Frequently Asked Questions
About Me and My Writing:
1. What first drew you to writing?
Reading. Once I learned to read, I devoured every book I could get my hands on. It wasn’t long before I began writing short stories and poetry. When my children were younger, I wrote for their age group. Now they’ve grown, I write for mine.
2. How long have you been writing?
It seems I’ve been writing all my life, children’s stories, poetry and the like. As to adult fiction, I started writing seriously during the winter of 2009.
3. Have you always written in the romance genre, or did it take you a while to find your niche?
I’ve been an avid romance and mystery reader for many years. It seemed natural to combine the two and try writing one. Romantic suspense is a growing market and, as most of my novels end up with an element of suspense in them, that seems to be the genre for me... although some, such as Zakia, are quite hot. Writing romance and/or suspense is the one thing I’ve always wanted to try my hand at, but I didn’t complete my first manuscript until March 2009. To be able to combine the two and craft a believable, entertaining story gives me a great sense of satisfaction in what I do.
4. How would you describe your writing style?
LOL!!! Eclectic! I have a sarcastic sense of humor at times, which is sometimes reflected in my characters’ dialogue. I love dialogue!
5. Who are your favorite romance authors? Favorite authors in other genres?
That’s easy – Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel. As to other genres – John Grisham, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark.
6. What are the primary influences on your writing?
Life and the fact that I love to read. I tend to write stories that I would enjoy reading myself. I need peace and quiet when I’m writing. I’ve been known to lock the door and turn off the phones. I hate interruptions when the muse is working and the words are flowing. Sometimes the characters actually speak to me. That’s when I know I’m telling their story, not mine.
7. What is your writing routine? Please describe a typical writing session for us. What do you do when you sit down to write?
Routine? I’m supposed to have a routine? LOL
I tend to read over the last couple pages I wrote to get back into the right mindset for that story, then write. If I need to research something, I do it as I go. It isn’t uncommon for me to be working half a dozen stories at a time, so it helps keep them straight. I write anytime the muse strikes. Usually late at night to avoid said interruptions.
8. What is the most surprising thing about you?
Good question! Wish I had an answer for you.
9. What are your writing pet peeves?
Typos! I hate typos and poor grammar. I also hate interruptions. I’ve been known to lock the door and turn off the phone when writing.
10. Major milestones in your writing journey so far?
Major milestones... I'd have to say signing that first contract for Zakia and the Cowboy. I've been writing seriously for over two years and have learned a lot on the way. My first attempts were riddled with head-hopping, but I've finally mastered that one, or at least, I hope so. lol
11. What are some of your writing tips and tricks? What triggers your story? Do you keep a notepad handy? How do you find time to write?
I'm a pantser all the way. The idea for Zakia was triggered in the same moment I heard her name. I usually see the people first and when they start talking to me, I delve into their story, mull it over and start writing. Always, always have a notepad handy. You just never know when inspiration will strike. If a name or setting sparks an idea, I’ll mull it over for a day or two, or three, then jot down pertinent details on a GMC sheet and start writing.
I need peace and quiet to write, although I jot down notes whenever, wherever. Sometimes it's hard to juggle writing and real life, but I try to write a little bit every day.
12. What are some of the most important things you have learnt as an author that you didn't when you were a writer?
I needed broader shoulders. LOL My cp's were quick to point out my trouble with head-hopping...point of view changes. At first, I didn't see the problem, had a difficult time picking up on it in fact, but it was one of the learning curves thrown at me and I perservered. Glad I did. My first attempts were really very choppy.
13. Writing vs social networking. How do you find the perfect balance?
Is there a balance? I haven't found one yet. lol I start my day by checking and answering emails, FB posts and Tweets. I can easily get lost for hours online, or I can write. Most days, I write.
14. What is the most important thing you've learned, either in writing or publishing, or both?
Anyone can do it if they want it bad enough. When I started writing for adults in 2008, I thought I knew what I was doing. I mean, I’ve always had a good command of English grammar, and read mega loads of books, so what was the big deal? Well, let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way! My first attempts were riddled with head-hopping and a few other things. Needless to say, writing is a continual learning experience and I’m enjoying the challenge.
