This might sound a little cliche but I knew pretty early on, I’d say by middle school, that I wanted to be a writer. I absolutely loved reading and had quite an imagination myself so I thought - well, why can’t I write my own fairy tales? I didn’t actually start writing until high school. By then I even knew that I wanted to write romance and had a few short stories and rough drafts hidden under my pillow.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
Ann M. Martin, Francine Pascal and a little later on - Nora Roberts.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
Almost every single character is loosely based off someone I know in real life.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
Everywhere. I love people watching and thinking up stories about them in my head. Music is another big inspiration for me. Specifically country music.
Do you have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
Most of the time, I let the characters lead the way. Occasionally I find I have to stop at some point and do a loose outline to get back on track, only for those silly characters to run off the rails again.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
Typically, yes. Be it the cover model that I’ve chosen or a celebrity - there’s usually always someone in mind.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
Puppy in my lap, hot coffee (or tea) in one hand and a romance novel in the other. OR, on the opposite end of that spectrum, by doing something crafty or building something crazy.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
I still love Nora Roberts. Mignon Mykel, K.F. Breene and Catherine Bybee also currently top that list.
What are your favorite books by others?
In the Likely Event but Rebecca Yarros
The entire New Camelot Series by Seirra Simone
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
Yep. I like to pick places I’ve traveled to or even my hometown!
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
Multiple POV
What do you find to be your best research tool?
Oh this is a tough one. I’d say probably reading other books and a good ol’ Google deep dive.
Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?
Yes. I write under a pen name. And I may have one (or two) others but those are ‘top secret’ for right now.
What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
Romance. Because I am a hopeless romantic at heart and I love the idea that everyone has someone out there.
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait... what led to you being you?
Hm. Okay let me see… When I’m not writing, I like to work with other authors doing ALL THE THINGS behind the scenes from helping create/perfect blurbs to making graphics and so much more.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Don’t rush the process. Go into it with an open mind and a whole lot of patience. Be prepared to pivot and have a game plan before you hit publish for the first time.
Study the market, understand cut offs and drops. And look forward, think about what you can realistically accomplish every year and build reader expectations early on. And stick to them. If you can only manage 2 books a year, there is nothing wrong with that. Just stick to it. Let readers know what to expect.
And make sure to invest in yourself. Your newsletter and website are YOUR real estate. Social media could all be gone tomorrow - build your brand so readers always know where to find you.
How do you deal and process negative book reviews?
As someone who wears my heart on my sleeve, it took me a little bit to accept that 1) reviews are subjective but 2) sometimes those reviews offer valid insight.
Some ‘negative’ reviews have actually helped me improve upon my craft.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Having enough time! It’s so easy for me to get fully engrossed in the world I’m writing in but then life calls and I have to step away. Getting started is a struggle sometimes too.
Fun fact: I often will write THE ENDING before the beginning because I almost always know how things end and where it’s going. It’s getting them there that sometimes makes it hard.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
Noise cancelling headphones and no internet lol.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
Far too much caffeine.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?
Oh gosh. Okay so, I’ve said her name a lot but I’m pretty sure that I’ll almost always choose Nora Roberts. Because she’s like The Queen and I would love to just spend the day asking her questions and watching her work.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
I find that I’m most productive and creative later in the day/night. So I try to write usually after my kids are in bed for the night.
But - if I could have it my way, I’d likely write 40+ hours a week. And I love a good weekend binge where I literally sit down and put my fingers on the keyboard and just let the words flow.
Favorite snacks and drinks include Pepsi (I know, I know), coffee and probably chips or crackers.
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
Alot of the time, yes. Country music mostly. But I love some otherstuff too as you’ll see with my book playlists.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
ALL THE TIME. I’ve got a cat who will walk right over my keyboard and a puppy who will force herself under the laptop and try to fling it out of the way. They’re both very good at letting me know when it’s bedtime LOL.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Procrastination. And distraction. Usually social media.
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
Not yet.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
Usually by sleeping. LOL
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