What is something that you really miss from your childhood?
The gentleness of programs like Mr. Rogers, where we were taught to accept the differences in others and entertained by storytelling.
Which is the best book to start reading habit with?
The book that makes you want to read. So, whether that's a novel, a graphic novel, an audio book, fiction or nonfiction, if it makes you want to read, then read it. We learn so much from fiction, but I love to read across many genres. My favorites are romance and mystery.
Did you ever dream of becoming an award-winning author?
No. Writing was something that came to me later in life, but looking back I can see that my ability to write was a gift that made getting my education easier and I always told stories in my head.
What made you a true devotee of romance?
I love the hope it inspires. I started reading romance at a very young age and got so much out of it, a love for travel, an expectation of an amazing marriage (which I have) and the desire to connect to people from many walks of life.
What themes do contemporary fiction need to address today?
Whatever moves each author to write the story. I love writing issues books because they help people facing those issues to know they are not alone. I think it's important that whatever themes or issues we choose to write about that we acknowledge the power of our words.
When you started writing the Children of the Moon series, how much of the later books did you plan out while writing the first book?
I created a world with no idea past the first book, who would inhabit it. But at the end of each book another story would come to me, so I wrote them.
While writing the Northern Fire series, did you plan out the series or did it just evolve?
That was a planned series and unfortunately the last book in the series is tabled for the foreseeable future.
Who inspired the character of Blythe in "Her Off Limits Prince"?
My characters aren't inspired by a single person. They are an amalgamation of everyone I have met and known throughout my life filtered through my creative muse and imagination.
How can one improve his/her writing skills?
Read a lot and write a lot. Feedback is great, but never rely on a single person's perspective because their feedback could be absolutely wrong for your writing style and story telling goals. I entered a lot of contests but always in threes so I had feedback from several judges at once. I also had multiple critique partners, but ultimately you are in charge of learning your craft and telling your story.
Which one do you prefer: writing a series or a standalone novel? Why?
Neither. I love doing both and it really depends on the story I want to tell. Hmmm, not sure if that's true now that I think on it, because honestly? I've written a lot of series. I must really love revisiting my worlds and characters. lol
How long does it take for an award-winning author to write a best-selling novel?
There's no definitive answer to that. Some books take a long time, some fairly flow from my fingers to the keyboard. I try to write two thousand words a day, but some days, I'm researching, not writing. Some days, I'm thinking and some days I write, I'll net about a hundred words because...well, it just happens that way sometimes.
What is one thing you are really good at?
Loving and accepting people. It's a skill you have to work to develop and I think it's worth learning.
When are you most inspired to write?
I prefer writing early in the day when my brain is fresh. What are some things you do to motivate yourself when you're stuck in a rut? Reading something really good will often help my brain to unstick from a certain place. Also, I find that if I'm struggling to write, sometimes I need to give myself permission not to so that the next day I can. Pushing yourself to be creative works for some people, but not for people like me.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers?
I've just finished my first mystery and I'll be looking for an agent for it. Do you have any new series planned? Yes, I have a cozy mystery series planned, but all of my romances are either in a current series or stand alones right now.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
Pretty good. I love the posts you all do, but hope you'll find a new venue for them as I've left Twitter. Thanks for doing what you do!
