- Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up, I adored reading a combination of Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables. The two were some of my favorite protagonists. I loved their creativity and free-spirited natures. Still, I didn’t begin entertaining the idea of authorship for several more years.
2. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to become a firefighter. The idea of helping others deeply appealed to me. I watched as firetrucks zoomed down the street to help people in need. It quickly became apparent that I wanted to do something of some societal value. The thread of helpfulness stuck with me and blossomed into a more practical career as time went on.
3. Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
When given the chance, I prefer reading printed books. On a lazy weekend, I like dawdling between independent bookstores and searching for new treasures to add to my growing personal literary collection. I find it easier to recall a story when physically reading a book. Perhaps it has something to do with turning the pages.
If a physical book is out of reach then I’ll purchase an ebook. I like knowing it’s somewhat of an environmentally friendlier option, too. Save the trees.
4. Have you ever traveled as research for your book?
Yes! I love placing my characters in settings I’ve personally experienced. I’ve found that I’m able to implement an added layer of depth to my stories when pulling from personal experience. For example, when crafting a new novel, I like knowing what a place smells like. How does a forest smell on a crisp early morning? What kinds of birds call from the trees when startled by an early hiker? The richer the details, the better the story.
5. What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?
I’ve found that a combination of actively reading and writing does wonders for sharpening the craft. Telling a story is often a born talent, but it can also be learned, honed, and improved over time. I find my writing and editing skills typically improve after spending an extended amount of time with my nose tucked inside a book. I enjoy reading stories from different genres ranging from fiction to nonfiction.
6. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
My schedule tends to vary. When possible, I like to write at least four to five pages a day. As a night owl, my favorite writing times often include the late evening hours. I usually perform the best when I’m able to focus on the page without distraction.
To avoid writer’s block, I like to move from one spot to the next during the writing week. For example, I like exploring new coffee shops and restaurants. For some reason, traveling to new places helps to keep my mind sharp. I try to actively prevent writer’s block by indulging in new settings and perspectives. An unconventional approach to creating a novel allows me to maintain a consistent pace. When possible, I even try to skip writing for a few days at a time. Seriously. Taking a break (like one or two days) gives me enough time to think about the current state of my draft. I’ve often come up with stronger concepts after giving the novel in progress some time to breathe.
7. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like writing all of my novels by hand. It is easier to remember the story when I manually place pen to paper. I eventually retyped the written content. Yes, it probably takes more time, but I prefer having a sharper mental image of the entire story. I feel closest to the story when I’m writing the words on paper. I like keeping the initial drafting stage private. A favorite pen and special notebook usually do the trick.
8. What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
A strong black coffee! A freshly brewed pot of coffee is usually only a few inches away from my pen and paper. I enjoy trying different coffee shops and restaurants but tend to gravitate back to a simple cup of joe.
9. When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
A difficult scene requires my emotional devotion. I try to get into the mental space necessary to create a difficult scene. For example, mystery novels are deeply dependent on character development and relationships. I try to think about where each character came from. What are their fears? Dreams?
When writing a difficult scene, I’m not just holding my character’s hand; I am also walking along their path. The process gives me a deeper understanding of the larger story.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
During this process, I’ve learned more about myself and the people around me. Creating novels and actively reading have broadened my horizons. I’ve learned the value of silence and I’ve also found the merit in quiet contemplation. Crafting my novels has taught me that everything is interconnected. It’s given me a deeper appreciation of the larger picture and all of the important details that come together to color the scene. I am forever grateful that writing has changed my perspective.