What was your childhood dream? And were you able to fulfill it?
As a kid, I loved to read and fall deeply into the stories. I had amazing adventures and learned about all kinds of different people, places, and activities. Because I did read so much, I never considered having to truly decide what I would be when I grew up. People asked me, of course, and I provided plausible answers, but what I mostly wanted was to have adventures with someone I love. And yes, I’m truly blessed to have a loving spouse, great friends, and amazing adventures on small and large scales.
What word or phrase would instantly tell you someone was from the Southwest US if you heard it?
Red or Green? In my home state, this is a standard question at all restaurants and refers to your chile preference. A perfectly reasonable answer, besides the obvious two choices, is “Christmas.” We put chile on literally everything.
How do you pretend to be an extrovert at social gatherings?
I am an introvert in that I refill my creative well in solitude. But I truly love people, and when I’m in a group, I have no problem starting a conversation. I love to laugh and tease and get others laughing with me. But afterwards, I have to rest and refill.
What are the best novels in erotic romance apart from Fifty Shades?
Fifty Shades was great in that it broke down the taboo, dirty-book barrier by putting erotic romance on the end aisle display in the mainstream bookstores. The story resonated with readers because of the characters and emotions. When I connect to an erotic romance novel, it usually has everything to do with the depth of the emotion on the page versus the graphic or unusual quality of the sex scenes. Two of my all-time favorites are The Escorts Tale by MJ Edwards and Anything Once by Meka James. I’m also a huge fan of sci-fi erotic romance by authors like Ruby Dixon.
How many books did you read before writing your first published novel?
All of them. Just kidding. But I am an avid reader and I read fairly quickly. I’ve slowed down now that I write because I try not to read before a writing session. But I am usually reading four or five books at a time, as well as listening to an audio book. I also read in a lot of genres and non-fiction. It’s important to not only know your own genre well, but to feed your creative spark with other experiences.
Who inspired the character of art prodigy Noelle Michaels in Xmas Angel?
If I had the time and talent, I would be an artist. I love taking art classes and studied art history in college. I don’t travel without planning a trip to an art museum or to see public works of art. Noelle’s art was a way of creating the works I see in my head but could never create on canvas.
Out of the protagonists you’ve written about so far, which one do you feel you relate to the most?
This is an impossible question. It’s like asking which of your children you love best. They are all uniquely special to me. Even my villains. And they have pieces of me, or pieces of people I love, embedded in them, so I can’t choose.
Did you expect Winter’s List to win the Wisconsin RWA Chapter’s Write Touch Reader’s Award for Erotic Romance? What was your reaction?
No. I never expected to win that contest or to final in any other. There are so many talented writers in this field, and the judges are readers, and you never know what is going to connect. Also, this was my debut novel, so I had nothing to gauge it against. I mean, I guess technically it was my best work, and of course I loved it, but you never know how someone else will react to your words. When I found out, I sobbed and had so many emotions I couldn’t contain them. I have the beautiful plaque that they sent me in front of my writing desk! It reminds me that I can do this. That someone, somewhere, is waiting for more of my words.
When deciding your book character, do you go with a name that no one has heard before, or a familiar name?
It depends. For my contemporary works, I generally pick familiar names that are appropriate to the age of the character, I look at baby names for the year they were born. I also like names that lend themselves to nicknames. I like nicknames! For the sci-fi series I’m working on, the names are more unique but also research-based.
What marketing strategies do you find most helpful? Any resources you would recommend to other authors or aspiring authors?
I have a lot to learn about marketing. My basic approach is to connect with readers through other writers using newsletter cross-promotion or other events. Other than that, I focus on keeping my presence in the eye of the reader, such as using the AllAuthor tweet service, and posts in other social media.
What is the best way to create an engaging monthly newsletter that people won’t just delete?
There is a lot of advice about newsletters out there, almost as much as there is about writing your book. But I’ll give you mine. First, create something you would want to read that sounds like you. Second, don’t waste peoples’ time. Keep it simple and interesting. Three, give them something worth opening your newsletter for. Even if it’s just a reminder of what it felt like to read your book, something that refreshes how much they enjoyed reading what you wrote—or if you haven’t published, something that builds anticipation for what’s coming.
Who are some of the lesser known authors you would recommend people to read?
How much space do I have? Seriously. Instead of listing a ton of names, I’ll tell you a secret. I’m an author who reviews books. You get a lot of advice not to because you might hurt someone’s feeling or create a negative vibe. But I love to report on books I’ve read and I only finish and rate books I like. And I started out as a reader, I can’t give that up! So instead of omitting someone and kicking myself, check my Goodreads profile.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
As a new author I haven’t heard from a ton of readers, but the ones I have connected with have been so warm and enthusiastic and supportive. It means so much to have someone tell me how much they loved my story or adored my characters.
How far have you come with your erotic science fiction romance series you're planning next?
I’m so glad you asked. I have a five-book series planned. Two of the books have complete drafts and I have extensive notes for the next three. The first release is targeted for 2022. I can’t wait!
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
AllAuthor has been a great experience for me. I feel like I have a private marketing company helping me to share my work. I’m still learning about marketing, but the resources and support provided by AllAuthor have helped me to improve my efforts on all fronts.
