. I've just learned how to do notes on my kindle so I don't even mind that, but no audio for me. The only book I will listen as someone reads is the Bible. Why? I love the sound of the man's voice on BibleGateway.com and it also is helpful with pronouncing words that seem hard.
Which is the best compliment or fan-mail you have received for your work?
The best is when a lady wrote me and said my book made her laugh, cry, pray, and worship, but it also made her repent and decide that she wanted love the way God intended for her to be loved.
Now, that makes writing all the worth doing.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
My next book is Mr. Creative and it's a part of my new series, Louisiana's Finest. The series is about five guys who became friends in college and started a business together. These guys are hilarious and driven. And, they each are looking for what Aiden has...a love to call their own.
How has been your experience working with AllAuthor?
AllAuthor has been so wonderful. Sometimes, you join platforms and find them not a user friendly as you thought, but AllAuthor has been delightful. I'm still learning how to navigate around but it's not stressful.
