What is one childhood memory you really cherish and like to think about often?
Living in the country of Panama, we didn’t have a lot of luxuries that students in America had. One of the things I looked forward to every year was the flyer from Scholastic book fair. Once received, we had to decide what books we wanted and make a payment so that our orders would be placed all at once by the deadline date. Then, later, the books would be shipped to the school and disseminated among the students who placed orders.
I remember seeing the flyer. It held beautiful, vivid pictures of all types of children’s books and sometimes, if you paid a certain amount of money, you’d get a free poster. I remember taking the flyer home to my mom and dad, the first time I received it at the school and my dad telling me that I could order as many books as I wanted as he believed in reading and teaching kids the value of reading. I was so happy to hear this and I ordered books with relish. I was even happier when I got the bonus poster to put on my wall in my room.
Who first introduced you to reading and books? Did you know right away that you wanted to be an author or did the realisation occur in your later adult life?
I will always credit my dad with introducing me to the importance and value of reading. He always said that reading takes you on adventures as well as teaches you history and valuable life lessons. He was right.
I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue writing as a career until I was older and it was only because of the listlessness, routine and boredom that came from my day job that made me realize I needed something more.
Why did you wait till 2011 to start your writing career?
Honestly, because I never considered writing a career. Most authors, I know, don’t write full-time. It is really hard to make an income on just writing books and I considered it, mostly, to be a hobby. I knew I had bills and student loans and couldn’t consider writing as a steady source of income, on its own. It wasn’t until I got bored with my lackluster job and felt all the passion draining out of me, that I knew I needed something more and I turned to writing to help fulfill my life.
Do you remember your first piece of writing in high school?
Actually, I have two unfinished pieces of writing, with me today, that were intended to be books, at some point. I wrote these stories while in high school. I loved the stories so much that I kept them as a reminder of my fun, creative mind.
The first one I attempted to write was a Victorian romance with a woman named Autania. Random scenes were, haphazardly, hand written in a journal. I intended for the story to have a happy ending but I never finished it.
Yet, the funny part is, I already seemed to understand the structure of a typical romance story, having some sort of conflict/clash or disagreement between the two main characters to make it livelier. I had a scene in the book where she flees the guy who loves her, shortly after he reveals his true feelings.
I am not sure how I came up with the name Autania for the female protagonist but I’ve always loved different, “other than the norm” names. I have named several of my characters with unusual, exotic names, as a result because different names are beautiful and often mysterious.
How does it feel to be an International Bestselling Contemporary Romance author?
Actually not much different from being an author with no title. I love having the title, though often times I discount it and don’t give it the respect it deserves.
As an author, it is difficult to get any sort of title behind your name. I fought long and hard to get something for so many years to the point that I felt I was hitting my head against a brick wall with no success. I have considered quitting my trade at several times but I’m glad I didn’t.
I am very happy and proud of my accomplishments but I always forget that being an International Bestselling author is something to also be proud of and that I deserved it.
Never fear, though. I am reminded, all the time, by my editor/artist/Bestselling author/cheerleader friend who makes a point of telling me I need to place the title on all my advertising. In fact, now that I think about it, I think she places more importance on my title than I do. Lol.
Which of your books took the longest time to write and why?
Hmmm…that’s a good question.
I know my current WIP (work-in-progress) has come to a staggering halt because after working a full time day job, I lack the energy to edit it. It has been non-stop, stressful craziness in my life for the past two years and that’s likely why it’s taking me much longer than usual to get through the edits, finish the work and get it published. But I digress. You asked which book took the longest time for me to write.
With that in mind, I would have to say Escapade.
I came out with the concept early on, I believe, shortly after Serenade was finished. I knew I wanted to write a book about Archangel Michael. I jotted several pages down but when I actually got to the manuscript many, many years later, I literally deleted all of it and started from scratch.
I wanted a book that reflected how I pictured the infamous Archangel to be. His ideas. His voice. His convictions.
Each time I have the opportunity to re-read his book, I am grinning and my heart is warmed over. I am absolutely proud of the way Escapade came out.
It took so many years to actually buckle down and write it. To carve it into something beautiful and wonderful for readers to enjoy. The book was written as a tribute and an honor to him. I believe Escapade captures Michael’s essence and how beautiful and wondrous this Archangel actually is.
What is the harshest but also most helpful criticism you've ever received for the book, "Serenade"?
I received a 3 star review for Serenade where the reviewer said there was a lot of repeating of information. After re-reading the startling review, several times, I have to say I get where she is coming from.
You see, when I write a book I don’t write in all one sitting. When I get back to the book, sometimes its days or weeks later and I end up forgetting what I already wrote. I hardly ever write an outline for any of my books. The one time I did, I didn’t stick to it. I write, purely, on impulse and I let the characters’ words freely flow onto the page.
I, also, always try to add an element of heat to my novels, so sometimes; I end up repeating how the male protagonist feels about the female. This was something the reviewer said became redundant, to her, after a while.
Although, at the time, Serenade was one of my best written novels, I understand what the reviewer was, essentially, trying to convey. Due to her constructive advice, it has changed the way I have written my novels.
