I didn't know what I was doing with the first book! I didn't have any structure or guidance on how to go about writing. I had an idea, and I started typing. Soon, a plot developed, characters appeared, and the story developed. Now, I come up with a plot first, the central characters and antagonist, and structure the book from there. New characters always emerge as I progress through the story.

To me, success now means doing something that I love and that makes me happy. Something that I look forward to doing on a daily basis. Having people enjoy what I write and want to read more is the ultimate reward.

Definitely. Everyone has struggles and works to conquer them. It’s not always easy, but hope and determination overcome all odds. My sentimental side always craves a happy ending!

I've had a couple, but one that really stands out is when a reader reached out to tell me that they were housebound and struggled with depression. Not only did they look forward to my new releases, but it brought them joy to reread my older books over and over.

Yes, and the funny thing was that he was a bad guy, but he’d gotten away. I'd left a cliffhanger at the end of the book where he appeared, but I hadn't planned on writing his ending for a while. I had so many requests from readers wanting to know if he'd gotten away with his crimes, so I wrote his comeuppance sooner than planned.

To me, self-publishing has been the most substantial and dramatic change. Now, writers have a way to get their stories out there without depending on an agent or publishing company. It also means that there is significantly more competition for readers. It’s an ongoing effort to make your stories stand out so that people read them. Social media has also played a major role, opening up new avenues for advertising. It’s sometimes a struggle to stay on top of the rapid changes and to know how to leverage your product.

I definitely had to unlearn parts. I tended to put too much pressure on myself to meet deadlines, and the stress that accompanied it wasn't healthy. Now, I write when I can, but I don't obsess over missing a day or two.

Exercise has always been one of my top priorities, and I enjoy working out before I sit down to write. It helps me focus and concentrate on the story I’m trying to tell.

It's always a struggle, especially since I'm caring for an aging parent. I try to set aside a few hours every afternoon when I sit down at the computer and write. If I can't get to it, I don't beat myself up anymore. My mother passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, and that put everything in perspective for me. Family is the most important thing. Being present and spending time with them is my priority.

I think there's a little bit of me in most of the characters I write, especially the females. I want them to be strong, independent, and kind with a solid moral compass.

Just keep writing. It won’t always be easy. Negative feedback can be devastating and demoralizing. Not everyone will love what you put out, but keep being yourself and tell the story you want to tell.

It definitely has. It makes me want to write faster for them! However, I don't want to ever publish a book with a subpar plot or one that is too rushed. I'd rather take the time to get it right.

It can be difficult, especially since I’m currently working on the thirty-first book in that series alone, not counting the five novellas! However, I try to draw inspiration from the news or world events, something that sparks an idea for a plot or a twist.

I think I’ll always write romantic suspense. That’s what I enjoy reading. I love the action/mystery/suspense colliding with romance. I need a happy ending!

A++ AllAuthor has been my go-to from the moment I discovered it! It’s the first place I advertise when I release a new book. The features, like the book mock-ups, are invaluable and the staff I’ve interacted with are friendly and helpful. AllAuthor is a writer’s best friend!

I was born and raised in Indiana and went to college in Indiana, as well. I relocated to upstate New York and lived there for about ten years before moving back a few years ago.

My major in college was Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Marketing. After I graduated, I landed an internship with the governing body of international baseball. From there, I transitioned into Olympic sports. I’ve had so many memorable experiences, from working as press officer at two Olympic Games and numerous national and international events, to having my stories published in official Olympic Commemorative Books to being named Executive Director of an Olympic sport. One of my most memorable experience was writing, designing and producing a magazine for the inaugural baseball competition in the Olympic Games. I was visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York and I turned a corner and there was my magazine on display behind glass. I had no idea! So I tell people I’ve been enshrined in Cooperstowns.

I’ve always loved to read and I had several story ideas swimming around in my head, but I didn’t have time to pursue them. Then one day, I sat down and started to put the thoughts to paper and from that moment on, I knew that writing romantic suspense was what I wanted to do with my life. I haven’t been able to stop writing since.

It gave me the discipline I need to write. There were always deadlines that needed to be met, so I had to learn to manage my time, whether it be with research or interviews or just getting the story done on time.

I didn’t visit a psychiatric ward, but my mother works in the psychology department of a university, so I had access to world-class research materials. I can’t think of anything crazy I’ve done, except for traveling to different cities for research purposes.

It’s a conscious effort to balance suspense with romance. Sometimes I get caught up in the suspense and I have to remember it’s a love story, too. Or vice versa. I always want the romance to be the main focus of the book, but I don’t like to make it easy on the characters! I think Trust No One was the most complex in the series.

I definitely plan on adding more stories to the COBRA Security series. There are several characters that have made appearances in books that need their own happily ever after.

The inspiration behind A Christmas Miracle is that I do believe there are angels among us and I’d like to think that they help us every day. I would ask Tony how the events of his childhood led to his decision to become a cop. I’d also ask how he stays positive when faced with evil people like Ernest March.

I think A Christmas Miracle has more suspense, especially since it includes a touch of the paranormal and it’s the one I’d rather have adapted into a movie. For the cast, I’d have to pick Channing Tatum and Reese Witherspoon.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without writing. I find inspiration daily and many times I hear something or read about a story and think, “that would make a great plot” or “how can I use that in a book?”

I haven’t had any dark moments, yet, knock on wood. It is hard when there are so many other obligations, to find the time to sit down and write, but if it’s important, you find time.

My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. I put up a tree right after Thanksgiving so I can enjoy the lights all of December. I love to celebrate it with my family.

I definitely think luck plays a major part. Also, perseverance. You have to be willing to keep going, through the trials and tribulations. It’s not easy, but if it’s what you really want to do, then you have to be willing to go the extra mile.