Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? If so, what was it about?
The very first story I ever wrote was a Nancy Drew type mystery for my brothers and sister. I learned early that if I entertained them, fewer things got broken!
Tell us a little about your hometown and about your high school. Which high school 'clique' did you fit into (nerd, geek, jock, emo, drama kid, etc)?
I had popular friends in high school, but would not have considered myself one of them. I was painfully shy, and small for my age, and there’s actually a very funny photo in my Freshman year yearbook showing a giant of a guy walking out the door and little me walking in. I enjoyed English and history most — what a surprise, yes?
What was the name of the first novel you ever published? How many publishers did you send your book to before you got signed to one? Do you remember some of the thoughts that were going through your head when you finally got it published?
My very first novel was Angel of Fire. I was very lucky in that I was represented by the very first agent I spoke to and my book was bought by the very first publisher we submitted to. Writing for Avon Books was my dream job, and I was fortunate enough to realize this at the age of 27. I know so many people who struggled for their first sale, so I am ever appreciative of my experience.
What made you decide to write suspense for the first time in 2013? How did writing this book differ from the others in terms of research, writing process, etc?
The first book I started to write was suspense. It was where my initial interests lay… but then I read a romance and was enamored of the historical romance genre. I wouldn’t say the research is more intense. Each type of story has its challenges and rewards.
How did you come into the idea for "The Highland Brides"? Have you ever been to Scotland?
When I first began writing this series I had not been to Scotland. I don’t know, really. I tend to write about flawed characters which really derive from our basic human needs. I have always been in love with the Medieval period, but something about the idea of an unloved lady being championed by her enemy really appealed to me. Scotland and the Borderlands of England fit nicely into this story. And then, it sold so well that my publisher wanted me to repeat the success!
What was it like collaborating with two other authors and writing a novella for The Winter Stone? Who was the inspiration behind your character Annie Ross?
Laurin Wittig and Glynnis Campbell aren’t just two of my favorite people; they are two of my favorite writers. I really loved working with both of these wonderful women. As for Annie… that’s a good question, but not one I have a ready answer for. I suppose in a way, Annie is me. I always loved the idea of becoming an anthropologist, and so I was able to explore that in this book.
Speaking of inspiration, who inspired your character Zoe Rutherford in The Girl Who Stayed? What kind of advice could you offer to people who grew up in households similar to that of Zoe?
The Girl Who Stayed was my first Women’s Fiction title and I delved deep into this character, giving her so much of me that my readers often wrote to ask if she WAS me and if I were writing an autobiography. Thankfully, it’s totally fiction, though with a very healthy dose of my own personal challenges.
If any of your books were made into a movie, would you like to play any of the characters of just work behind-the-scenes?
Behind the scenes! As most writers, I don’t particularly enjoy the camera. I’m perfectly happy to stay out of focus.
How important are character names to you? Do you have a systematic way of choosing the names and their meanings or do you just go through different names in your head till you find one that sounds right?
VERY important! I can’t actually continue until I have the names right. I generally have a “feel” for them, and when starting a new book, I will choose a few “letters” that feel right, and then I’ll scan the list under those letters until I find the name that speaks to me.
Have you ever googled yourself?
Of course! Curiosity killed the cat, after all.
What is your least favourite part of the publishing/writing process? Any marketing tips for newbie authors out there?
My very least favorite part of the writing process is… hmm… you know, I worry a lot while I’m actually putting words down on paper, but the truth is I adore what I do and feel fortunate to be able to do it. But, if you turn the question around, I suppose my favorite part of the process is the editorial process, where I get to flesh everything out and edit it to perfection—or as close to perfect as possible.
What is one book that you love that is thoroughly underrated?
Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi. I adore that book so much, and I still love it more than twenty years after reading it.
Do you read all your reviews? How do you stay motivated and positive when someone writes a hateful comment?
I pore over them, but try not to focus on them and would rather not read them at all. However, when I do, I try to pull out bits that ring true so I can improve. I am disheartened by the ones that get personal. For example, I had one woman claim that she knew I’d never been to Charleston because of XX and XX in the story. Well, guess what, my friend, I lived there for 30 years and raised my children there, and still consider it a second home. I understand the impetus to give critical reviews, but keep it nice! Authors are people too!
