Tell us a little about your hometown and childhood.
I grew up on a ten acre farm in a small, rural town in Southeastern, Wisconsin. I lived with my parents, two brothers, and a younger sister, plus cared for two ponies, a flock of colorful chickens, a few Mallard ducks, several cats, and my dad's hunting dogs. It was a farming neighborhood where everyone knew each other and looked out for each other's welfare. It was a great country life. My life was dominated by horses, horses, horses from birth. If you don't believe me, ask anyone I grew up with.
What were your favourite and least favourite subjects in school?
My favorite subject in school was reading, but I also loved science. To be perfectly honest, I loved all of my subjects in school. I was a school kid nerd who loved learning everything.
At what age did you begin writing your first story? What was it about?
I wrote my first stories when I was in about 4th grade. Most of them were for school homework, but I had a lot of fun writing them and drawing pictures to go with the stories. I was also a visual artist and didn't realize then that I was actually being drawn toward writing/illustrating when I grew up.
What was your biggest dream as a child? Did it ever come true?
My biggest dream as a child was to own a large horse stable and ride all day long, be around horses full-time. I did pursue this dream, but I ended up working at two hunter/jumper stables during my early 20s instead of having my own place. I also wanted to try out for the equestrian team for the Olympics, but I didn't have the opportunity to do so.
What were some of the thoughts running through your head when you found out you were an award-winning author?
I was surprised when I won the writing awards. I read the other winning entries and was so impressed by their writing talent. How was I selected among them when everyone was so gifted? I was honored to have been chosen. It took dedication and determination to keep writing, though, before I started winning some awards.
If you could spend an entire day talking to any historical figure, who would it be and why? What would you talk about?
I'm actually answering this question last. There are so many people from history who would be interesting to spend time with. My best answer might be Jackie Kennedy Onasis. She was an equestrian right up to her death and a wonderful editor. I would have enjoyed discussing her private passions away from public life - her love of horses and riding along with books and words - on horseback, of course.
How many books do you plan to write in the Oak Lane Stable Adventure Series?
There will be five books total in the Oak Lane Stable Adventure Series. I originally thought there would only be a trilogy, but fans have asked for more than the three books. Dark Horse at Oak Lane Stable (Book 3) will be out soon, and I've started Book 4. It wasn't until I finished writing Dark Horse that the ideas for Books 4 and 5 occured to me. I wrote down the inspiration for those novels and will tackle those next.
How difficult was it to developed the character of twelve-year-old Cassie in "Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable"?
It wasn't difficult to create 12-year-old Cassie, the main character in the series. She is someone who was inspired from a variety of different girls I have known over the course of my life. All of the characters are created that way. I use my imagination to add stronger characteristics to what her life is like at 12. I also have years of experience being around girls obsessed with horses (we never outgrow it!), so that makes it easier to create a believable personality.
Any tips on how to get over the dreaded writer's block?
I would suggest a few things to overcome writer's block. First, I've been journaling daily for over 24 years. It's a great way to come up with ideas for what I'm working on. There isn't any pressure when I journal, so my thoughts are freely written down without any editing. I can come up with either new writing ideas or solutions to problems that I'm currently having. Second, go find something else to do. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the writing that we don't take enough time to relax and allow inspiration to happen. Grinding away for too long can leave writers miserable. Go do something fun for a while. And third, read other authors, not to copy them but to learn from them. Read (or write) other genres. Move away from your habitual thinking to allow for something new to happen.
Do you think book covers play an important role? Who designs your covers?
Book covers are very important despite the old saying "Never judge a book by its cover." I think colorful, great covers do attract potential readers. My covers are designed by my publisher. I do have some input, but she has the last word.
What is your favourite part about being an author? What is the worst, if there is one?
My favorite part of being a writer is creating stories people enjoy. I love hearing the feedback from fans who've taken the time to read the novels and tell me what they liked about them. One 11-year-old girl told me she "liked the books even though there are some sad parts, they're real, they deal with real life situations - there isn't any fluff." I thought that was astute of her. I think my least favorite part of being a writer is having people tell me I don't have a "real" job. Of course, I ignore them and get back to work. I've never understood why the arts have been considered somehow "less than" any other profession.
How is your day structured? Do you have a specific writing routine that you follow?
I write most days of the week. I will exercise first thing in the morning and then work for the rest of the day. I keep a weekly calendar to note what I need to do to stay on track with my writing goals. Sometimes, I will grab my laptop very early in the morning (I'm usually up by 5:00 AM) and start writing. I find the inspiration and writing is very different from what I might write later in the day. I usually put away my things around 4:00 to start dinner.
What is your favourite under-appreciated novel?
Black Beauty, not because it's under-rated for the quality of the story but because it's under-rated for what Anna Sewell intended the novel to stand for - the inhumane treatment of carriage horses during her lifetime. She was the first author to tell a story from an animal's perspective, hoping to create a heartfelt connection to her readers by raising awareness of the horses' sufferings through Beauty's eyes. And it worked.
Are you working on anything currently? If so, what is it about?
I'm currently working on Book 4, Ghost Horse at Oak Lane Stable and doing the research for an adult historical novel that I'll try and write at the same time by alternating weeks maybe? Ghost Horse is easier for me to write now since I've already done the research. All I can do is start and see where things go.
What are some struggles you face with book promotions? Has AllAuthor been a pleasant experience so far and would you recommend it to your author friends?
I struggle with book marketing because I'm an author and not someone educated in book promotion, although I make a decent effort to learn. I have hired a great person who is good at book promotion to help me come up with 6-month plans, especially since the series is now a trilogy. AllAuthors has been helpful in book promotion. I think their proactive approach is far better than some of the other places I tried to promote years with ago (knowing absolutely nothing about marketing) when I was first published. I have recommended AllAuthors to my other author friends.
