FAQ QUESTIONS:

Where do you get the ideas for your books?
Ideas come from personal experiences, adventures during traveling and always asking "what if". I have loved horror movies since I was a little kid and remember watching them with my Mother.  I absolutely love happy endings and I love stuff that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.  When I come across and idea I write it down. I think I have enough ideas for at least 50 plus books so far. I better write fast.

How do you do your research for your books?
I use personal experience, the internet, library, public resources, friends, family; basically anything I can get my hands on.  When I travel, I pick up apartment guides, newspapers, tours and interview locals.  Most people are fascinated when they find out you're writing a book and are eager to help.

What's your typical day like?
My typical day involves getting up to exercise and open the blinds for my cats so they can bird watch.  Then I go through the business part of my day (emails, loops, website, myspace, etc.).  I also do research for my books, work on plotting, pacing.  And, I write away.  Either I’m dumping my first draft or I’m editing a manuscript.  My evenings are filled with reading craft books, friends’ books, having dinner with friends or family.  I’m really busy and love it that way. 

What is your writing process like?
I'm new to the craft so my habits are a little sporadic (maybe it’s the Butterscotch Martini’s).  I come up with the premise and think about the world.  What is the timeframe, what is the setting and who do I want for characters.  I then create character sketches and a draft synopsis.  After I have the basics down, I write out my first dump or as Nora Roberts says her piece of shit (POS) draft.  I send an edited version to my critique partners (the butterscotch martini girls) and layer the chapters with more details (e.g., descriptions, blocking, emotions, etc.).

How do you interact with your characters? Do they "come alive" for you?
I really think about the characters.  What are their strengths, their weakness’s, their backgrounds, etc.  I interview them like I was a reporter.  Basically, I try to get into their heads.  You want to know how they will react to situations and how they are going to grow throughout the story.

What do you like most/least about writing?
I love being able to get my emotions out through complex characters and complex plots. I get really excited when I think that my book will make a few hearts race, touch their soul’s and have someone forget about their real problems in by losing themselves in the world I've created.  I’m in awe that people are interested in reading my books.  How awesome!!!My least favorite thing about writing is not enough time to do everything.  You know that sleeping thing really get’s in the way. 

How did you get started writing?
I have always been creative. Through a couple of difficult years I've been able to really delve deep inside of my soul.  I started to write about what I was going through.  Then it moved to an old interest I had of writing stories.  I use to do it all the time.  Now I draw, sew, and write.  I love creating using my hands, my mind and my heart.  For my writing, I joined a local writing chapter, Valley of the Sun Romance Writers and RWA.  The people are great and have helped me get started with my writing career.

What do you read?
I love so many Genres. I read Science Fiction, Fantasy, Murder Mysteries, Thrillers and Romance. My book shelves over flow and my house has stacks of books everywhere. I read several books at once because I get so excited with what I'm reading.

What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? I love to go out to dinner with friends. I like low key places with good food and that allow you to hear the conversation. Laughing with my friends is so important to me. I also like to visit my Brother and family. We have pizza, play cards and enjoy each other. I hike with my sister-in-law on Saturdays. I also love to travel. My favorite place is Paris and no they don't hate Americans. It's like any place you have a few jerks intermixed amongst the diamonds of friendly, wonderful people. I try to have themes when I travel (mostly around ghost haunting and what can I write about).

Lastly, I want to say thank you for being interested in my writing journey and sending me wonderful thoughts.  I appreciate it!!

If I didn't answer a question you have don't hesitate to send me an email.  I would love to hear from you!