Tell us about yourself.
I love reading stories with humor and heart. I enjoy life, family, gardening, and working out. I am a proud mother and grandmother. I love animals and have always had a dog. I love hallmark movies and inspirational books.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you get started in the world of storytelling?
I felt inspired to start writing because its always been something that I enjoy doing. I love to read and felt the desire to share the values that I hold near and dear into my writing. I believe that a good story can be told without the use of profanity or smut. My wish is to put a smile on someone’s face through clean, wholesome, sweet romance stories.
What’s the most fun part of writing—plotting a twist, creating a quirky character, or something else entirely?
Relating funny everyday things that I come across into my stories. I also love switching things around as my story progresses and coming up with fun quirky characters .
What’s the most unusual or quirky source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a story?
The people around me. Sometimes I will combine different quirkiness from different people I know and come up with a whole new person.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Don’t give up and especially don’t wear your heart on your sleeve. Not everyone will like what you write, but its the ones that do that count.
What role does research play in your writing process, especially when you’re exploring new genres or themes?
I like to stay in the same genre, at least for now. I do a lot of research on places and new things that my characters do and visit that I am unfamiliar with.
Can you share a favorite quote or line from one of your books that holds a special meaning to you?
The truth is my foot is throbbing in time to my heartbeat, which due to the circumstances is unusually fast.
How many times in life do we do something that we wish we hadn’t? Perhaps we were in a hurry and didn’t look where we were going or did something we normally wouldn’t have done if we took the time to think about it first. For some reason thats when we have an unexpected audience to witness the moment.
What is your favorite part of the writing process, and why?
My favorite part of the writing process is coming up with the characters. Its fun to decide what they will look like, their personality, what they’re driving force is, who is important to them and why, and how they will develop and grow throughout the story.
How do you approach character development? Are there any real-life influences in your characters?
My characters are influenced by the things they have experienced in life, the people who touch them and make them want to be a better version of themselves.
What’s your favorite “oops” moment from writing—those happy accidents that turned into something wonderful?
My favorite "oops" moment was when I enveloped part of my quirky, corny, personality into one of my romcoms. I wasn’t sure if my readers would like it. I almost took it out of the book, but decided to leave it in. I was pleasantly surprised as the reviews showed that they actually liked it. It was important to me because thats who I really am, and I was hesitant to reveal that inner part of me .
Have any of your characters ever “taken over” a scene and surprised you with where they went?
Yes it always surprises me when my characters become more than I imagined them to be.
If your book were to get a movie adaptation, which actor would you cast as the protagonist, and why?
My book Totally Opposite I would have the actor Chris Pine play Eric Middleton. He makes a great grumpy face, and looks a lot like the guy on the cover. I loved him for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek.
How do you maintain creativity during tough writing moments or when you’re experiencing writer’s block?
I do one of several things depending on how I am feeling. Frustrated- get in a good workout at the gym.
Sad or depressed- work in the garden, spend time with my dog . Helps me get out of a funk.
Watch a good Hallmark movie- gets me in a romantic mood
What do you hope readers take away from your books, and how do you want them to feel after finishing one of your stories?
I want readers to know that all of us are imperfect and thats okay. We all learn and grow throughout life. If I can put a smile on someone’s face and make their day a little brighter, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Not really. I believe in saying it how it is.
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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