Where have you spent most of your childhood? Which is your fondest childhood memory?
We moved around a lot, however, I spent most of my childhood between my hometown of Medford, MA and N.H. and Vermont. My fondest childhood memory would have to be writing poetry in the woods , sitting next to a waterfall in Westminster Station, VT.
How did you begin writing? Why did you choose to focus on the Fantasy Fiction and Science Fiction genres?
I’m not sure what got me into writing per se’. I remember being taught poetry by an Irish Immigrant when I was around 9-10. Both Fantasy/Science fiction are my favorite genres to read. I wanted to try my hand at it.
Being a self-published novelist, what challenges did you face while publishing your first book?
The biggest challenge is being able to get my book seen. I am currently working on another novel and find that it is hard to write and promote at the same time.
How did you get started as a poet? What poems did you publish in collegiate journals such as the Appalachian Collegiate Literary Journal and the Davis and Elkins College Literary Journal, The Aurora?
Again, I was taught by a man I knew, family friend, and found I loved it. The poems I published in the Collegiate journals were poems I had written about my life and the abuse I had suffered. It was my attempt to bring awareness to the subject.
How did you decide to join the United States Air Force? How has been your experience of being a former television and radio broadcaster for Air Force News?
My father was in the Air Force and I come from a large military family. It was a no brainer for me. To be honest, being a Broadcaster for Air Force News sounded wonderful on paper. I realized afterwards that it wasn’t exactly the job for me. I loved being a radio DJ and News Anchor, but the reporting part was something I didn’t really like.
What/Who serves as the biggest inspiration for you to fight PTSD due to sexual assault and abuse that you have been through?
Myself and my children.
How do you think your strong female lead will help the young women reading your books?
I am hoping that young women will be able to see that they control their own destiny. That their lives are in their hands and NO ONE can tell them how to live.
How did you start writing When We Were Mortals? What spawned the idea?
It came to me in a dream. A recurring dream that spanned over a very long time. Evangeline became a part of me and I had to tell her story.
Tell us a little about your book covers and how you go about creating them. Do you place a little or a lot of importance on your book covers?
I want the book covers to express the feelings I get when I see them. I put a lot of thought into them and wait to see if my feelings about them change.
Who inspired the character of Anessa? What makes your characters real to you?
Anessa is me. She is exactly who I have become. I have realized what my purpose is and what I am meant to do with it. What makes them real is how much they themselves feel. I can’t stop thinking of each and everyone of them and how I think they would feel in any given moment.
How does writing make you feel? When you're not writing, what does a normal day for you look like?
Writing makes me feel complete. If I can’t write, I feel as if I am missing a part of myself. I am a mother, so when I am not writing, I am running around like crazy. I have very little time to write, however, I sneak a moment or two when I can. It’s why it takes me so long to get a novel done.
What did you find most useful when it came to writing and marketing your books?
Honestly, just letting the thoughts and scenes play out organically. I never force myself to write…and if I can’t type fluidly, I stop. As far as marketing, I am horrible at it.
What advice do you have for any budding writers out there? What are some ways you try to keep growing as a writer?
I would tell them to not give up. I wrote 3 different versions of this story and it took me 8 years because of my life. But I didn’t quit.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I have 3 different plot ideas as of right now. Two are already being worked on, while another one is just an idea on paper. The next novel I will hopefully put out is Deliverance Reign, which will be Book 1 of the Reaper Chronicles. It will be a Science Fiction novel about time travelers.
How were you introduced to AllAuthor and what some pros and cons of the website, according to you?
I found AllAuthor on a web search. The pros to this is the fact that I can get my book out there. I haven’t found a con yet.