If your novel, "Escapade" were being made into a movie, whom would you pick to play the lead roles?
Oh my gosh! If Escapade was ever made into a movie, it would be a great honor for me. However, choosing individuals to play the lead roles, from the book, is a very hard question for me as I don’t follow celebrities and I don’t know of many.
So I can’t make any suggestions as to who would be best to cast into Teresa or Michael’s roles. However, I can tell you the types of people I’d like to see play their characters.
Whoever played the role of Michael would need to possess unshakeable integrity and be a man of honor. The man chosen would be believable, on film. One I imagine audience members would literally be able to see these two admirable traits in his poise and written, plainly, across his face. Although handsome, he would also be humble. A confident man who could also be assertive, when needed.
Teresa, on the other hand, possesses a fiery temperament but she is, also, humble herself. She is your typical, ordinary woman with real-world struggles. According to a recent reviewer, Teresa is a great match for Michael’s sometimes icy display. Whoever is cast in Teresa’s role would need to be able to stand alongside Archangel Michael through just about any adversity faced.
How do you ensure that all the readers, from young to old, enjoy reading your books?
I write beautiful, mesmerizing fantasies. I add some modern day technology in my books so they seem real and relatable while also keeping the romance loyal and honest.
All generations understand the basics of a romantic relationship. I just add a paranormal element to the story. Regardless if it’s one of my paranormal romances, urban fantasies, new adult or contemporary romance books, readers of all ages can identify with their struggles, their insecurities and their wants and desires because these subjects are common and uniform across all ages.
What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block?
Step away from the project. That is the best advice I can give to any author experiencing writer’s block.
Writer’s block is a very real thing. Trying to force yourself to come up with ideas is not going to help you or your readers when it comes to writing a book. The best thing you can do is to step away and, instead, do some things that you find fun so you can take your mind off your WIP. Then come back to the book when you are ready and when inspiration has hit you once again.
How do you keep your books from getting dull? What are awesome tips for brainstorming that you use?
I always try to add something extra, possibly an unexpected element, situation or person that the characters have to deal with. Readers love seeing how the characters work things out. They can identify with the confusion and complexity of the presented situations, especially if it’s relatable.
If I’m writing a paranormal romance, I love adding magical powers or abilities not found in human beings. You can get very creative when it comes to adding magical elements plus readers love to dive into new concepts. It’s a form of escape plus its fun for the author to create.
As an example, I will give you Apollo- the third book in the Guardian League Series. I was actually getting bored writing Apollo. I learned, shortly after this, that when an author gets bored with their work it’s never a good thing. It’s usually an indication that there’s something missing. Something that needs to be added or spiced up.
I walked away from the manuscript for a short while and when I came back to it I decided to add a past profession for Apollo. This brought in so many more subjects and ideas. Adding a foe from his past profession just spiced things up and added a twist in the story no one was expecting. Its elements like these that can make for a great story. It just depends on which way you want to go with your characters and with the manuscript, in general.
As a bestselling author, what kind of pressure or stress do you get from writing?
Actually, not much has really changed since I earned the title. The only difference from then to now is that I have more books published and, as a result, more practice with writing and editing.
With every book I write I always try to make it the best that I can. I, painstakingly, review and review again each manuscript (struggling with reading individual sentences endlessly till I am sure it flows well) before I send it on for formal editing. I do this because I want my readers to have a story that they can envision in their mind and enjoy.
Anytime a reader tells me they were able to see the entire story in front of their eyes, (as if watching a movie on the big screen) and that they felt as if the characters were genuine, real people (like someone they could, casually, meet at a grocery store), it gives me a special warmth in my heart that is indescribable. I love creating beautiful, vivid tales for others to enjoy.
In what ways do you try to better understand the craft of writing?
Mostly by word of mouth and through my editor as she edits my work. I also participate in conventions where authors gets to learn more about specific aspects of their trade where they want to hone in on one or more skills and with individual classes available on most subjects that are necessary for an author’s growth.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers?
Actually, yes. I am in the middle of my first round of edits with my military romance titled Sterling’s Heart. The book is dedicated to my dad who served as a Sergeant in the Army for one tour during the Vietnam Era.
About Sterling’s Heart:
Sterling takes pride in serving his country yet his contract is ending. He is given a chance to go back home. Home to his dad and to his best friend- the one woman he has always respected, admired and now has fallen in love with. He is given a chance to end his military career and start a new life. Yet, he is now a damaged man. He has a decision to make which will impact more than just him. What choice will he make, in the end?
How do you usually promote your books? What do you think of AllAuthor and would you recommend it to your other author friends?
I usually promote my books on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I also have a blog where I will post my books and upcoming news. Subscribers to my newsletter are always in the loop as to what is happening with me and my books and are among the first to know when a book is up for pre-order or available on KU.
AllAuthor has been a wonderful, additional resource to promote featured books for me. I enjoy receiving the mock-ups with my book covers and will use these to also add to my own marketing efforts. I would definitely recommend any author to utilize the vast array of services available with AllAuthor.
