Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a writer? How did you get started?
My writing journey came by chance. As a young girl and teenager, I enjoyed writing but never envisioned myself becoming a writer. I’d been an avid reader of romance novels for many years and in 2016, ideas of my own began to materialise. Later that year I set myself a challenge to write a story and that’s how When We Dance came together. I work full time, so I didn’t have much spare time however by October 2018 I’d finished When We Dance and was halfway through writing When We Hurt. My journey has led me to write a three-book series with three spin-offs. I’m now writing a five-book series, ‘The Summer Knights Series’ with book 1 ‘Protecting Her’ already published.
Your series, "Ain't Nobody," has gained quite a following. What inspired you to write this series?
At the time, I’d been reading mafia books, so I guess the idea of wanting one of the main characters mafia-related came from there.
Your books blend romantic suspense and erotica. How do you balance these two elements in your writing?
I only write the steamy scenes when they are relevant to the story and try to keep them as tasteful as possible but enough to have the reader swooning.
Tell us about your latest book, "Protecting Her." What can readers expect from it?
‘Protecting Her’ is Book 1 in The Summer Knights Series. The series surrounds five brothers who run a security company. The readers can expect lots of action, five alpha males who will stop at nothing to keep the ones they love safe. ‘Protecting Her’ is Book 1 in the series and tells the story of Kane Summer the eldest of the brothers and Meadow Walters his secretary.
How has your writing evolved since your first book, "When We Dance"?
I knew nothing about the writing process when I first started writing When We Dance. I went in blind. I have become more creative with my work and find certain things that I found challenging, easier. My ability to proofread and edit my work is improving and I’m now learning how to format instead of paying a company to do it for me.
What do you find most challenging about writing in the romantic suspense genre?
Not knowing if I’m keeping the reader in suspense long enough. It’s a challenge that I’m constantly battling with. However, family and friends read my work and tell me truthfully what they think and if I need to change anything.
Your characters seem very real and relatable. Are they inspired by real people, or are they purely fictional?
They are all purely fictional. Although, I wouldn’t mind meeting one or two of them in real life.
Do you have a favorite character or book from the series? If so, who or which one, and why?
My favourite characters are Holly and Vlad from the Ain’t Nobody Series. They were the first characters I put together, and I became very fond of them both.
How much research do you typically do for your books? Could you give us an example of some research you did for one of your novels?
When I described Vlad’s tattoo on his back, I had to research the parts of a gun. I had to look into the effects of someone who had been shot in the chest and for one of my books the process of someone who had a head injury and was placed in an induced coma. When I was writing ‘LET ME’ I researched the BDSM lifestyle. I’d read many books that included BDSM, but it was definitely enlightening to l research it myself.
What advice would you give to apiring writers who are interested in writing romantic suspense or erotica?
I would tell aspiring writers interested in writing romantic suspense to read lots of books by a selection of authors who write in the same genre and ask people they trust to read their manuscripts and give feedback.
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
I hope, I’ve kept the readers gripped throughout the story and they go on to read more of my work. It would be amazing if they left a review and told their friends about my books.
Can you share any details about your writing process? Do you have a set routine or any rituals that help you write?
As I said, I work full-time so my writing time is short. I usually switch my laptop on when I arrive home from work and while I’m cooking or doing the housework, I’m thinking about the chapter I’ve been working on. I try to set a few hours aside for writing at the weekend.
What’s next for you as an author? Are you working on any new projects?
I’m working on a five-book series, featuring 5 brothers who run a security company. The first book ‘Protecting Her’ came out in March 2024. I was hoping to have the second ‘Saving Them’ published by now, but life has been hectic so I’m a few months behind schedule.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
My experience with AllAuthor on the whole has been positive. I love receiving my mock-up photo, every week and the tweets they send out. Last year, I entered one of my books in the front cover contest. Although it didn’t win—it came in 7th—it did get lots of exposure which I was happy about. I’m entering my latest book in next month's contest. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
