Hi! Thank you so much for inviting me to your lovely café. I used to own a coffee shop called Heavenly Brew. HB ends up in several contemporary stories. The sign that hung in front of the store is now in my kitchen.
What books did you grow up reading?
Ever since I was a toddler, I never played with toys. Little Golden books were always in my hands. My mom said I never tore the pages or marked them. Growing up, I read children’s classics like Heidi and Black Beauty. Then found the Hobbit and Lord of the rings. At seventeen, romance books found their way into my hand.
Have you ever tried to write a novel for a genre you rarely or never read? 6. Have you ever traveled as research for your book?
Funny you should ask. I’m working on a historical/action adventure with paranormal elements in a cooperative effort with several other authors. Sea Hunter research led me to the New England coast and maritime museums, including the Whydah Museum in Cape Cod.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a glamper. When my husband and I retired, we wanted to travel. 2Hoots is a 41 ft long 13 ft high 5th Wheel trailer. She has a second bedroom called a bunkhouse where I set up my office. We’ve been up and down the east coast and as far west as Kentucky. Our bucket list includes a cross-country coast to coast.
How long does it take you to write a book?
This is a tricky question. I have a work in progress that is about eight years in the making and nowhere near publication. Rock House Grill, published by The Wild Rose Press, started as a NaNoWriMo project. 50,000 words in 30 days. I did it, but then it was two years in edits. Jazz House, the second Impact book, took much longer. Series books are more challenging, in my opinion. This year I finished a novella, contracted it, and edited it in only a couple of weeks. It really depends on the story.
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
The Impact Series was always meant to be a trilogy. The series is about First Responders starting with. Rock House and an EMT. Jazz House is second and focuses on a police officer. The next will be firefighters. Also, readers are clamoring for Olivia’s story. She’s sort of the hub the wheel goes around. I have started it several times, but it’s emotionally a tough one for me. I may be extending the series.
How important was professional editing to your book’s development? 42. What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Here’s the answer to both. Super important. Getting one is my advice. The best you can afford. Case study- my first published book was Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar. Last year I pulled it because it needed better editing. It was a project to get that done while working on the second in the series. My TWRP editor is fantastic. She guides and teaches me, and together we put out quality work. I also am working with a new editor for my independent releases.
What are your favorite blogs or websites for writers? What’s your writing software of choice?
I work in MS Word. I’m comfortable with it, and it meets my needs. I have MS 365, so I can access everything, no matter where I am. My favorite blog is https://appsforwriters.blogspot.com/ which introduces new applications, and I’ve found https://onestopforwriters.com/ a valuable tool on the writing level.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
When I’m writing, usually there is one of the following. Earl or Lady Grey, Diet coke, or my own concoction of half crystal lite orange and half AHA seltzer with pineapple mango.