I began writing as soon as I could put two sentences together—I think in the first or second grade. My love for reading anything and everything inspired my vivid imagination, and gave me the desire to create stories.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Although I’ve been writing my entire life, it wasn’t until my first published book started selling that I considered myself a real writer. Before that, I was just a hopeful writer.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?
I love suspense and mystery, and was inspired by a book written by Dean Koontz to write my first suspense novel,Cause She’s A Good Girl. I was also addicted to Harlequin Romance novels back in my early years. I love Happy Ever Afters, and I love writing about them.
What have you written so far?
I’ve written 5 books so far. One suspense: Cause She’s A Good Girl; one Romantic/Suspense: Colors In The Dark, and three Romances: As My Wife, Invitation to Love, and Under The Harvest Moon.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Not everyone is going to like what you write, and that’s okay. Those that get you will be your fans for life; do not obsess over those that don’t. I would also like to add that after learning the craft, write your way, not what you think will appeal to the masses. Write because of your great love for it, not for fame and a spot on the bestseller’s list.
Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?
Cause She’s A Good Girl is about a young woman named Piper Banion who’s had to deal with the fact that she will never know the unconditional love of a mother. Once she escapes that fact, and finds true friendship and acceptance, she seeks to build a new life with her best-friend, Shelly, in California. But not so fast—there’s a serial killer on the loose and she suddenly realizes that she has met most of the victims. She also discovers that there’s a strange connection between her and them. The question is: Will she be able to solve those murders before the killer figures out that she’s on to them?
What made you sit down and actually start writing this book?
Sometimes something someone says or the way someone looks inspires a story. In this case, part of it was my admiration for the soulful superstar musician, Prince (I think he’s gorgeous)! Also, Dean Koontz’ book, Intensity, inspired this work.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed everything about writing Cause She’s A Good Girl, from the first mysterious page to the last goodbye. I love bringing my characters to life with their unique personalities, and putting their adventures on paper. Piper is kind, strong, and determined to right a wrong; Shelly is loyal to the end, and is always a rebel for the cause; and then there’s charming, sexy Oz who looks like Prince. Put them all together, and you get a very interesting story.
What is your next project?
I’m working on two projects at the moment. One is a suspense novel that will take place in France, and featuring my signature strong female protagonist; it will hopefully be released in 2017. I’m also working on a suspense/sci-fi that takes place in Egypt and features an evil mummy. I’m excited about both projects.
Waking Writer 