FAQs

How did you start writing?

I’ve been a storyteller from a young age. My love of the written word started very young, and for as long as I can remember I was giving background stories to my toys and writing short stories. In fact, my mother still has a short story I wrote (and made into a physical book complete with cover) about a sled team.

I didn’t take writing seriously until I was 13. My father gave me his copy of The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks to read. While reading it, and loving the story, the thought that I could do that too entered my head. So, I did; and I’ve been writing seriously ever since. It was a highlight of my writing career when I got to meet Terry Brooks, and not only did he sign that same book, but he complimented my fantasy book covers.

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere! Sometimes it’s art, sometimes music, sometimes it’s random musings that my subconscious pieces together. The inspiration for Awaken was from an Instagram account about a squirrel.

How do you approach writing? (Do you outline? Edit as you go?)

It completely depends on what the project is. With my fantasy and fairy tale I use a system I have dubbed “scene cards”. It is an in-depth way of outlining. When it comes to my romance stories I tend to have a looser approach. I have a notebook where I keep character information, world building, and any plot points laid out. But it is very much of a “pantser” approach rather than an outline. The drafting is much more freeform.

I do not edit as I go. I find it best to finish first before editing, otherwise I run the risk of getting distracted and not finishing the story.

What keeps you motivated to write?

Talking with readers and other writers always ignites the desire to write more.

But most of all I have too many stories that demand to be written. Several years ago I wrote out all the titles and tentative titles of books I had ideas for. Including the ones already written, they numbered over 60. The ideas have only kept coming over the years!

How do you overcome writers block?

Usually if I’m having a block issue it’s because I’ve written myself into a hole. Something in the plot isn’t adding up and it’s my subconscious letting me know. When that happens, I go back to earlier in the story and try to figure out where I went left instead of going right. Usually at that point I can change where the story went off the rails, correct it, and keep going.

Or sometimes it’s just that I need a break, and then I switch to a different story for a while. That break gives me enough time to figure out why I’m having an issue.

Will you do a school visit?

I will absolutely do a school visit! I have been a mentor for young aspiring authors in a middle school program several times, visiting an elementary classroom, as well as guest teaching at a high school. I love doing visits with whomever will have me!

What is your favorite part of being a writer?

Sharing the characters and worlds with others that I’ve created is of course exciting and rewarding. But my absolute favorite part is when I’m writing, everything is coming together, and the story flows so smoothly I lose track of time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?

Two things:

Read. Read everything you can. Good writing, great writing, terrible writing. The more you read the more you learn. You see styles and techniques you like and want to emulate, and those you wish to avoid. But either way you’re learning!

Write. Then write again. Then write some more. And when you think you’re done, rewrite. Good writing takes practice and rewriting.