Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began my writing career by publishing genealogy books. These were entirely different than writing fiction. The characters are already defined for you when you write genealogy books. After writing eight family history books (and several revisions to those) I decided to try fiction. As an avid reader, I found it increasingly difficult to find books that were thought-provoking and yet entertaining as well. So many new fiction on the market today speak to specific causes, ailments, struggles, etc. What about the struggles of average, ordinary people? My first work of fiction started as a single book but quickly evolved into a six-book series. In the last five years, I’ve written twenty-three fiction books. Most of them are Christian romance. The others are more difficult to categorize. After you read them, let me know which category you would select for them.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current work-in-progress is a woman’s fiction book about overcoming fear. How do we cope with stress and … how do we life actively instead of letting life happen to us by default.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I usually write alone in my office without anyone watching to witness any weird habits I might have developed. And my cats are sworn to secrecy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
People I meet influence me more than other authors. I enjoy taking unusual people and making their quirks come to life in a loveable fashion. Readers have told me that I write in a way that forces the reader to see a person or situation from another angle, make you see a side of things from another perspective. Exposing my readers to those other perspective influences me the most.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is – just do it! Don’t worry about perfection at the beginning. You’ll never finish a book if you never start one. Dedicate a certain number of hours each day/week/month to writing and just plain do it. After that, be prepared to learn the craft. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not as easy as typing a story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live your life as though you are alive. Be actively involved in your own life. And find the joy in all things.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I could only take 3-4 books, my first choice would be the Bible. After that, it would be difficult to decide. I would probably go with historical fiction.
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