Guest Post by the Author
*Pen or type writer or computer?
I almost always write on my laptop, although if I am traveling I sometimes open google docs on my phone and work that way until I can get back to the computer and copy it into my work in progress.
*Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. My goal is to eventually have my writing income be the only income we need.
*Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
Silence. I have five kids, noise is constant in this house. I can write with it, and just tune everything out, but I enjoy silence. There is enough going on inside my head when I am writing that it helps to not have the outer noise as well.
*If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t wait so long. You CAN do it, you just have to believe in yourself.
*What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
I’m a total pantser. I just let the words come. I tried to write an outline once. After a week I had exactly 47 words. At this point it doesn’t work for me, but I am well aware of how quickly things can change so I will continue to attempt to make outlines randomly in the future. You never know when something will click.
*Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I am a voracious reader. Since I have started writing more seriously I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, but I still finish at least a book a week. I’m a fast reader and can read an average length novel in about two hours. I like mostly fantasy, but also enjoy thrillers, romance, women’s fiction… If the cover and blurb grab me I will give almost anything a try.
*What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
So far not much. I have based the books I have written so far largely on what I already knew. I write until I come across something I need more input on and Google it.
*How long have you been writing?
I had my first short story published in a magazine in high school. (25 years ago!) Then I took time off to do other things. I am coming up on the one year anniversary of my first novel’s publication on May 29th. In that year I have completed and released a trilogy, a standalone novel and a novella that is the prequel to my next trilogy.
*Who designed your book covers?
All the books I currently have published are done by Rebecca at Dark Wish Designs. She does amazing work. I do have some books in the works that have covers by other designers as well.
*What can we expect from you in the future?
Lots more books!! I have a notebook full of ideas, as well as a few covers that I fell in love with that will need to be filled with words. I am working through a sequel to my most recent novel, Just Once More, that will release at the end of May. It is called Embracing Tomorrow. Then I have a couple more trilogies planned, at least one of which will be completely released by the end of this year.
*What are you passionate about these days?
My “pet” cause is organ donation. I think everyone should be an organ donor. I am registered with Be the Match, a bone marrow registry, as well as on the list of living donors, should someone need a kidney, etc. And, of course, I am an organ donor. I have the little icon on my driver’s license as well as a living will that states I want my body to get as much use as possible out of it if I die while I still have healthy organs and tissues.
*What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love to lay in the sun with a good book, preferably on a sandy beach somewhere. I also find horseback riding to be very therapeutic. A good long soak in the hot tub or bath helps me to relax as well.
*Have you written any other books that are not published?
I have a few that are in various states of completion, but none that I have completed and hidden away or anything. Everything that I have written so far will be put out into the world for my readers at some point.
*How to find time to write as a parent?
Whenever I can. Before they get up in the morning and after they go to bed at night are the two biggest opportunities. I do have Google docs on my phone and if we are out where I have a few minutes I open it up and get some words in, then go home and add it to whatever I am working on.
Author Bio
