What inspired you to start writing romance and mysteries?
I was working from home because of COVID. And I started to dream very vividly. I thought it might be nice to write those dreams down. That was where I came up with my first book - Meet Virginia. Plus, we couldn't travel, so I wanted to write a story where I could travel. In this case, my character takes a trip to Scotland to find herself.
How has your work in TV influenced your writing style and storytelling?
That's a good one. I've always loved TV. I've been working for my local TV station for 18 years now. So, I have a lot of stories I can tell about the people I work with and the industry in general.
Can you share some challenges you faced when transitioning from TV to writing novels?
Well, I'm still working in TV, so I've just worked on my books concurrently to working at my "day-job".
What is your writing routine like, especially while balancing it with your job in TV?
I love to read, so each morning I will read a book to get my day started. Because I work from home, I can start writing early before work and during my breaks (lunch time). but my weekends are wide-open. That's where I do the bulk of my writing.
How do you come up with your story ideas and characters in “Acting On It”?
That book is one of my favorites. I studied acting and always wanted to tell the behind the scenes story of how a movie or TV show or play come together. Acting On It gave me that opportunity. An actor falling in love with the romance novelist. It was also fun to see each character develop. How Evie has to deal with her past in order to make her future with Chris come together. Chris has to deal with his substance abuse issues before he can freely love someone like Evie.
Do you find any similarities between the narrative techniques used in TV and those in your novels?
There are similar items, but I feel like we can dive deeper into backgrounds in a book. You can write three chapters alone of how a person looks, or where they are living, or how they feel. That might take two minutes in a movie, though.
Who are your biggest influences or favorite authors in the romance and mystery genres?
Janet Evanovich is my favorite author. I love the Stephanie Plum books. It was why I wanted to create a world like that. Mystery and romance. My Saddle Key Mystery series is based on that concept. Mystery. Romance. And Key Lime Pie.
Can you tell us about your first book and the process of getting it published?
Meet Virginia was the first book I wrote. I gave copies of it to a few friends of mine. Each one loved it, so I thought I would see how easy it would be to publish it. Another friend mentioned that I could publish through Amazon. I had no idea. But that friend is the reason I keep writing today. Once you get hooked on writing, you never want to stop. And I just finished my 25th book, so I think her encouragement really helped me.
What role does your husband, George, play in your writing journey? Does he read your drafts?
Every male character has a bit of George in them. When people meet him, they see why. We are an age-gap romance. It's why that trope is one of my favorites to write. Now George is not a fan of reading as much as I am, but I do give him a sneak peek at each book to see if he likes it.
How has living in Palm Beach County influenced your writing, if at all?
I've lived in Palm Beach County for almost 40 years now. So, I love to add Florida things to each book of mine. Something about this area that allows you to people watch. So when you see something outrageous, you want to write about it. This is the home of Florida Man stories, after all.
What role does Hoagie, your Dachshund, play in your life and writing process?
My Hoagie. He is there for me whenever I need him. He sits on a sofa while I work each day. Most of the time he looks outside to bark at a bird or cat that's walking by. But then there are those times that he is there to calm me. That dog is our little fur-baby. And our lives are so full because of him.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start writing while maintaining a full-time job?
It's tough, but you have to remember to take time for yourself. Don't worry about the small things in life.
How do you manage writer's block or moments when you feel creatively stuck?
I have a great group of author friends that have helped over the past few months whenever I do get writer's block. We shoot ideas off each other and that helps clear your head. It's very important to have a support system. And people you can trust.
Can you share any upcoming projects or books you're working on?
I have a few. The 3rd book in my Scottish Love Stories series is coming out at the end of September. Don't Let Me Down. The 10th book in my Saddle Key Mysteries - Ten Most Wanted - will be available in December. And the 3rd book in my Miami Sports Romance series - Fighting Chance - will be available in January. I'm also working on an anthology with my friends that will be available next year. So lots going on!
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?
I joined AllAuthor about four months ago. And it has been the best time ever. My book was up for best cover. I made it to the 2nd round (woo-hoo). I have 2 featured books that are going great right now with sales. I think you guys might be part of the reason.
