Tell us a little bit about your childhood and where you grew up. What does your family think of your writing?
From age five to seven, I lived with my family in a simple house on my grandpa’s farm in Lehi, Utah. With acres of land to explore, it was a creative haven for me! I was the third of six children. This meant there always was a lot going on in our home. It also meant I had some fantastic childhood freedom to seek adventures outside. My ultimate favorite spot required carefully climbing through a barbwire fence (which meant I was trespassing). Once I cleared the fence, I could head down to the banks of the Jordan River, sit near a tree, and watch the water drift by. During this time, my young imagination drafted up all sorts of entertaining stories. Then, other times, closer to the house, I would lead my younger brother, and sometimes cousins, into my storylines of adventure, danger, and conquest. Eventually, my family moved to California. Still, the farm is my happy place that helped shape me during my formative years.
My family is extremely supportive of my writing. They have always believed in and encouraged me. I am very grateful to all of them for their support.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? What was the first story you ever wrote?
I started reading at a young age. Early on, I experienced a deep love for books. To me, their pages were magic. When I was five, my mom said she was taking us to the library to see how books were made. Eagerly, I anticipated this event where the magic would be revealed. I distinctly remember peering down the steps of the old library, anxious to discover the secret. To my grand surprise, I saw people. Until then, I had no idea humans created the words I read. I pledged right then I wanted to be a part of the magic.
Turns out the library event that evening was about book binding. But I now knew the secret! So, after I made my very own bound book, I took it home, and immediately got to work filling the empty pages with my first story.
What does it mean to be an instructional designer? What is at least one thing you love and hate about all the jobs you've held?
I like to say, “Being an instructional designer means I get paid to learn.” What I actually do is design the instructional or learning experience for a learner.
And I love it! There is some beautiful crossover between being an author and an instructional designer. I believe both professions have helped me with the other.
One thing I enjoy about my instructional design work is the chance to learn so many different things. I have worked on courses about artificial intelligence, system engineering, advanced biology, geometry, algebra, psychology, language arts, European history, entrepreneurship, technology in the classroom, and more. I love taking on the lens of the learner and exploring ways to chunk the information, design skill-based activities, and offer paths toward worthwhile retention.
What I dislike about the jobs I’ve held is the time it takes me away from my other passion and love of writing. I have had seasons where I've been able to balance these areas that drive me: learning, educating, and sharing stories. But then there have been other times when I've had to make tradeoffs. Those decisions are difficult ones. I truly wish I could just add more hours to my day!
Who do you think pushed you the most and has acted as your biggest source of inspiration and motivation throughout your entire career as an author?
I can’t answer this with just one person.
Who pushed me the most? The memory of my dad, and some of our conversations before he passed away when I was nineteen years old.
Who understands my creative passions best? My mom. She has been a huge source of support, inspiration, and motivation—and has been there at all the critical times.
Who has helped me stay motivated? I’ve had some of the best cheerleaders, earlier readers, and support systems! I wish I could name everyone who has helped me through this journey. Certainly, my sister Amber Gubler; my best friend since junior high, Alisa Allred Mercer; and my dear friend Libby Lloyd; not to mention my cousins, aunts, uncles, and my brothers! All of them showed immense support during my first book release and have continued to share so much love and support through the years.
Who helped shape my author career? My readers. And “throughout my entire career as an author,” that would be Julie Loveridge! She and her husband, Brent, showed up at my very first book signing at a Media Play bookstore at the end of 2003. Every book I’ve released since then, Julie has continued to be there in some memorable way. She was the first! A loyal supporter that has helped shaped my author path. Having that kind of support has made all the difference during difficult days. Every author needs devoted fans! I’m deeply grateful for her and others who have emerged over the years that have supported and encouraged me in deeply memorable ways!
What first got you into writing suspense novels?
It was near the end of 1996, and I vividly remember the place, the exact moments, and the thrilling experience of reading John Grisham’s The Firm. Up until then, I had never read a book like that. It definitely changed my life.
What does it take to build up to a really good, chill-inducing scene or chapter?
I don’t know if I know how to do that