As to publishing and being published, I’m loving it. Zakia and the Cowboy involved a fair amount of editing, but I didn’t have any trouble making the deadlines. My editor, Emma Shortt, is terrific; my cover is fabulous and everything has been done with efficiency. The Evernight team is great to work with! I find that I’m even enjoying all the promoting that comes with having books for sale.
15. Any wise words to everyone out there?
Study the genre you're aiming for, read the books and then sit down to write your novel. Writing involves a continual learning curve and I've learned a lot this past couple years. In fact, I learn with every novel written, which adds to the sense of accomplishment.
I think Michelle Styles, who writes for Harlequin Historicals, says it best: “It takes desire, determination, dedication, discipline and perseverance.”
Might I also add patience and a thick skin? You also need to find a good critique partner or partners, someone who will give you an honest critique of your writing, whether you’re ready to hear it or not.
About My Debut Novel:
1. What inspired you to write Zakia and the Cowboy?
Would you believe a phone call? I work at a call centre and a lady named Zakia called in one day. I loved the name and I had an instant, vivid picture of what she’d look like. The story sprouted from there. I jotted down some notes, tossed around ideas for a day or two and then began to write.
2. Have you always been interested in cowboys? If not, what piqued your interest in them?
What’s not to love about cowboys? I should have been born out west instead of here on the east coast. Cowboys are a breed apart… they are friendly, respectful, hardworking and look great in Levi’s!
3. How long did it take you to write Zakia and the Cowboy?
Two weeks for the first draft. It was part of my NaNo project in 2009. I wrote over 100,000 words in that one month. Then another two weeks of editing, cp’s and editing again.
4. What was your inspiration when writing “Zakia and the cowboy”?
I’ve always loved cowboy stories. A woman named Zakia phoned the call centre where I work and bingo! I knew I had to use the name in a story. So the novel really evolved from that chance call. Once I picked out names, a location, and began writing the characters seemed to want to tell their own story.
5. What was the greatest challenge when you wrote this novel?
Making it believable. I’ve never been on a ranch in my life, yet I could picture the Thunder Creek Ranch nestled at the foothills of the Rockies.
6. Why cowboys?
Why not? LOL I’ve always loved westerns. I grew up with movies of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and books by Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. (My father read them and I’d snag one whenever I got the chance.)
7. I noticed that “Zakia and the Cowboy” and your soon to be published novel “His Christmas Wish” centre on the role of ex-husbands and ex-boyfriends. How come?
I believe in second chances when the right people are involved. Sometimes, life interferes and communication breaks down, so I like to show that things can work out if you want it to bad enough, given the right circumstances.
8. What are you working on right now?
I’m working on the sequels to Zakia and the Cowboy. Book 2, Covert Mission: Sudden Love, and Book 3, Trouble at Thunder Creek are well underway with possibly 2 more to follow in the Thunder Creek series. It’s proving quite the challenge to keep timelines in sync.
9. What was it about these characters and their story that appealed to you?
Luke and Zakia just seemed so right together. I’ve always enjoyed reunion and/or second chance love stories, and these characters spoke to me from beginning to end. During NaNo, 2009, their story seemed to fly onto the page. It was one of those times when I couldn’t type fast enough. Lol Gotta love those days.
10. What can your fans expect to see from you in the near future?
I’m currently working on Books 9 and 10 in the Thunder Creek series. Going to end the series there unless the characters keep popping up and giving me ideas for more. LOL
I’ve written a few Christmas stories for which I’m venturing into self-publishing. His Christmas Wish, a 6,000 word novella, is now on sale at Amazon for $.99. Mistletoe and Mr. Hoe, is a story of love and hope with a bit of suspense included. At 50,000 words, it's on sale now @ $2.99. The Cowboy's Christmas Auction (I know...me and my Cowboys lol) is $.99 as is High-Tech Holiday, Her Christmas Wishes and Once Upon a Christmas.
