Did you grow up in Manitoba or did you move there as an adult? If someone were to visit you, what is one place they absolutely have to go or one thing they have to eat?
I moved to Manitoba, for work, as an adult. Should people visit the province, a visit to the Museum of Human Rights is a must.
What were some of the hardest parts about being a social worker? What kind of people did you meet on the job?
I met all kinds of people as a social worker, from all walks of life and saw everything they brought to the table. The most difficult part was seeing them struggle with issues they didn't visit upon themselves and sometimes being foiled as their advocate.
What are some things you had to do as a child play therapist? Do you still keep in touch with the children you met while you had this job?
I specialized in Theraplay in my practice, a process whereby the bond between parent and child is enhanced or restored. An extremely rewarding process. I don't keep in touch with the children--they have moved on with their lives.
Did you watch a lot of TV as a child? If so, what were some of your favourite TV shows?
Then, as now, I watch very little television. I've always been a reader.
Was the character Victoria Sparrow from "The Tattered Bride" inspired by anyone or did you make her up from the top of her head? If you were in her place and got left at the alter, what would you do to comfort yourself?
Victoria was inspired by stories of people being left--or leaving someone--at the altar. I decided to create a happy ending. As to comforting myself, I'd reach out to friends and family.
What websites or resources did you use to research for your historical fiction "His Rebel Countess"? A lot of your books feature strong, dominant males. How do you draw the line between a sexy dominant male and one that's overbearing and chauvinistic?
I don't recall the specific sites I visited for research for His Rebel Countess. The book was a short read, heavy on personal interaction and light on details. I draw the line between dominant males and chauvinistic ones by considering their ability to admit they are wrong and being willing to make amends.
Tell us a little about your Acts of Contrition Series. What do you love most about this series?
I love that series, although I have yet to finish "Saying Sorry to Susan" and "Convincing Christina". Some day. I think it's the angst and the struggle of both main characters and their ability to see things through that appeal the most.
What inspired you to write "The Time", which is something really different from your usual writing style? How many books do you plan on adding to this series? Will they feature the same characters or switch between different ones?
I'm a survivalist at heart without a lot of faith in the people who govern our world. Without going into a lot of detail, I do believe we are heading for the end of life as we know it and hope I'm wrong. I imagine only the strong will survive and I think The Time reflects that yet also offers the inherent good in people. I have no plans yet to write the sequel, despite being asked for it as well as a screenplay--which I am far too intimidated to attempt--but I am working on another post apoc that will amalgamate both of my author names this summer. I already have the cover and it's lovely.
Where did you shoot the photo for the cover of your book "Full Circle"? How important do you think a book cover is when it comes to sales?
My publisher's cover artist supplied the cover for that joint effort. It really captured both the setting and the romantic tone of the book. In many cases, book covers sell books. I personally have to find the blurb intriguing as well.
At the end of the day, are you satisfied with all the books you've written or does the joy get clouded sometimes if you feel your books aren't flying off the shelves fast enough?
Basically, how important are book sales to you? Few authors will make a living from book sales if you consider the incredible number of authors out there, now that self publishing is an option. There is a great deal more involved to producing a book than writing it. I write primarily for myself and if someone else enjoys a book I wrote or is affected by it, I'm thrilled and grateful.
When did you start writing dark erotica? Why did you choose to write this genre under a different pen name and not your own?
I starting writing dark erotica as self therapy. Taking that darkness and making it consensual and adding a HEA was cathartic for me, easing some of the terrible things I carried in my memory from my job. I wrote under a different pen name in the event people saw themselves in my writing. Naturally, I wouldn't use anyone's story, but did not want to cause speculation and angst. What do you enjoy most about writing? I like the flow and creativity in writing, being descriptive and capturing a character. Is there anything you dislike? Being blocked is something I hate. I recently went without writing for over a year, instead re-writing some books I acquired the rights to, as well as editing for three other authors. That helped but not being able to write was awful.As for dislike? I don't have enough time to write. Life keeps getting in the way.
