• What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
I try to interact with my Twitter followers each and every day. I am also super active on Goodreads, constantly sharing any new book I am reading. As an author, I realize how important it is for my fellow writers to receive reviews so I am basically a review addict.
• What are some day jobs that you have held? If any of them impacted your writing, share an example.
By day, I am an insurance broker. We rent a small office located above a jewelry shop and our landlord is the jeweler. He’s quite the character and sometimes, my co-workers and I let our imagination run wild, making up stories about the jeweler downstairs. Those silly stories created the foundation of Ezra Silverstein, the psychopathic husband /pawnshop owner of Sara Conrad in A PENNY’S WORTH. Basically, Ezra Silverstein is our landlords alter-ego.
• What do you like to read in your free time?
I constantly balance my reading to include an indie author I have met on social media, as well as a book of my choice. By doing this, I’ve discovered that books published by Blackbird Digital, a small press in Britten who puts out awesome books. One of my favorites being VALENTINA by SE Lynes. Right now, I am focusing more on titles that will assist my research for my latest paranormal mystery, so I plan to read lots of books about death, the afterlife and ghosts. I am really looking forward to soaking up a ton of knowledge and writing inspiration from Tim Gurung’s AFTERLIFE.
• Who are some of your favorite authors?
Christopher Pike was my all-time favorite author as teen, then I graduated to Stephenie Myers but since she’s gone on a hiatus, I’m been leaning toward more indie authors such as Kelly Favor, who in my personal opinion is just as good, if not better than EL James.
• What are some great books you’ve read recently?
After 35 years, I’ve finally gotten a chance to pick up THE COLOR PURPLE. I can’t believe how this book just sucked me in. I keep shaking my head in shame that it took me so long to find such a great book. I can’t wait to check out the film adaptation.
• What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?
An email from a stranger. It’s so simple, yet so over-the-top rewarding to see an email from a stranger clear across the country wanting to discuss my book with me. It really gives meaning to what you do. Even if your book has that effect on only one person, you still reached into someone’s heart and touched them. It’s magical really.
• What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the world-building within your book?
BETWEEN DREAMS was inspired through my obsession with bands such as Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance and The Used. In a way, I almost feel like those singers told the story through their music, all I did was translate it. Especially with MCR’s album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. The band meant for it to be a concept album. There was a story buried deep in there. All I did was pull it out.
• For those interested in exploring the subject or theme of your book, where should they start?
BETWEEN DREAMS is deeper than most think. I had done so much research for that book, learning about Jewish Folklore and the story behind Lilith, Adam’s fist wife prior to Eve, and how she became a demon. Basically, this story was a mix between the bible and lore. I plan to incorporate more of those stories in the continuation of the series. It will get deeper and think the fans will really enjoy the twists.
• What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
The twists at the end. I don’t think there has been one reader who has been able to guess the twist at the end of each story. This is actually what takes so long writing my books. I will not end a story without an explosive ending. It takes a ton of brainstorming and discussing with my editor to reach an agreement on this.
• What ’s the best way to market your books?
Book Bloggers! Both Indie Sage and Princess of the Light (NN Light) have been AMAZING at spreading the word on my novels! They have helped me reach audiences I otherwise never would have found.