How would you describe Edgewater to a person that's never been there? Did you grow up there or somewhere else?
Edgewater is right outside of Annapolis (the capital of Maryland). It's a small town with water access. I grew up in Southern Maryland.
What did your parents do for a living? What was their initial reaction when they found out that you wanted to be an author?
My mom works in accounting for a plumbing company and my dad is recently retired. They were very supportive of my writing and always encouraged me to follow my dream.
What was the first book you ever finished writing? And did you get it published?
The first book I ever wrote was a collection of short stories when I was eight years old. It featured a parrot detective LOL I never did get that one published, but maybe someday if I venture into children's books.
When did you first start advocating for more awareness on Mental Health issues?
In what ways do you try and inspire people with mental health problems through your books? The Wings of Life series was very much a therapeutic process for me. I am bipolar, but didn't find that out until after writing the books and realizing that it was, in a way, my cry for help. I use the hashtag #MyGoodMyMore across social media to encourage people to share what keeps them going when times are tough. It's a theme that came from Broken Wings. I want people to know that they are not alone.
In both "Slow Burn" and "Waking Up In Vegas", the main characters were former acquaintances that met again after a long time. Have you ever run into an old flame unexpectedly? And how did it go?
I actually married my high school sweetheart, so I guess that really doesn't apply LOL
Who served as inspiration for the characters Danny (Broken Wings) and Kyle (Clipped Wings)? What do you think makes these characters special?
My husband is a constant inspiration to me. He's been very supportive through my journey to improve myself. The characters are special because Danny never gives up on Tori, always showing he was there for her. Kyle shows how opening up and letting people in can be your salvation. That you don't have to bear a burden alone.
What kind of message do you hope to spread with the Wings of Life book series?
I really just want to stop the stigma associated with mental illness. Just as you wouldn't tell someone with cancer to "just feel better", those who have a mental illness can't just "snap out of it."
Do you ever forget sometimes that you characters aren't real? If you could breathe life into one of your characters, who would it be and why?
They are very real to me. I adore Kiera from Waking Up in Vegas. She has such a tough exterior, but inside, she is vulnerable. It's a wonderful mix.
Is the story "Meant To Be Mine" based on any real life event? Do you think that a man and woman can ever be "just friends"?
It's very loosely based on my husband and I. We started as friends, dated for a while, went back to being friends...LOL But in the end, we wound up together because that's what was meant to be. I got the best of both worlds as I got to marry my best friend.
Was there any time in your life where you began to doubt yourself as a writer? If so, what were some things you did to get over that slump?
I actually doubt myself constantly. Before a book releases, I always second-guess it, wondering if I should have written it. But then I get someone who reaches out and tells me how much they enjoyed it. It helps, but it doesn't stop the fear. I think most writers feel this way.
The character Lisa from "Blue Twilight" is a musician. Do you play any musical instruments or do any kind of singing?
LOL Definitely not. I am not musically inclined, though both of my children are.
How do you think your writing has grown or evolved over the ages? Do you think you will ever retire from writing?
I had a wonderful editor who definitely helped me sculpt my writing. I keep her advice in mind every time I write. I don't think a writer ever truly retires. There are always more stories to tell.
What's one piece of underrated but really good advice when it comes to being an author?
Don't stop writing. Even if you think it's crap, just keep going. A bad paragraph can be fixed, but a blank page will always remain blank (this was given to me by my editor).
