Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
Full time…sometimes that’s good, sometimes that’s not. When I wasn’t working full time as a writer, I had specific time that was mine for just writing. Now that I’m writing full time, it’s easier to procrastinate.
What are some day jobs that you have held? Did any impact your writing?
I’ve worked in fast food, retail, and full-time teaching. I can’t say it’s really impacted my writing other than I’ve used the experiences to enhance it.
Why did you choose to write romantic suspense?
I’ve always love suspense stories and I’ve always loved a good romance, so choosing to write Romantic Suspense seemed like a logical step for me.
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author?
No, I’m pretty open to writing whatever is laid on my heart.
What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?
I think the most useful thing was just pieces of good advice. One of those was “Just write. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad, just get the words down. You can fix words, you can’t fix a blank page.” When I’m staring at a blank screen or the start of a new chapter, I just write. Then I go back and fix it. I think the most destructive thing—or a bad piece of advice is the phrase “finding time to write.” I’ll often hear pre-published writers say, “I just can’t find the time.” Well, no one can. We all have packed schedules. In my opinion, it’s not a matter of “finding time” it’s a matter of “making time.” Is your writing a priority? My morning looks like this most of the time when school is in session: Get up, fix my breakfast, sit at the kitchen table, have a quiet time, then open my laptop and work until my son comes down. So, before I even see my child in the morning, I’ve already written for about an hour or an hour and a half. Yes, I could have stayed in bed, but I chose to get up and make the time to write. That’s just one example. And everyone can do it. I don’t care what your hours are or whether you have one kid or six kids. So, I don’t accept the whining about not being able to find time to write. Because if you’re looking for it, you won’t find it. You have to carve out that time.
Readers have been devouring your Elite Guardians series. What makes Chasing Secrets, the final book of the series, different from the rest?
I’m so thankful that readers have enjoyed the books! I must say, I’m truly sad to see this series come to an end. I’m thinking there might have to be a novella in the future to really wrap it all up. As for what makes Chasing Secrets different, I would say that it’s only different in that it’s a completely different story in and of itself. It takes you to Ireland and back to South Carolina. Haley, the heroine, learns who she really is when the past comes back to confront her. She has to work to protect herself as well as the client she’s taken under her wing. Not only is she chasing her own secrets and trying to find out about her family, but she also commits to raising two boys who need a home. This book is really all about family. Blood relatives or adoptives, we find out that it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is love.
How does your Chasing Secrets relate to your spiritual practice or other life path?
Since I’m always putting a faith element in the story, I’m always looking up scripture that relates to the story. This keeps me in the word. And being a writer ALWAYS ensures my prayer life is active and consistent!
Many of the scenes in Chasing Secrets have readers racing to the next page. Were there any scenes that took you by surprise when writing?
What took me by surprise was the way the scenes all fit together. Finally! But, yes, there was one character I ended up killing off that took me by complete surprise. I didn’t expect this character to die, and when it happened, I was so sad!
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Author Interview 1
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Guest Post
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Character Interview
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the librarian talks 