What is the one thing you hated the most when growing up?
The words “You can’t.” “You can’t do that—you’re too little, too skinny, too disorganized, or from my older sister, “Too ugly!”
What kind of books do you love to read?
I’m an omnivorous reader, but I avoid too much gore. I love cozies, humorous mysteries, and police procedurals. I also enjoy a good romance, literary fiction, a bit of science fiction, and fantasy. As I said, I’m an omnivore when it comes to reading, and I read a lot!
What's the most important lesson you learned in school?
When I arrived at college, a new friend taught me how to hug, something I’d never learned in my family. I still cherish that lesson. So much for my academic training!
What is the most fun experience you have had while scooping hard ice cream at Howard Johnson?
There wasn’t a lot of fun in bending and scooping incredibly hard-frozen ice cream from a tub. The look of joy on a child’s face when I handed over the cone almost made up for the strenuous work. (Oh, and finishing off those tubs with too little to scoop from.)
What motivated you to quit your job to write full-time?
Sheer idiocy! I didn’t do my research and believed I’d jump from writing marketing materials to writing fiction and gaining fame and fortune. My job was very stressful, so convincing myself that quitting was a good idea wasn’t hard.
How deep into world building do you need to go when writing a book series?
I write contemporary fiction so I don’t have to do a lot of research. I like using fictional places because I can set stores, libraries, and the like just where they’re needed to suit my story. I’m contemplating a historical mystery and building that world will consume much more time, but should be fascinating as long as I don’t get lost in the research.
What inspired the plot of your book, Murder, Sonoran Style?
When we moved from Idaho to Tucson, I wanted to set my next story in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. I learned about a proposed large development outside a small town. Environmentalists feared such a huge number of homes (28,000!) would take scarce water from the nearby San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The fight between the developers and environmental groups is still on, some five years later. I thought, since ecotourism was popular, that my guides could find lots of controversial topics while traveling to beautiful places. My first in the Adventure Calls series focused on the development controversy.
How did you come up with the character, Feather Sullivan in "Foul Wind"?
My daughter is convinced I based Feather on her, but if so, it wasn’t intentional! Environmentalists often choose a “forest name,” to maintain anonymity. Feather was one of four pregnant women who helped the fight against a fake safari camp in North Idaho in my first book. Feather is whimsical and rash at times, a bit like the flight of her namesake. In Foul Wind, she and her mother discover some stinky issues at a wind farm while trying to save her sister from a murder rap.
What were the key challenges you faced when writing your first book?
I’m very easily distracted—have been all my life. So forcing myself to keep my butt in the chair and write was a big challenge. (Not my butt, the challenge.) I tried and failed to prepare a detailed outline, so keeping the book on track challenged me. I’m still seeking to find that magic spot between boring myself with a too-detailed outline and losing myself in rabbit—or plot—holes without a map to guide me.
Also, most people thought my writing was a “nice hobby,” so couldn’t understand when I chose to write instead of socialize.
What are some of the most profound "shower thoughts" you've had?
I’d love to share some profound shower thoughts, and believe me, I’ve had some great ones, but I usually forget them before I’m toweled off! I did come up with name of my editing business, A Well-Placed Word, in the shower.
When you're not reading or writing a book, what are some other things that you love to do?
My favorite thing is cleaning the bathroom, although mopping the kitchen floor is a strong second. Seriously, I love to hike and take nature photographs. I hate selfies, at least of myself, so I focus on nature. I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes with my husband. And yes, I’ve put on some of those cursed “pandemic pounds.”
What do you enjoy the most about exploring different cultures and cuisines?
I love the opportunity to see—and photograph—old buildings and foreign landscapes. I most enjoy meeting the people, learning a few words of their language, listening to different music. Just walking around and rubbernecking!
Did you miss spending time with friends and family during quarantine?
I missed seeing our daughter and hugging my friends and family, but we kept in touch via Zoom and phone. I was fortunate that my husband and I were together, and we get along pretty well. Probably because I’m so mellow and easy-going!
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I’m in edits of Murder, Cottonwood Style, Book Two in the Adventure Calls series.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I like AllAuthor. I get way too many emails, but I’m always pleased to see one from AllAuthor, because it means I have a new mockup or activity. I also enjoy learning about other authors on the site.
