Could you tell us a little about where you grew up and what your childhood was like?
I grew up in the Midwest, running around and riding my bike everywhere. Even where we weren't supposed to! i was the oldest of three, the only girls so fought with my little brothers for years! We rarely fight now, but we still know how to irritate each other.
When and who first introduced you to romance novels?
My Aunt Bonnie. She gave me a paper bag full of gothic romance novels and I've read ever since. When did you decide to start writing your own? I've always scribbled. I never took it seriously until about six years ago when I first was published.
Who are some of your favorite romance authors and in what ways do you think their stories and writing style have carried onto you and their books?
I love Stephanie Laurens, but I don't write historical fiction. Christine Feehan and I do write PNR but none of what she does. I was most influenced by a scifi writer, Anne McCaffrey. I love dragons to this day because of her novels.
What sparked the "A Dragon's Fated Heart" series? LOL. Reading too many books about dragons. What would you do if your sister were taken by dragons?
Well, knowing how me and my brothers get along, I'd probably have waved good bye, lol. Then gone after her.
Alainn from "Touched by the Sandman" has always been a daydreamer. In what ways do you relate to her?
I'm a huge day dreamer. Always have been.
What are some important issues you hope to discuss or bring to light through your books and your writing?
Not to judge people and that love rocks no matter who it is between.
How did you get the idea for "The Santiago's" series? Did you plan on this being a series all along or did it just sort of happening?
I wrote this because my son was in Afghanistan and I missed our conversations. The character has my sons personality. I hadn't intended on it being a series. But I still have a couple more that I'm planning on now.
When writing a story, what do you like to give the most importance to the buildup of romance, the witty dialogue, the HEA, the interesting characters, etc?
A combination of personalities and how they mix. I'll always have an HEA.
When building new characters, what sort of things do you establish first? What do you consider last?
Their names. Then I build their characters. Occasionally I fit them to a career that influences their behaviors. I rarely consider looks, unless it is important. In a couple of mine I don't think I even mention hair or eye color. I like to leave that up to the readers imagination.
What are some of your favorite things to do besides read or write?
I love to sew. Made all my kids clothes when they were little. Now I do stuff for my granddaughter. I also make jewelry. In the warmer weather I garden and love to ride my bike. I also enjoy welding and making stained glass, my two dangerous hobbies since I'm so klutzy.
How important do you think a book title is? What are your tips for penning a catchy and intriguing book title like "Triple D Dude Ranch"?
Very important. The title has to fit the book. Whether it is tongue in cheek like Triple D or not.
What is your definition of happiness? Enjoying my day, no matter what it involves. Do you recall the happiest moment in your life?
Joining the Navy. Getting Married. The birth (maybe the day after, lol) of my children. Sometimes it is just the joy of watching winter go away and that first spring day.
What are your plans for the future? To continue writing. Where do you see yourself as an author in 10 years' time?
Well, I'd love to see my name on the NYT best seller list, but as long as I have people who read and love my stories, I'm good.
Are you working on anything new, and if so, when can we expect it?
Stealing Hope (A Dragon's Fated Heart 3) is in edits and expected out the end of March. I wrote a short story, Love Me Still, in Take Two a WOTR anthology coming out in July 2020. Another contemporary romance, China Fleet Club is expected to be out in May 2020. Nothing concrete after that, but I'll keep writing.
What do you think of AllAuthor and your experience with it so far? Got any feedback for us?
I like what I see on here. I occasionally have trouble navigating, but that is all me. My daughter would assure you of that.