Reading. Once I learned to read, I devoured every book I could get my hands on. It wasn’t long before I began writing short stories and poetry. When my children were younger, I wrote for their age group. Now they’ve grown, I write for mine.
2. How long have you been writing?
It seems I’ve been writing all my life, children’s stories, poetry and the like. As to adult fiction, I started writing seriously during the winter of 2009.
3. Have you always written in the romance genre, or did it take you a while to find your niche?
I’ve been an avid romance and mystery reader for many years. It seemed natural to combine the two and try writing one. Romantic suspense is a growing market and, as most of my novels end up with an element of suspense in them, that seems to be the genre for me... although some, such as Zakia, are quite hot. Writing romance and/or suspense is the one thing I’ve always wanted to try my hand at, but I didn’t complete my first manuscript until March 2009. To be able to combine the two and craft a believable, entertaining story gives me a great sense of satisfaction in what I do.
4. How would you describe your writing style?
LOL!!! Eclectic! I have a sarcastic sense of humor at times, which is sometimes reflected in my characters’ dialogue. I love dialogue!
5. Who are your favorite romance authors? Favorite authors in other genres?
That’s easy – Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel. As to other genres – John Grisham, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark.
6. What are the primary influences on your writing?
Life and the fact that I love to read. I tend to write stories that I would enjoy reading myself. I need peace and quiet when I’m writing. I’ve been known to lock the door and turn off the phones. I hate interruptions when the muse is working and the words are flowing. Sometimes the characters actually speak to me. That’s when I know I’m telling their story, not mine.
7. What is your writing routine? Please describe a typical writing session for us. What do you do when you sit down to write?
Routine? I’m supposed to have a routine? LOL
I tend to read over the last couple pages I wrote to get back into the right mindset for that story, then write. If I need to research something, I do it as I go. It isn’t uncommon for me to be working half a dozen stories at a time, so it helps keep them straight. I write anytime the muse strikes. Usually late at night to avoid said interruptions.
8. What is the most surprising thing about you?
Good question! Wish I had an answer for you.
9. What are your writing pet peeves?
Typos! I hate typos and poor grammar. I also hate interruptions. I’ve been known to lock the door and turn off the phone when writing.
10. Major milestones in your writing journey so far?
Major milestones... I'd have to say signing that first contract for Zakia and the Cowboy. I've been writing seriously for over two years and have learned a lot on the way. My first attempts were riddled with head-hopping, but I've finally mastered that one, or at least, I hope so. lol
11. What are some of your writing tips and tricks? What triggers your story? Do you keep a notepad handy? How do you find time to write?
I'm a pantser all the way. The idea for Zakia was triggered in the same moment I heard her name. I usually see the people first and when they start talking to me, I delve into their story, mull it over and start writing. Always, always have a notepad handy. You just never know when inspiration will strike. If a name or setting sparks an idea, I’ll mull it over for a day or two, or three, then jot down pertinent details on a GMC sheet and start writing.
I need peace and quiet to write, although I jot down notes whenever, wherever. Sometimes it's hard to juggle writing and real life, but I try to write a little bit every day.
12. What are some of the most important things you have learnt as an author that you didn't when you were a writer?
I needed broader shoulders. LOL My cp's were quick to point out my trouble with head-hopping...point of view changes. At first, I didn't see the problem, had a difficult time picking up on it in fact, but it was one of the learning curves thrown at me and I perservered. Glad I did. My first attempts were really very choppy.
13. Writing vs social networking. How do you find the perfect balance?
Is there a balance? I haven't found one yet. lol I start my day by checking and answering emails, FB posts and Tweets. I can easily get lost for hours online, or I can write. Most days, I write.
14. What is the most important thing you've learned, either in writing or publishing, or both?
Anyone can do it if they want it bad enough. When I started writing for adults in 2008, I thought I knew what I was doing. I mean, I’ve always had a good command of English grammar, and read mega loads of books, so what was the big deal? Well, let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way! My first attempts were riddled with head-hopping and a few other things. Needless to say, writing is a continual learning experience and I’m enjoying the challenge.
