What inspired you to start writing dramatic romances, and how did your journey as an author begin?
I had a couple of characters that just wouldn’t let well enough be. I’ve never liked writing, but the irony is that I write for a living (non-fiction content for business web pages and blogs). I’ve been reading since I was four years old, but the fiction writing bug didn’t bite me until I read Raeann Blake’s The Seven Brothers of Elko series. By then, the characters who made noise in the back of my brain steadily got louder and louder.
How does your background as a copywriter influence your approach to storytelling and dialogue in your novel, “Buck Hole Hollow: Jade”?
Actually, it hinders my writing. Copywriting is very different in style and tone. My first book, “Buck Hole Hollow: Adley,” had horrid writing. It was good for copywriting (got to the point too quickly). By the time I got to “Buck Hole Hollow: Jade,” nearly five years later, my fiction writing style wasn’t so “dry.” I published “Jade” and promptly gave extensive edits to the first five books in the series.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most, and which part do you find the most challenging?
I love the actual writing once I get a few chapters in. The first chapters are always tricky, as I don’t use an outline (I tried that, and that went right out the window). However, once I get the story going in my head, it just rolls.
Nothing is actually “challenging,” so to speak, but I definitely enjoy the editing process less.
Do you draw inspiration from your life on the Cumberland Plateau? How does your environment shape your stories or characters?
Yes. The Buck Hole Hollow series is set in Buck Hole Hollow, TN, which is on the Cumberland Plateau. While the place name is real, the characters are totally fictional. Buck Hole Hollow is about 2.5 hours east of me (I am also on the Cumberland Plateau), so the hills are a bit steeper than in my location, but it looks very similar to my area.
I love the area, as it is very scenic and filled with wildlife, rivers, lakes, streams and more. It makes the perfect place for someone who loves the outdoors.
Your book, “Buck Hole Hollow: Shannon,” blends romance with deep emotional themes. What draws you to stories with high drama and emotional intensity?
Ahhh, those crazy characters have minds of their own. They are going to do what they are going to do, regardless of how much I try to plan or outline. At least they’re not boring. There’s always something going on.
Do you create your characters before the plot, or does the story shape who they become?
I have an idea of the character before I start. Generally, it’s as simple as the character’s physical looks. Though, it’s a given that most of my female characters are going to be strong women. That doesn’t mean I won’t write a sensitive female character, but I do better with women who know what they want in life and go for it, even when someone tells them it’s not feasible.
Thus, the characters take shape as I write the story because their actions define who they are.
Is there a character you've written that you connect with the most? Why?
That would probably be “Adley,” as she does all the stuff I used to do when I was younger, including cooking anything and everything on an open fire, taking chances with doing things like buying a property and clearing it before she has a concrete plan (I’ve actually done that twice since 2010).
What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your novel, “Buck Hole Hollow: Adley”?
There are a couple: 1) You never know where you’re going to find true love, 2) You just might get lucky enough to find “the one” and when you do, you know it immediately, and 3) You can do anything you put your mind to.
What authors or books have had the biggest impact on your writing style?
Raeann Blake and Estelle Ryan – while they write in different genres, both put a lot of detail and character-building in their books. They also write longer books, which I much prefer over novellas or shorter stories.
You enjoy romance, drama, mysteries, and thrillers. How do these genres influence the way you craft your own stories?
They allow me to create a mix of stories with elements from all genres in my romance books. I believe this makes my books more likable, as the story is never about just the characters falling in love. It’s like a good beef stew with tons of body. You need all of the ingredients to make it hearty and satisfying.
Are there any tropes or storytelling devices you love to explore—or love to subvert?
Probably every one of them. Since my characters have minds of their own, the break-up might be from the start or something ongoing, and it takes a long time to get to a happy-for-now ending (Adley, who actually gets a happy-ever-after in Marley). Or in Brynne, where the MFC is the one who shows more caring and gets the MMC through a hard time instead of the MMC being the strong one.
When you're not writing, what kind of stories do you enjoy reading the most, and why?
Well, that depends on my mood. I like thrillers, drama, mysteries, etc., and I usually go through a phase where I’ll read nothing else. The latest craze is romance, and I don’t see it letting up any time soon.
Do you have any writing rituals or favorite spots to work from on the Plateau?
Not really. “Just do it.” It’d be nice to write out on my deck, but in the summer it often gets too hot, especially when dog days roll around.
What advice would you give aspiring authors who want to write emotionally rich, character-driven stories?
Whether you are a pantser or a plotter, do what your characters command you to do. You don’t have to follow every bit of an outline. And if you want to change up a trope, do it. I don’t follow a particular trope, but so far, all of my books have workplace, small town, attempted murder, etc. I go where the characters take me.
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?
May 2024. It’s good. I’d love to see more of a “wall” like FB has, though, to make it easier to connect with readers and other authors.
