As readers, it's always fascinating to hear about the lives of the author behind the book; about the creator of the tale that captured our interest. Could you tell us a bit about Louisiana and about your family growing up?
I grew up in Northwest Louisiana, near the Texas border, in an extremely small town, Negreet. I had one brother and two sisters and we lived next to the school, my dad was the principal and mom a teacher. Later in life another brother and sister were added.
What made you decide to take up BSN in Northwestern State University? What was your dream job when you were younger?
The movie Jaws had been released and I dreamed that I would be an oceanographer. I never pursued that dream. Where I live, nursing or teaching was the main choice for females and I chose Nursing.
As a new author, what is your favorite part of the writing/publishing process? And what is the least favorite part?
Writing is my absolute favorite part of the process. Editing is my least favorite part.
What was the inspiration for your debut novel, "Killing the Rougarou?" Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
My story idea grew in Houston Texas, MD Anderson’s library. I spent a lot of time there while my ex husband received chemo. I named some of the characters after my pets! Pete, Ruby and Murdock are named for my dogs!
What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I hope my book tells a realistic story of child sexual abuse. I encourage my readers to check out Love146 an organization that rescues people from the sex trade industry. I feel my story is gripping and James’ attacks reverberates throughout this story, keeping it in the back of your mind, as I introduce each character to the reader. All of my characters have a story, even my bad guy. I think I told a horrible event in an interesting way.
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
The Holy Spirit and Judith Mcnaught are my favorite authors... I mean the number one best selling author of all time (Holy Spirit) will teach and guide you in all you do if allowed! That is an awesome hope inside my heart. Judith Mcnaught’s prose is perfect. Mine is plain and her writing is inspirational to me.
What is the most important thing that people DON'T know about your genre, romantic suspense , that they need to know? Why did you choose to write in this particular genre?
My story was romantic thriller. I wrote the story and it fell within the genre... I didn’t wake up wanting to write in a particular romantic suspense. harlequin.com writes that romantic suspense is one of the hottest subgenres today!
How did you become a member of Romance Writers of America? And how would you describe your experience with it so far?
RWA is a must for any romance writer. To join, other than my dues, I had to submit my story. Your book has to have a happy ever after. They are encouraging and have resources and tools to help with your writing. I would encourage anyone who writes romance to join.
What are some of the things that you always try to keep in mind when starting to write a new story? Do you have some helpful advice for any novice writers out there?
Write daily! I fail at this sometimes and it is a process to get back in the flow of writing.
Your debut novel tells the story of a five-year-old girl named James who meets a monster at the Shreveport Holiday Inn. What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning this book?
The research I did... was making sure I wrote things accurate for timeline. Was the song a hit during this time? That sort of thing. My story covered several generations so I wanted to be accurate. It was not time consuming. I spent more time on naming my characters and developing them.
How do you add life to your characters? How would you describe the character of James in three words?
You make a character interesting by adding quirks or fears. James is... tiny and mighty!
Why do you write? What keeps you motivated during creative slumps?
I have found that I enjoy writing, it’s cathartic.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Write daily!
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I have 6 WIPs ...book 2 in Rougarou series follows a necklace through time and tells the story of the ancestors of the Gauthier family while giving Luke a love interest. It will be dedicated to our policemen and the important job they do.
