What first inspired you to start writing romance, and how did your journey as an author begin?
My journey began like it does for most authors with a love of reading. One day while reading, I decided I could write a better book, so I immediately started. It didn't take me long to realize that it was not as easy as I thought.
Growing up on family road trips sparked your love of travel and reading. How have those experiences influenced the stories you tell today?
I love elements of realism in fiction and I love when a story introduces me to a new place. When I travel I love to visit locations that I've read about, because I already feel like I have a connection to that place. I absolutely love to incorporate places I've been into the stories I write.
Your adventures with your husband and daughter inspire your writing. Have any real-life travel moments made their way directly into your books?
Absolutely, a road trip across Route 66 with my husband and daughter inspired the setting of my fictional small town of Oasis, Arizona. Many landmarks, tourist stops, and even businesses we visited pop up throughout the series.
What draws you most to the romance genre, and what do you hope readers feel after finishing one of your stories?
I think we all want to be loved and I think that's why romance draws in such a large audience. When readers finish one of my stories I hope they feel joy and connection to my characters. I hope that I have written a memorable story. A love story that will stay with them long after they've read it.
As a Florida native, do you find yourself incorporating Florida settings, culture, or atmosphere into your writing?
I do. The main male character of my debut release, Caught Looking In San Diego, is from Florida and parts of that book take place in Miami and Pensacola. I also have plans to use the Northwest panhandle and the First Coast area of Florida in future books.
You’ve been involved with organizations like Romance Writers of America, Chicago-North Romance Writers, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. How has being part of these communities shaped your growth as a writer?
I would not be where I am today without these organizations. They offer a wealth of education and guidance for aspiring authors. They also have communities for authors at any stage of their career. I am continually learning from these organizations and their programs.
You participated in RWA’s inaugural Pen 2 Paper program in 2021. What was that experience like, and what lessons stayed with you the most?
Pen 2 Paper was a wonderful learning experience and probably the most beneficial program I've ever been part of. We worked in small groups with published mentors for months learning about the craft of writing romances and critiquing each others' writing. It forced my introverted self to participate when I'd normally not and through P2P I met some of my very best author friends . It's been five years since the program ended and we are still meeting up weekly on Zoom.
In 2023, you joined RWA’s Romance Author Mentorship Program as a mentee. How did mentorship impact your confidence and career direction?
I was blessed with a wonderful mentor named Leslie Ray. Her critiques made me a more confident writer. And I still message her with craft and business questions. When looking for career guidance Leslie is one of the first people I ask.
Writing can be both exciting and challenging. What part of the writing process do you enjoy most, and what part tests you the most?
I most enjoy brainstorming the story. I love creating my characters and building the world they live in. For me, the hardest part that tests me the most is editing. Once I've told the story, I'm ready to move on to the next story. I find it very difficult to go back and make changes.
How do you balance family life, travel, and writing while staying creatively inspired?
My family always has been and always will be my priority. Since travel is something our whole family enjoys, it's easy to plan for that and traveling keeps me inspired. What is difficult for me is finding the time to write. Many authors write everyday, but I simply do not have the time to. However, I am finding that I can be quite productive in short sessions with dictation.
Are you a detailed plotter, or do you prefer discovering the story as you write?
I loosley plot. I am what many call a planser. I can't get too detailed or I find that I've already told myself the story and I then have no interest in working on it.
What qualities make a romance protagonist unforgettable to you?
I think relatability and small quirks are the first building blocks for creating an unforgettable protagonist, throw in an unusual situation and suddenly he's memorable.
Which authors or books have had the biggest influence on your writing style and storytelling approach?
I am sure some of the authors that I have read most (Johanna Lindsey, Caroline B. Cooney, Kristen Ashley, & Rachel Gibson) have influenced my approach. They run the gamut as far as genres and style, but I also think the authors that have mentored me through RWA programs, especially Leslie Ray, have added to that, along with the countless seminars and workshops presented by other authors that I've attended throughout the years.
What projects or stories are you currently working on, and what can readers look forward to next from you?
I'm currently working on book three of the Oasis Gila Monsters series and the first book of a spin-off smalltown series called Oasis, Arizona. Readers can look forward to at least three releases in the next year.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
It has been a great experience. AllAuthor is such a fun platform. I love the monthly cover contest and I'm looking forward to entering the cover of my second book, Changeup In Hot Springs, in the next romance cover competition. I am really enjoying the community of readers and other authors on AllAuthor as well.
