Where were you born and how has it affected you?
I was born in Maryland. The affect it has had on me is that the older I get, the more I miss living on the East Coast. It’s been years since I’ve been back to visit. Ocean City, Maryland is one of my favorite places.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a nurse. I had all the play toys and I’d pretend to take care of my dolls. That dream died when I realized how squeamish I am when it comes to deep cuts and blood. It’s funny because my mother was going to be a nurse and shortly into her schooling, she realized she couldn’t do it for the same reasons.
What are some good, not overdone, setting ideas for writing a contemporary romance?
I don’t know that I think certain settings for contemporary romance are overdone. If I envision the setting of a story that’s common, then it’s my job as a writer to make it interesting.
What do you enjoy reading the most?
I’ve always been a big fan of contemporary romance. Sometimes historical romance, but for the most part, contemporary. That’s why I write in the same genre. I also love biographies. I really enjoy learning about people and their lives. It’s inspiring.
What does it take to write a romance book?
For me, it takes dedication to the task of writing, but it’s also the connection I feel with my characters. When I feel them falling in love, I fall in love right along with them, and having that compassion for their story is important.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, Where We Belong?
I feel like I don’t come up with stories, more like I see them as movies that start to play inside my head. I kept seeing a story with close families and friends. I knew it would be the dynamic of a man falling for his best friend’s sister. Two characters who already had the bond of friendship. Once I paid attention to the movie that kept playing over and over, I decided to outline it. As I outline, the story always becomes clear, and I saw them together as close friends who fall in love.
What is the most exciting part about living in Las Vegas, Nevada?
It’s so normal and that’s exciting to me. The misconception most people have when they think of living here is living a wild and crazy life on The Strip where all the famous hotels are located. Most locals don’t visit The Strip because it’s crowded, and parking is frustrating. There are many surrounding areas with beautiful homes and neighborhoods. It’s great to know that at any given moment, I can go see a concert, or attend a major event because Las Vegas has something going on, all the time.
How did you come up with the story of the book, The Art of Zen?
The same way I came up with the story of Where We Belong. It was like a movie playing in my head. One day, I had a name pop into my mind, Tia Zen. I wrote it on a sticky note and placed it on the wall in front of my computer. It said, “Tia Zen, who are you?” Then I let the story come to me. I knew she was an artist, and I knew her love story was an opposites attract situation. I was actually writing The Art of Zen when the characters from Where We Belong started to become clear. It was hard to stay focused on Zen when the new ones were being so loud!
What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
I love all music! My playlist has everything from hard rock, to country, pop, and even show tunes! I acted in my younger years and was in plays and musicals, so sometimes I revisit that. Overall, my favorite genre is rock and roll!
If you ever get writer’s block, where do you go to overcome it, or what activities help you overcome it?
Any time I get stuck, I ask myself, “Is this writer’s block or am I just unmotivated?” The best thing for me is to remove myself from writing for a few hours, or maybe even a day. No longer than 2 days between writing. Usually, removing myself clears my mind. When that doesn’t happen, I sit down and write anyway. If I’m not feeling the story, I’ll make notes on what I want to happen in the current chapter. Almost every time I do that, the story starts to flow again. It’s important to know that it’s ok to take a break and rest. It how we recharge.
How did your life change when you launched your first book?
Launching my first book was so intimidating and daunting. Even still, any time I publish, I feel sick to my stomach. I get in my head. I agonize over every little thing. Basically, I drive myself crazy. But, things have changed for the better. I feel accomplished and proud of myself!
What is the toughest criticism you've ever received as an author and how did you take it? What about the best compliment you've ever received?
I’ve had some criticisms that have really bothered me, so I don’t like to give them my attention. Criticism will always be there, but I don’t believe any criticism is constructive. Feedback, maybe, but not criticism. In my eyes, there’s a big difference. Putting yourself out there as a writer, or any kind of creator, is challenging. I grow from feedback both positive and not so positive. I don’t listen to criticism.
As for the best compliment I’ve ever received… When I hear that my readers feel the love, the sadness, the anger, the happiness, or any other emotion that my characters have, that makes me happy. To know they connected with the characters is a huge compliment to me.
What percentage of your daily writing do you end up not using in published works?
I have never pondered this topic. Hmm… good question. Maybe 25% of what I write gets edited out.
Are you working on a new book? Is it going to be a series or a standalone?
I am working on a new book! Right now, I’m working on a new trilogy that probably won’t see the light of day for at least another year. Because life has been busy, I feel like this one is getting a slow start but I’m gaining momentum and I’m anxious to bring it to life!
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
AllAuthor has been great! The site is a platform to connect with other authors. I love the monthly book cover contest, and the tools on the site are wonderful for graphics. I used the free version for a while and a few months ago, I upgraded to the Pro-membership. It was definitely worth it!
