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What made you say, “Hey, I want to be a published author”?
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I just wanted to be a writer. As a shy kid growing up, I became a pro at making up stories in my head. Plus, I spent a lot of exciting hours engrossed in books. I even penned a few stories growing up. As an adult, I became intrigued by the challenge of writing a full-length novel. I've always had a creative streak, and am an English teacher by training. iow, could I put those ideas down on paper in a way that others would like to read? Turned out I was pretty good at it. And what a blessing to have a job where someone pays me to do what I love to do--write tales of romance, mystery, adventure and suspense!
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Writing can be a very solitary endeavor, and a crazy business. What do you do to keep your spirits up and keep you motivated day after day?
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It helps to have some shy, introverted genes. I actually enjoy the quiet time alone with my imagination. It does help, though, to have a wonderful writing companion in our rescue dog, Maggie. She's a fifteen pound toodle (miniature poodle/terrier mix) who alerts me to squirrels, UPS deliveries and other interesting activity in the neighborhood. Plus, she demands a good cuddle every now and then, and demands I get up and go outside with her on a regular schedule. So between Maggie and my characters, I rarely feel alone when I'm working.
When it comes to refilling the creative well, I do several things. Spend quality time with my family. Read. Travel. I'm also involved with our local community theater and a community choir.
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You’ve written multiple books. Has your method for writing a book from start to finish changed over the years? If so, in what way? |
Actually, the writing process itself hasn't changed to much. I'm more of a pantser than a plotter. A good friend of mine, author Delores Fossen, dubbed me a "cooker". I think a lot about my story, especially my characters, before I start a book. I generally have an idea for 2-3 scenes in my story. But how I get from point A to point B is never planned out. I trust my characters to take me where they need to go. And if I'm true to their motivations, goals and personalities, they rarely steer me wrong.
What has changed is the time I write. I used to teach full-time and write late at night and on the weekends. Now I write full-time and teach a few evenings/days during the week. My best creative time used to be late at night--now it's first thing in the morning. Also, I do a lot more promotion work, interviews, blogging, etc.. than I ever used to.
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Out of all of the books you’ve written, do you have one or two that were your absolute favorite(s) to write? If so, which one(s), and please share with us why. |
My favorite book ever is ACCIDENTAL BODYGUARD. My favorite storyline is a Beauty & the Beast tale, and with Jonas Beck and Faith Monroe, (and some true pantsing--just let it go and wrote from the heart), I think I got the story right.
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Again, out of all of your books, which one is your favorite cover? Why?
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Again, hard to choose just one. But these are a few of my favorites.
NINE-MONTH PROTECTOR--The colors of the artwork are gorgeous and pleasing to the eye. They got my Ozarks/Missouri countryside right. And it's just such a tender, romantic, protective image of the hero/ine.
TACTICAL ADVANTAGE--This one won't be out until March 2013, but I love how they've depicted my detective hero. He wears leather and street smarts well. Plus, they got the background right--downtown Kansas City, crime scene tape, inclement weather.
AT YOUR COMMAND--because it's just freaking hot (and patriotic at the same time)
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Which comes first for you? The characters? Or the story? |
Almost always the characters. Usually, I get a couple of scene ideas--often the climactic battle/confrontation/turning point, and maybe an emotional scene where the characters' hearts are revealed.
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