What are some memories from your childhood while growing up in North Providence, RI that stand out the most to you?
Rhode Island was a wonderful place to grow up. I lived in a little town on a dead end street in a family neighborhood. Being a kid there was great! In the Summertime, we’d head to the beach where the sand was hot but the ocean was freezing! Or we’d skip the beach traffic and spend the day in the pool or playing outside until the street lights came on (that’s how we knew it was time to go home). And in the Wintertime, we spent countless snow days sledding, having snowball fights and building snowmen and snow forts. The Blizzard of 1978 brought with it a magical wonderland... through the kids’ eyes!
What first got you into writing? What do you love the most about writing?
I always favored writing in journals, but in 2008 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer my journaling became a lifeline. I carried my dollar and fifty cent notebook with me to every doctor’s appointment and every hospital visit. Chronicling my experiences in that journal helped to keep me grounded and, frankly, sane. When I finally finished treatment I had the makings of a book about my whole experience with the beast. I never published it though... it just felt too personal.
I love it when I’m writing, and then it really starts to flow. It becomes effortless. It feels like you’re channeling the story from a cosmic well that you somehow managed to tap into. And when the flow subsides, you go back and read what you wrote. Then you think to yourself, “where did that come from?” It’s such a cool experience.
How has cancer helped you identify your inner strengths, and in what ways?
Well, I prefer to think of it this way. Cancer (and Crohn’s Disease) forced me into a crash course in life. I learned that I needed to re-evaluate the priorities in my life. I also learned to focus on the positive and remove the toxic. That included removing toxic people... life is too short to surround yourself with people who drain your energy!
Cancer was brutal, and so is Crohn’s, but you have to find the silver lining, even if you have to scrape and claw to get at it. I have come to realize that I see beauty in every day, ordinary things that I never really noticed before. And my perspective in life is different... once you’ve had to face your own mortality everything else seems so minor. I’m grateful every day.
What is or was the most challenging issue for you as a new author?
Selling books!
How did you begin writing your book, "Love Snaggs?" What is the best review you have received for this book?
I began writing “Love Snaggs” when I rescued my dog Wesley. Just his sweet little face inspired me to start writing. I wrote mostly at night... late into the night when everyone was sleeping. The story just flowed like magic, and the next thing I knew, I had a book!
I’m very humbled that my book has all 5-star reviews. I think this one is my favorite...
“A touching story that any animal lover would love and find hope after the loss of a pet. Every pet owner has experienced the love that only comes from a loyal animal, particularly a dog. This book is enjoyed by all ages. I love books with happy endings and this one has it.”
Did Wesley inspire you to write your first book? Where did you meet Wesley for the first time?
Yes, he did! The first time I met Wesley was when I rescued him from VIP Rescue. I’ll never forget that day! When I picked him up, he snuggled under my chin, and I’ve been his human ever since.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
How are you feeling? I always say “good,” whether it’s true or if it’s a lie. The fact is, when you have Crohn’s Disease, there are many days when you feel terrible. I really dislike giving in to it when it flares up, and I certainly don’t want to be a downer. I may feel like death warmed over, but you’ll never know it.
What is one trick you use to stay motivated and write even during the gloomy days?
I still struggle with this one, so if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.
What are some aspirations you have for your future as an author?
I’m really not sure. I’m at a bit of a crossroads at the moment...
As a writer, do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to deliver stories that have rich characters, that pull the readers in with a compelling plot, and that provide them with an immersive experience.
What are the future projects that you are working on?
I’ve been working on a fiction novel with a strong female protagonist. That’s all I’m willing to divulge at this point!
Your Instagram is full of cute pictures of your dog. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever done with your dog?
Aw thanks! Wesley is my best friend! Probably the funniest thing is when he goes boogie boarding in the pool. He just loves to do that! He swims right up onto the boogie board with me, and we swim around. He loves the beach too.
What do you do "creatively" to help with your life and cancer related issues?
Having creative outlets are a must for me. Some of my favorites are knitting, crochet, painting and playing my guitar. I’ve knitted and crocheted many prayer shawls and chemo hats for friends and loved ones battling cancer. It’s the only way I know how to give comfort from far away.
Knowing what you know now, what is the most important thing you would tell an aspiring writer?
Stop spending so much time worrying about things you think you can’t do, and focus on what you can do. Tune out the negative. Always check your grammar, spelling and punctuation. And above all else, believe in yourself.
What are the main benefits that you have experienced from being a member of AllAuthor?
I certainly appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself to the writing world, and I’ve enjoyed connecting with other authors.
