The Fiver

1. What is your writing process?

I wish I had a normal “writing process.” I would probably be much more productive! Ha! But we have a large family and life often gets in the way, so I grab my writing time in snippets whenever I can. My most productive writing days are when I can pour a cup of coffee, settle into my writing chair (or bed), and let the words flow.

2. What inspires you to write?

Everything inspires me to write. Music, movies, bad dreams, conversations with my kids… Inspiration is everywhere if you choose to look for it. Journaling is a great way to harvest stories from everyday life. I have a notebook that travels with me everywhere I go because you never know when you’ll have the perfect character pop up during your day.

For example, at the airport this past weekend, a man was sitting beside me. His phone went off with the unmistakable sound of a casino jackpot. When he answered, I could tell from the conversation it was his wife. That’s a novel-worthy character detail right there!

3. Writing is considered a dream job by many, but what if you were granted the opportunity for a true, magical ‘dream job’. What would it be and why?

My dream job would still be writing but without the business hassle of it. I’d love to be able to JUST WRITE and interact with fans, but that’s impossible for any writer, I think. I thought it was just us indies, but my traditionally published friends work equally hard on the business side of this job.

4. You are standing on a stage, addressing a high school auditorium of teenage creative writers. What advice would you impart to them about the craft and the career path of being a writer?

Just write. Whether it’s bad or good, always keep writing because the craft improves with practice. Also…BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Refuse to take “no” for an answer and never give up! We all have a story about “before we were published” and none of us have been given any mystical opportunity that is unavailable to you!

5. You’re stranded in a snowed in cabin, well stocked up on food, but no internet. What is on your emergency book shelf?

Harry Potter because it’s comfort food for the soul. Stephen King’s On Writing because it’s my favorite book on the craft. Philippa Gregory’s latest book that I haven’t read yet. And, hopefully, book two of Shannon Mayer’s Desert Cursed series. (It’s not out yet.) I really enjoyed Witch’s Reign!

Where to find her:

Any other news or updates you would like to share?

THE SACRIFICE, Book 5 in the The Soul Summoner series, is coming March 27th! Get all the info and download The Soul Summoner (book 1) for free HERE