When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always
been a story teller, even as a child. That is what I consider myself
now. It was only after my daughter was born that I first decided to
put a story on paper for her to keep. It started as a Christmas gift.
I wrote a few chapters, put them in a scrapbook and gave them to her
as a gift. The idea was, each year she would get another chapter; a
sort of keepsake present. Eventually, “The Ladybug Princess” evolved
into a full blown book. It was everyone’s great feedback that led
me to start the ‘Meghann Maddox’ series.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know
if it’s a quirk or not, but I listen to Celtic music when I write…
but that is the only time. It puts me in a magical place, and ideas
seem to flow more freely.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Ideas just come, but I have done a lot of research online for the ‘Meghann Maddox’ series.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family and
friends have all been extremely supportive throughout the whole process.
It is nice that I have a built in fan base with my large family and
circle of friends. I can honestly say, without the push of two particular
people, one my BFF and one who is now my agent, I would never have come
this far.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your
books?
The thing that
surprises me the most is that people enjoy my stories. It still seems
very unreal to me that I am working toward publication; that my work
is good enough for that.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written
two, so far, and books 2 and 3 in the ‘Meghann’ series are in the
works. I don’t have a favorite, really. I have favorite characters
in each story. For instance, in ‘Meghann Maddox and the Silver
Acorn’, I adore the mermaids.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so,
what are they?
If you want
to write, then get off your hiney and do it! Seriously, devote an hour
a day at least to do what you love. Don’t let anything stop you, just
find the time to sit quietly and let your
characters tell you their story. Then write it down.
What do you think makes a good story?
A good story
is one that holds the readers interest. A great story not only
holds the readers interest, but makes them feel that they actually
know the characters; they feel what the
characters
feel, and the
reader feels a sense
of loss when the story is done. I know I’m reading an incredible book
when I look up and realize that I have been lost in my book for hours
without realizing it.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
That’s a funny story, actually. I always wanted to be a truck driver. Most girls wanted to be ballerinas and teachers, but not me. I wanted to travel the country in a big rig, meeting interesting people and visit strange places like the ‘worlds largest ball of yarn’ and things like that.