As to publishing and being published, I’m loving it. Zakia and the Cowboy involved a fair amount of editing, but I didn’t have any trouble making the deadlines. My editor, Emma Shortt, is terrific; my cover is fabulous and everything has been done with efficiency. The Evernight team is great to work with! I find that I’m even enjoying all the promoting that comes with having books for sale.
15. Any wise words to everyone out there?
Study the genre you're aiming for, read the books and then sit down to write your novel. Writing involves a continual learning curve and I've learned a lot this past couple years. In fact, I learn with every novel written, which adds to the sense of accomplishment.
I think Michelle Styles, who writes for Harlequin Historicals, says it best: “It takes desire, determination, dedication, discipline and perseverance.”
Might I also add patience and a thick skin? You also need to find a good critique partner or partners, someone who will give you an honest critique of your writing, whether you’re ready to hear it or not.
About My Debut Novel:
1. What inspired you to write Zakia and the Cowboy?
Would you believe a phone call? I work at a call centre and a lady named Zakia called in one day. I loved the name and I had an instant, vivid picture of what she’d look like. The story sprouted from there. I jotted down some notes, tossed around ideas for a day or two and then began to write.
2. Have you always been interested in cowboys? If not, what piqued your interest in them?
What’s not to love about cowboys? I should have been born out west instead of here on the east coast. Cowboys are a breed apart… they are friendly, respectful, hardworking and look great in Levi’s!
3. How long did it take you to write Zakia and the Cowboy?
Two weeks for the first draft. It was part of my NaNo project in 2009. I wrote over 100,000 words in that one month. Then another two weeks of editing, cp’s and editing again.
4. What was your inspiration when writing “Zakia and the cowboy”?
I’ve always loved cowboy stories. A woman named Zakia phoned the call centre where I work and bingo! I knew I had to use the name in a story. So the novel really evolved from that chance call. Once I picked out names, a location, and began writing the characters seemed to want to tell their own story.
5. What was the greatest challenge when you wrote this novel?
Making it believable. I’ve never been on a ranch in my life, yet I could picture the Thunder Creek Ranch nestled at the foothills of the Rockies.
6. Why cowboys?
Why not? LOL I’ve always loved westerns. I grew up with movies of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and books by Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. (My father read them and I’d snag one whenever I got the chance.)
7. I noticed that “Zakia and the Cowboy” and your soon to be published novel “His Christmas Wish” centre on the role of ex-husbands and ex-boyfriends. How come?
I believe in second chances when the right people are involved. Sometimes, life interferes and communication breaks down, so I like to show that things can work out if you want it to bad enough, given the right circumstances.
8. What are you working on right now?
I’m working on the sequels to Zakia and the Cowboy. Book 2, Covert Mission: Sudden Love, and Book 3, Trouble at Thunder Creek are well underway with possibly 2 more to follow in the Thunder Creek series. It’s proving quite the challenge to keep timelines in sync.
9. What was it about these characters and their story that appealed to you?
Luke and Zakia just seemed so right together. I’ve always enjoyed reunion and/or second chance love stories, and these characters spoke to me from beginning to end. During NaNo, 2009, their story seemed to fly onto the page. It was one of those times when I couldn’t type fast enough. Lol Gotta love those days.
10. What can your fans expect to see from you in the near future?
I’m currently working on Books 9 and 10 in the Thunder Creek series. Going to end the series there unless the characters keep popping up and giving me ideas for more. LOL
I’ve written a few Christmas stories for which I’m venturing into self-publishing. His Christmas Wish, a 6,000 word novella, is now on sale at Amazon for $.99. Mistletoe and Mr. Hoe, is a story of love and hope with a bit of suspense included. At 50,000 words, it's on sale now @ $2.99. The Cowboy's Christmas Auction (I know...me and my Cowboys lol) is $.99 as is High-Tech Holiday, Her Christmas Wishes and Once Upon a Christmas.