Since when have you been a reader and who introduced you to it? Which is the first book you remember reading?
The book that had an impact was Lord of the Flies. I was fascinated with group dynamics, mass thinking and hysteria. Although I don’t think I could have named it then.
You are a frantic chocolate lover. Where in the world have you had the best chocolates?
There is a chocolatier in Disney World. I swear they have the best dark chocolate I’ve ever tasted. New Orleans had a place that came close, the chocolate was creamy but dark…I have a thing with dark chocolate.
What is it about writing that you feel cannot be found in any other activity/profession?
It’s all in my head. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, the characters and new scenes spark my imagination. I love incorporating real in my books and take everything in as if it’s a scene to be written. It’s not a profession that requires more than what I carry in my head. No tools are required, no check in or out times, just life happening whenever and wherever I am.
What inspired you to write ‘Baxters’?
Honestly, the story was floating around in my head at a time that I needed extra income. I put it on a word doc and thought, I can do this. I published it and got feedback that it was too long, drawn out, too many mistakes. I went back and cut it into three stories, tried editing and published it again. The feedback was better and people were reading. I fell in love with the job and haven’t stopped yet. That was 4 years ago. I have 32 books as of today and don’t see me stopping anytime soon.
You books feature characters that are badass bikers. Are you fond of bikes personally? Do you ride one?
I don’t ride unless it’s behind someone. I know nothing about bikes other than basic information. My fascination is the wind, literally, lol Holding a man that you’ve given trust to keep you alive while you feel that wind is exhilarating. Bikes…I don’t need to know anything but where the gas goes and have never actually put gas in a bike. Younger, I did learn to ride in a cemetery in Mass. It was fun but I can’t say I wanted my own bike. There is nothing like a long ride behind someone.
You write about strong women- be it Donna or Aiyana or Mitch- that the men who are trying to save the world need to help them right the wrongs in the world. What is the message you are trying to send through these characters?
Women lead a tough life. It doesn’t get easier because you are grown. We need to rally for and with each other, pool and share the strong we have. Together with the support of each other, we can accomplish great things. Even with crazy life happening around us, our inspiration and strength is in numbers and that support can motivate us to keep going - even if it’s just until the next day when we need a lift again. The day after may be the day we share our strong with one that needs it.
The male characters in your books, no matter how brutal or violent, are always fighting for the right. What inspires you to write characters that are so badass yet so heroic? How do you achieve that balance?
Bikers are real, they have codes that they live by. Some are working for the community, some are trafficking women, kids and drugs. I took the very best qualities of people and have them all working in my world of Sharing our Strong. They live in a reality happening all around us but work to make the world I want to live in.
What are some of your beliefs that you try to reflect in your writing?
Life isn’t easy, but we can and do survive if we put some work into it. There are so many atrocities happening daily, it amazes me and sparks my imagination. People do make it and they do it heroically, amazingly. I try to show a different way of thinking that gets people around a problem. Different is just different, not better or worse, just different.
Rafael Saber from Saver’s Vida is an extremely interesting character every woman would like to meet in real life. Have you ever met someone like him?
I have, lol, too bad he wasn’t mine.
Steve from MC: Knight is a very special hero- a differently abled hero. What is the message you try to send across by such characters?
Millions of people have autism. It is in varying degrees and hits some worse than others. We see people every day that aren’t labeled but have a singular focus, seem antisocial, clueless when it comes to connecting to people. Any and all disabilities have a stigmatism associated with them. Different isn’t bad, it just different than your normal. I wanted to show that. I also wanted to show real life. Disabilities aren’t always a disability, people have friends and family that deal with this daily. I do too. Getting around something is how we all make it work. I use that and don’t shy away from the real life issues that everyone lives.
You tackle various taboo subjects in your writing. Having already covered an array of them, which are the ones you feel strongly about that you would like to write about them in the future?
Human trafficking, domestic violence, PTSD, homelessness, child pornography, racism, there are so many… I have no problem using real-life news in my books. Raising awareness and showing these issues can only help to stop them. I don’t have lists or make outlines. I write based on what I’ve lived through, what I see around me and what’s in the news.
Out of the five series that you have written, which has been the most challenging and fun to write?
There have been a few of the books that challenged me as a person. People live through horrendous situations. Experiencing and witnessing some situations and explaining those feelings, moments of terror, pain…it gets hard, but is so important to show.
The most fun I have is in the paranormal and technical sides. The Princes growing up then the Protectors are close to my heart.
If there is one character from your books you would like to come to life, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one. Wall. He had the ability to see so much and lead the riff-raff into a better life. He is needed today more than ever.
Which is the next book you are working on? When is it due to hit the racks?
Ford from the Providence Series is due to come out next week. That’s Saber’s Aramis Book Five.
