1: How did you start
writing? My grandmother overheard me telling a
story to my siblings and cousins. She said I should write down the tales so
they could be enjoyed by others. Eventually, that’s what I did.
2: What is the one
thing you most enjoy about writing? Least enjoy? I
have to admit I enjoy the whole process. The way the ideas forms and alters in
my imagination and how characters make an appearance without my consent of
knowledge beforehand, as if they are the creators of the literature I’m
documenting. Does that make me their tool, or what? I least enjoy the end. Not
so much ending the story, but rather tying up the loose ends. Making sure I
haven’t overlooked or forgotten something. As most writer will tell you, forgetfulness
goes hand-in-hand with creativity. At least those writers I know.
3: If you could go
back in time and talk to anyone, who would you speak to? Why? There are too many to consider. Although, I wouldn’t mind
checking into Shakespeare’s mind. Just out of curiosity.
4: When you write do
you plot out the story or do you let your muse run wild? I am a pantser. I can’t plot to save my life. Seriously, if I
want to kill an idea quick, all I have to do is plot and there it goes. I’m
strange like that. I can have an idea for the beginning, middle and ending but
when it’s all over if I’ve written the idea down it’ll change. If I leave it in
my mind it’ll stay. Now is that crazy or what? On a normal writing day, I’ll
just let the whole thing run rampant. Those ones don’t ever stop until I reach
the end.
5: Tell us a bit
about your book. Soul Nature was a bit of a
surprise. It’s about two hybrids (Kat and Miguel) in Las Vegas for friends’
wedding and end up getting hitched and bound themselves. Completely unexpected.
It’s one of my quick writes.
6: What inspired the
story? My second daughter was watching a movie
where this woman goes to Vegas for her bachelorette party and ends up married
to a man who wasn’t her fiancĂ©. It just grew out from there. And very much fun!
7: Is this a series
or a stand alone novel? It is a part of a series. I
tend to create series, even without trying. J
8: What advice would
you give an author just starting out? Don’t stop
and be sure you have a tough skin. Because as sad as it is to admit, there are
many other writers/authors who will see you as a threat to their readership and
aren’t afraid to attack. Don’t lose hope and don’t give up. And always make
sure you’re writing for yourself, what you want to read. Don’t lose yourself to
gain an audience. J
9: How do you balance
writing with the demands of everyday life? Lots and
lots of Post-Its. Like seriously, I
have sticky notes everywhere! I am so
not even kidding. My stickies have stickies. It’s crazy. I swear they give
birth overnight when I shut the lights off. I wonder if that’s why I can’t stop
writing? Hmm, something to consider. J On a slightly more serious note, it’s not an easy thing. I
have five children (three of whom are out on their own), so pretty much what I
did was shift that unused time and energy to writing. Oh and I have a couple of
awesome young daughters who try their best to keep me on my toes. Memory wise.
And a husband who often mentions things. Like reminding me to eat. I tend to
forget that.
10: How much research
do you do for your writing? A lot. I’m always
looking into and reading everything I can get my hands on when an idea tackles
my imagination. Not all the time is it easy and sometimes take a LOT longer
than I originally planned. But readers, these days, know a LOT about
everything. You can’t fake your way through without knowing even just a tad bit
about what you’re writing about. With paranormal and fantasy, I have to admit
for the most part, I’m forgiven because it’s not a ‘reality,’ in essence, it’s
make believe. However, for my peace of mind, I want what I’ve created to tickle
their imagination with the possibility of it being REAL. J
11: If you met a
genie, what 3 things would you wish for? Why? First,
I’d want enough money to live well the rest of my life (not rich just enough I
don’t have to worry about the bills and other necessities in life); Second,
12: What is the one
thing about the writing world that most surprised you? There are more writers/authors who are afraid you’re going to
take their readers from them. I thought that was something completely limited
to high school, but found it’s not. I’ve been lucky enough to find even more of
those who are willing to assist new writers/authors. J
13: What are you
currently working on? I am working on multiple
projects. A couple of which will release soon through MuseItUp, two new series;
Gods’ Stones and Divine Immortals. For the most part, I’m a workaholic. I
always have many different pieces going at the same time. Even a couple more
series in the works. And yes, before anyone asks, there are more Twin Flames
for that series. I’m kind of bouncing around at the moment. J
14: What do you like
to do when you aren’t writing? Read, listen to
music, make jewelry, veg out and watch movie marathons with the teens. Who
doesn’t still enjoy a good horror marathon? lol
15: What is the one
thing you’d like people to know about you? I’m a
perfectionist and workaholic and I
have OCD. Like seriously, I’ll hold onto a manuscript forEVER just because it isn’t perfect to me. I am working on that one.
J As for the workaholic…yeah,
doubt that’s going to change. It’s in my family’s blood. We work until we
literally die. I’ve lost family members because they weren’t supposed to be
working and were…but that’s another nasty tale better left for a book or two. J As for the OCD (or should I
say CDO? LOL) it’s a lot better than it used to be. No, I’m not a control
freak, I don’t have to be in control all the times. However, I found it gave my
mind some peace during bad times. I no longer panic when things are out of
order. I will however, grumble until someone puts it back the way I had it. Did
you know, the positive thing about OCD is you always know when your things have
been taken? Yep, that’s the positive side. J
5 Bonus Questions
16: What’s your
favorite color? Red. I’ve always LOVED red.
17: What’s your
favorite food? Pizza. You can eat at any time of
the say and it’s still good.
18: Favorite TV show? Way too many to name. I enjoy watching The Walking Dead with
the kids. It’s a family show. J
19: Favorite Movie? Again, way too many to name. The Star Wars movies, a share
with my son. J
20: Favorite Song? I love them all!! Put Def Leppard or Nickelback on and I’m a
happy camper. J
1 comment:
Nice interview! It's true writers should develop tough skins because we certainly need them!
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