1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
It definitely chose me. I’ve had stories in my head forever and while in jr. high school, I put pen to paper and my first novel was born - though it was very bad, I’m sure.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
I graduated high school with an acceptable GPA, but only made it through one and a half semesters of college. I had a yearning to work rather than spend more years in a classroom. I did a series of oddball jobs, but finally landed a job that took some skill to keep me from being bored, but gave me a lot of down time in order to write. That’s where I started my first real novel, one that I eventually got published.
3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?
I’ve always been a writer. I felt like a ‘real’ one and could actually say “I’m a writer” when I got my first contract.
4. How would you describe your style of writing?
Deeply emotional. True to the heart.
5. What is your writing process?
I think I’m an oddball. At least, my critique partners and writing buddies tell me I am. I don’t plot on paper or computer, but I don’t sit down to a totally blank slate and start from nothing. I tend to live in my head for a few weeks, developing the characters, their histories, their future goals, before I stick them together. Then I kind of ‘daydream’ their major scenes. Once I feel comfortable enough that all those major scenes in my head will come together in some sort of form that’ll be readable, that’s when I sit down at the computer and put it down.
6. What was your path to publication?
A new year’s resolution. I had seven novels written and had a bunch of judge sheets from contests I’d entered that were downright lousy. So, I made a new year’s resolution that before the end of January, I’d submit my book to a publisher. It was rejected, but they did ask for a re-submission after some problems were fixed. Since then, it’s been more hits than misses.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I love the Internet because I’m severely shy. Promoting via computer is the best thing for me. But, I’ve come to enjoy meeting people in person... in small groups. My local writing groups and small conferences.
8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
The great reviews my books have been getting. People really like me! It’s a big difference from your critique partners or family or friends telling you you’ve got talent. When the meanies out there give you a 4 or 5 or recommended read, that’s when I really feel that maybe I’m doing something right.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
Absolute silence. Anyone with children can probably relate. When I can be alone and surrounded my not a single sound, that’s when my creative juices really get going. I also love to drive. Get out on back roads in the woods and take in the beauty and just let my mind roam where it will.
10. What is your proudest writer moment?
I made a five year plan when I got married. One of my goals was to be published within those five years. My first contract came through a month before those five years were up. It was a very good day for me, to say the least.
11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?
Don’t give up and not everyone’s going to like what you write, but someone will. And that getting published is a crapshoot. 25% skill as a writer; 75% luck in getting your book in front of an editor who’s in the right frame of mind to read your work.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
Turning in a book to my editor that I’d written several years earlier, and her asking me if I was feeling ill. I’d made many stupid errors, and she couldn’t believe I’d written that badly. I wanted to crawl under my desk.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Dealing with a publisher that wasn’t playing by the rules.
14. What is your writer life philosophy?
As long as I never give up, I’ll get where I want to be. It may not be today, probably not even tomorrow… but SOMEDAY I’ll make it as far as I want to go.
15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?
I love to travel.
16. Who do you like to read?
I will read just about any book that can grab my attention in the first 10 pages. Good plot, good writing, great emotion.
17. What’s your advice for new writers?
The same advice that was pounded into my head by critique partners who had faith in me. DON’T GIVE UP!!! This is a tough business and there’s so many bumps in the road to throw you off course or discourage you, you’ve GOT to be strong enough and want it enough to stick it out. Every dog has its day. You just gotta keep going, keep learning, keep striving, and eventually you’ll get yours.
18. What are you currently working on?
Having recently signed with an agent, I’m working on getting a couple full-length novels written that will hopefully sell to print publishers.
