The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit is a middle grade, fantasy novella about a curious young man living in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father. He spent his days playing alone. In the back of his mind he wondered what happened to his mother, and why his father was tight-lipped about the past; but secrets have a way of getting out.

It all started with a stay at his grandmother’s cottage. Alexander found strange clues tucked away in his father’s old bedroom. With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack he set off on an innocent search for answers about his family.

When he discovered a secret passageway the search took a dramatic turn. He suddenly worried about what was searching for him. Alexander was being hunted by a sorcerer from his father’s past. Answers lead to more questions and the journey of his life.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband is wonderful. He has been extremely supportive since day one. He is curious about every character. He even wanted to dress up like Ferdinand, the fearless hopper and walk around downtown to help promote the book.

Your biggest critic?

Well, that’s easy… ME!! I try to remain independent from the good (or not so good) opinion of others; but the last thing I want to do is bore readers to tears. I’ve had some sleepless nights since Alexander Drake came out.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

This is not necessarily a cause, but the underlying theme in my stories/blog is empowerment, self love, and living purposefully. I was terribly lost and insecure as a kid. Self esteem and bullying really strikes a cord with me.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Yes, joining writing communities is a great way to learn; as long as you keep your ego out of the way (it can be brutal). I received some fantastic advice about my writing in that fashion. It is amazing what one can learn during the editing process.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

The first thing I do is get out of my desk chair, and walk outside. If I don’t do this I will most likely start revising, or rewriting – curse my over analytic tendencies!

What are you currently working on?

I am on part 3 of the Azra’s Pith series; but I put it on hold to polish up part 2… I want it to be nice and shiny before it leaves my laptop.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Wow! Can I bring more than one?? If it must be only one, I’d be sitting under a palm tree reading The Hobbit… I know – totally unoriginal. What can I say; it’s one of my favorite journeys. If I had to be stuck somewhere at least I could travel through Middle-earth in my mind…

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

I’m a mother, and that changes everything! Life centers around my little ones. Spontaneity has been replaced with structure. Footloose and fancy-free has been replaced with responsibility and practicality. Oh, and I also write more. Overall, I’m very, very happy, and I’ve aged… A LOT!

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Good or bad… my circumstances are a result of the choices I have made on my life journey. I try to make good choices and learn from the bad ones.