FAQ

What is your writing space like?

Messy. I write on a pc in the study at a desk strew with folders for each project. These are filled with note cards, timelines, and jottings. I generally prefer silence when writing, but I do, on occasion, curl up on the sofa with my cat and write poetry while listening to music.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I like to give the readers something new. I appreciate being challenged when reading and love unique formats and interesting plots.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Study the craft, then sit down, outline, and finish a book. Though a constant writer, I often wrote myself into a corner because I didn’t plan. Then I became frustrated, and left the project to start yet another book continuing the cycle.

What obstacles have you had to overcome?

I’ve always loved books and writing. I took some time off to pen a book when I was in my 20s. It was horrible. I didn’t try to write seriously again until after my family and I moved to Scotland and my children were in school. I took writing courses through the mail. I was feeling pretty confident and learning more and more about the industry. Then, I contracted viral encephalitis. Afterwards, I couldn’t recognize people I knew. While I could read, I couldn’t concentrate enough to follow the simplest sitcom. I would try to read a book and between the time I read one page and then turned to the next, I would forget what I previously read. Eventually, I got better, but it was a huge blow. When we moved back to Texas and I began to take online writing courses to try to get back into writing regularly. I discovered a friend who also was a writer. She suggested we take turns writing a story. This writing exercise became our first book. Eventually I wrote a book on my own. I was so nervous about showing it to anyone else that my co-author actually submitted it for me. That book was Kilts and Catnip.

How did you research for your books? Is any of the content inspired by something in your life and if so what?

I do a lot of research online, but I’ve also contacted experts in various fields and have real life experiences I’ve drawn upon. Kilts and Catnip takes place in Scotland where I happily lived for over seven years.

Do you have any professional background that attributes to your talents and style?

I’ve kept journals and written reviews, poetry, short stories and novels. I have a degree in psychology which influences my style. I’ve taken numerous writing courses, both in Scotland and in the States.

What does success as a writer mean to you?

Success for me will mean that I have established a substantial, loyal street team, consistently written quality works, and made sufficient funds to farm out the jobs I’m less equipped to do. I want my writing to be exceptional, the best and most professional possible, and I hope to have an appreciative audience.

Describe your perfect book Heroine / Hero.

My perfect hero/heroine is imperfect. I can’t imagine writing a book with a flawless MC.

Do you have a favorite character?

That’s like asking which child is your favorite. I love them all for different reasons.

What is the key message in your writing that you want readers to feel when they finish your book?

Different isn’t necessarily bad. It’s just different.