What got you interested in writing?
Sadly for my reading list, my tastes are in the minority. I decided to write a story that I would enjoy reading. Once I neared the end of the writing process, I decided to pursue publishing. I was convinced there were other people who thought as I did.
What is the appeal of writing Historical romance?
Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. Instead of grand career goals, I preferred to be a homebody. I look for that in books. Don't get me wrong, I like reading about a strong woman, but only if there is a strong man by her side. When that happens, I'm hooked.
How have you shocked your readers?
I try to have a shocking moment in each book. The biggest shock I gave was when I killed the hero. Talk about outrage. Everyone insisted I change the ending. I did and oddly enough, when new people read the story, they thought the main character should have died. Go figure.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
When I first started writing, I was a pantser. There was no rhyme or reason to how I wrote. When I started The Night Lamp, I wrote in a straight line. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I hit a dead end. I thought I would never find a way out. Thanks to two fantastic (and patient) critique partners, I finally finished it. From then on, I worked from a completed outline. That doesn't mean I won't alter things, but at least I have a beginning, middle, and an end in sight at all times.
What have you learned from being a published author that you wish you knew before you were published?
Promotion, promotion, promotion. The need for it never stops.
Any advice for new writers?
Write what you love even when you get discouraged.
What’s next for you?
To celebrate the release of the digital version of The Night Lamp, I am having a contest. Go to my website or blog for a chance to win a free copy.
What have you got in the works?
I have a chapter or two left to write on my latest book,
Shades of Gray. Broken Death is my attempt at a new genre. I hope to have that available sometime this summer.
