You spent many years as a speech pathologist—how did that career influence your writing, especially your approach to dialogue and character development?
As a speech pathologist, my whole career was focused on communicating, words, and language. I think this was ingrained in my sub-conscious and seeped over into my writing somehow. That’s a guess, lol.
What inspired you to finally pursue your lifelong dream of writing romance novels after retirement?
I finally had the time!!! Writing takes consistent, focused quiet time and I finally had it. I had been writing for a few years prior, but most of that was on weekends and vacations. I was in bliss with having the time to devote to finishing a novel.
How did moving back to your hometown of Akron, Ohio, shape your storytelling or spark ideas for your novels?
I had lived 30 years in LA and was ready for a quieter pace of life and a small town. Thus, most of my books so far have taken place in small towns.
What was it like to publish your debut novel, Christmas Wish Upon a Star, and have it recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2023 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards?
I was thrilled. Often, an author doubts oneself and constantly asks the question, am I good enough? To be published and get that far in the CIBA awards was awesome.
Your books fall into the wholesome romance category. What draws you to this particular niche in the romance genre?
My desire to write originated years ago watching Hallmark movies with my mom. In my thirties I told her, I want to write a Hallmark story. I can do that. And eventually, I did.
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be published with Sands Press Publishing and what that experience has been like?
Getting a deal with Sands Press was like most authors’ journey. I sent out over 30 submissions to independent presses accepting without agents and some agents. I got a bunch of rejections, some no response, but then Sands Press loved Christmas Wish Upon a Star, and the rest is history. The publisher was wonderful to work with in every way.
Maple Ridge feels like a cozy, heartfelt place—how do you go about building such warm, small-town settings in your books?
Watching a ton of Hallmark movies, lol.
Which character from your Maple Ridge series has stayed with you the most, and why?
Probably Alison and Jake from the first book. Their love story set the foundation for others to follow.
Your third book, Sweet Ridge Hearts, just released in fall 2024. What can readers expect from this installment in the series?
The protagonist is a new character, but she is a cousin of someone we meet in the first book. The love interest is introduced in Home for Love but has his own story. Each book is a stand-alone, but if you read all of them, you will see some of the characters overlap in each one.
How do you approach starting a new book—do the characters come to you first, or the plot?
Usually, a little bit of both. I do plot out a book, but always leave room for happy surprises that happen along the way—like whispers from the muse.
You’re a member of both Great Lakes Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America—how has being part of these writing communities supported or shaped your journey?
The Great Lakes Fiction Writers is for writers, both published and aspiring, mostly in Northeast Ohio and neighboring towns. The best thing is we all support each other as best we can and often get to interact personally at local book fairs and conferences.
What’s your writing routine like—do you have a set schedule or write when inspiration hits?
I am very consistent in my routine. I write 6-7 days a week every morning. I do yoga and meditation after I get up, then head to my favorite chair with my cup of chai tea and work for 2-3 hours. In the late afternoon, I may come back to write, edit, or work on social media.
You mentioned you're currently working on a new small-town romance series—can you give us a hint about what readers can look forward to?
Yes, I’m writing for a new publishing company, The Wild Rose Press. I’ve switched to a fictional small town in Ohio and the book’s title is Forever Kind of Love: Can two wounded souls—an artist rediscovering herself and a musician chasing his comeback—find love amidst their personal struggles?
Beyond writing, you enjoy piano, yoga, and walking in the woods. How do these hobbies nourish your creativity or influence your stories?
Writing can be a sedentary experience, so walking every day after I write is a must. Often this is the time I might work out plot holes or character ideas. And playing piano is another outlet for my creative juices. I don’t have a deadline, and I can just play for myself.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like about the site?
I found the AllAuthor website through The Wild Rose Press authors. These authors are very good at staying connected and supporting each other. They were talking about the cover contests, and that’s how I discovered you.
