- When did you first realize
you wanted to be a writer?
When I was thirteen years old.
Growing up, my closest friends were very talented – one was a pianist, another
a dancer, a gymnast, a basketball player. Making up stories and writing was my
“thing” – something I could do well that I loved.
- How long does it take you to
write a book?
About four months. But I’m a terrible
procrastinator – I work better with a deadline looming over my head.
- What is your work schedule
like when you're writing?
Get the kids off to school and the
husband off to work, then write for a few hours. Run errands and take care of
household responsibilities in the afternoon, squeeze in some Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads
time if possible, then write some more.
Get the kids to their activities, get homework and dinner done, and once
everyone is down for the night, write a little more (if I don’t pass out from exhaustion
first).
- What would you say is your
interesting writing quirk?
I write best when I’m alone in the
house, so there’s no possibility of interruption or distraction. I also pace
and say dialogue out loud, which I imagine looks pretty crazy – hence the
preference for solitude.
- How do you plan to publish?
(self or publisher)
I like working with a publisher. It’s
been a very positive experience. I enjoy
the whole collaborative process, particularly in terms of editing and cover
design.
- Where do you get your
information or ideas for your books?
I think it’s important to be as
realistic as possible with the details of my books. When describing a setting
like New York City or the inner workings of a profession like investment
banking. If that information doesn’t
come from personal experience, then I research it online (thank you Google!).
As for ideas…most of my ideas come to
me when I’m listening to music, while running on the treadmill or driving in
the car.
- When did you write your
first book and how old were you?
Tangled was the first book I’ve
written. I was in my thirties (purposely vague) when I finished it.
- What do you like to do when
you're not writing?
Reading, of course! I also like to
jog or go for walks in the woods with the dogs. If I have extra time, I enjoy cooking – trying
new dishes - and taking care of our vegetable garden.
- What does your family think
of your writing?
My husband is extremely supportive
and tries to keep the kids at bay if I’m in the middle of a scene or on a
deadline. My daughter can’t wait to be old enough to read my books, though as
her mother, I’m not sure if she’ll ever be old enough to read them. And my son tries to get me to do his writing
homework for him. He says, “You can write this better than me – it’s what you
do!”
- What was one of the most
surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That characters really do take on a
life of their own. There are times when I have certain plot points in mind,
places I want to go, but when I sit down to write it, the characters just don’t
want to go there. They have other ideas, and what’s funny is the finished
product usually ends up better that way, than what I had envisioned first.
- How many books have you
written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written Tangled, Twisted, the
short story Holy Frigging Matrimony and I’m currently writing book #3 in the
Tangled Series, Tamed. Their each my
favourite in their own way – it’s like trying to pick a child you like
best!
That being said, there’s definitely a
special place in my heart for Tangled – because it was the first. It’s a
unique, fun take on romance and I love Drew as the narrator – that he grows in
the story, but still keeps those irreverent, charming qualities that make him,
him.
- Do you have any suggestions
to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Write every day. Even if you’re not
in the mood. Even if it’s just a sentence or two. You’ll be surprised at how
much you can actually accomplish and it’s a great way to keep writer’s block at
bay.
- Do you hear from your
readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Yes, I get tweets, emails and
messages from my readers everyday. It’s great hearing from them and I try to
respond to every one. They tell me how much they’ve enjoyed my book and
characters and sometimes inquire about future projects.
- Do you like to create books
for adults?
Absolutely. I think there are some
great life lessons in Tangled, particularly for young women – but because of
the language and subject matter, I think all of my books are strictly for adult
eyes only.
- What do you think makes a
good story?
Interesting, honest, humorous
characters and a solid plot. A little suspense, a little drama to keep things
interesting and a very satisfying ending that makes the time a reader has
invested in the story worthwhile.
- As a child, what did you
want to do when you grew up?
When I was very young, I wanted to be
a lawyer or a judge. But I always imagined writing books “on the side” – as a
hobby or a second job.
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