Do you participate in any writing challenges on social media? Do you recommend any?
I had never done anything like that until the end of last year when I found a writing coach online. Now I regularly participate in her online writing sprints. I’ve never been so productive.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I am a pantser from way back. That being said most of my plots come from daydreaming, dreams, and or nightmares.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I began this book in 2009 after a nightmare. I dreamed of the main male character, Killian O’Connor, though it was very vague. Everything else sprang from there. It languished on my hard drive for 13 years until I picked it back up and with a friend’s encouragement, completed it last year.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Yes, I’m actually working on book two now. This is Abigail and Declan’s story and I’m so thrilled to delve back into their world. Abigail and Declan have retreated to an off-grid cabin to recover from their ordeal and pick up the pieces but as Abigail’s memory returns, so do her strange symptoms.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
My advice is to never give up. Probably a common piece of wisdom but when you’re down and out, even after receiving your umpteenth rejection letter, don’t stop believing in your work, in yourself.
What is the best money you’ve ever spent with regard to your writing?
This is an easy one. I actually borrowed money from my amazing adult son and bought a Mac and Vellum software. I feel that I put everything I had into writing and completing Inhuman Soul and it was important to me to put a professional product out into the world. My son is amazing, by the way. And single.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
I definitely had the most difficult time writing the ending. I just couldn’t seem to get it right. It wasn’t until after I received feedback from my BETA reader that hit me hard, that I was able to nail it down. I’m actually thrilled with the ending that resulted.
What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?
I feel adding a romance to a horror/paranormal story was risky but will pay off in the end. Inhuman Soul is definitely a genre bender. It’s horror/paranormal with romantic elements. Book two will be a solid paranormal romance. I actually had six agent passes because it didn’t “fit” into their lists before I decided I couldn’t handle the rejection and self-published.
What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?
Having designed my own covers, I say go for it, with one caveat. Do you have experience? Have you practiced? Most importantly, be honest and ask yourself if you feel you have the ability to create a professional looking cover? If so, open your mind, look at thousands of covers as inspiration and also check to see what might be trending in your genre. Then, go for it. Be creative, think outside the box, and give it your own spin. Good luck.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Letting go of the real world and all of the problems that go with it and losing myself in my story is sometimes a huge problem. Music usually helps stop the freight train of thoughts and allows my mind to focus on the story.