Tell us about your childhood. How did it affect you as an author?
I have always had an active imagination - and have been writing since childhood - in fact - both the first and second books in my Carter Saga (The Tender Heart and The widow's Heart) were begun as early as second grade. My parents encouraged my imagination, and my writing, and that helped as well.
Could you share a little about your journey as a writer? What motivated you to start writing, and how has your writing evolved over time, especially as you venture into different genres?
As a child and young adult I was often told I was a great storyteller, and that I should write. I didn't have a lot of faith in myself as a writer for a long time. It took me a couple of years ( writing longhand) to finish my first (and as yet unpublished) novel, but when I did, the feeling of accomplishment was something I wanted to repeat. So I started writing every spare minute I had. I have a million stories in my head still!
Your writing spans across multiple genres, including Historical Christian romance and YA. How do you approach switching between these genres, and what do you find most fulfilling about exploring such diverse storytelling?
I think the most fulfilling thing is just being able to reach more people with the diversity. People of all ages read YA, and it is such an important genre- especially for getting younger people to read more vs be on screen time more. I think it is fun to hear that a grandmother has read my book, and given it to her grand daughter and they both love it. That is quite fulfilling. As far as switching between them, I just write the story. If you stay true to the story, the rest mostly takes care of itself.
Running a non-profit is a significant commitment. How do you manage your time between your writing and your non-profit work? Do you find any overlap or synergy between these two aspects of your life?
My writing often contains elements of my non-profit work. Characters in my stories have similar struggles to myself and/or my broader groups of clients, etc. so Yes, there is some overlap and synergy for sure. The work I do for the non-profit also tends to have some periods of down time (if I am at a crime scene for example, or waiting to testify at a hearing, etc) writing tends to calm and focus me - so I have my laptop to work on story sketches, details of scenery, etc during those times)
Your book's title, "Livin' my best life on the frozen tundra of North Dakota," is quite intriguing. Can you share the story behind how you came up with such a unique and captivating title?
Technically that is the "title of my life" not the title of one of my books - lol.
North Dakota's frozen tundra might not be the most conventional setting for a story. What inspired you to choose this location as a backdrop for your writing? How does the setting contribute to the atmosphere of your stories?
Even though it isn't a title for a book - North Dakota is where I live, and where I know best - and it is beautiful (even if the weather is a bit unforgiving) You can absolutely change the atmosphere of a scene with weather - a sudden prairie thunderstorm can pose all sorts of dangers - or be a dramatic backdrop for a scene - or the eerie silence of after a blizzard - where the snow muffles the sounds, and the air is still and frigid - can mirror many things. You can make it romantic, spooky, etc. It is a unique location, and I enjoy utilizing aspects of it in my books.
Eclectic tastes in music, books, and various interests often contribute to a writer's unique perspective. How do your eclectic preferences influence your writing style and the themes you explore in your books?
Eclectic tastes mean a broader base of knowledge to pull from. The more I learn about by reading, etc.. the more information I have to pull stories and details from.
Historical Christian romance and YA seem quite distinct. How do you navigate the different tones and themes of these genres? Are there any common threads or values that you consistently weave into your writing across genres?
I think the tones and themes CAN be similar. Love, believing in yourself, Kindness, Compassion, Treating people well.. all of these can be in both genres equally. All humans of all ages need these things in their lives. I tend to focus on the story itself, the rest falls into place as I go along.
Dabbling in different genres can be both creatively exciting and challenging. Are there any specific genres you're currently exploring, and what draws you to experiment with new styles?
I enjoy a challenge - I enjoy the stretching and growth that it creates. I have dabbled in a little retro-style horror, some true crime, etc as well and I love the different aspects that each genre brings to the story.
Christian romance novels often explore themes of love, faith, and hope. How do these themes manifest in your writing, and how do you balance incorporating them while creating relatable and engaging stories?
Love, faith and hope - are present in everyone's lives to a varying degree, so I just take from real life many times. If you have read my books - so many of the little bits and pieces are from my life or family members' lives. In A Gentle Bravery - Jane (our main female lead) has a moment where she finds her nephew has a diaper rash - caused by his young mother bleaching his cloth diapers to keep them bright white. In an age where washing machines were new fangled inventions, she didn't know not to do that. This actually happened to my great aunt. She ended up taking her baby to the doctor to find out that she shouldn't bleach his diapers. I find that some of those real moments are the ones people relate to the most, and they help them relate to the larger story as a whole. I also do try to balance the hard and heavy things with humor and kindness sprinkled throughout the books.
The creative process can vary widely from writer to writer. Could you describe your approach to crafting a novel? Are there any rituals or techniques that you find particularly effective in getting the words flowing?
I try to write regularly... life (especially with a non-profit like mine) doesn't always allow for that, but I do my best. If I am stuck - in a rut - or have writers block - I read, anything and everything I can get my hands on.. I watch movies and dramas - especially from other countries (Korean dramas are spectacular!) I paint. I try and do as many creative things as I can to stimulate that part of my brain. That and I hang out with my writers group - being together with like minded people helps to keep me motivated for sure.
Being situated in North Dakota, you must experience unique seasonal changes. How do these changing seasons influence your writing, and do they find their way into the emotions and landscapes of your stories?
Absolutely they find their way into my stories. It is difficult to NOT include them, as they can change every aspect of how I am going to go about my day. You treat things very differently if it is -60 degrees outside. Or if there is golf ball sized hail, or 70 mph winds. A Raging thunderstorm has a different effect on my mood than a gentle gloomy rain. A still, but frigid, and sunny day - sparks a different emotion than a whirling, spinning white out blizzard. Utilizing them helps to give the writing a uniqueness - and also in historical fiction especially - it would have informed EVERYTHING about their lives at the time.
In your opinion, what role does fiction play in our lives? How do you envision your stories impacting readers on both an emotional and thought-provoking level?
I like to think of it like - Non fiction is learning through facts. Fiction is learning through imagination. Fictional stories that have mirrored things in my own life have helped me learn coping skills, boundaries, and more. FIction has often taught me that what I am going through is normal - or not - as the case may be.
What can your readers look forward to in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments you'd like to share?
I am still working on book 2 in the Brothers in Arms Series - but that one is close to completion. Hoping to finish that one soon, and start the next one. There will be 4 books in that series - and my next series is going to be set in the Middle Ages - so that should be fun!
What do you like the most about AllAuthor.
I think it is a fun and reasonable place to get some exposure. I enjoy the ease of it, and the ability to connect with both other authors and readers. It is a fun community.
