When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
At age 13. My aunt, Mary Curtis Bowers had a very successful career
as a romance novelist in the early to mid 80’s with Avalon Books. When I read
her first published book, I knew that is what I wanted to do.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
Yes! I’ve always wanted to
be an author. The best thing is being able to create new worlds and use your
imagination. The worst is, getting your name out there and your work as well.
An unknown author doesn’t really get the backing nor has the resources to
promote and market like bestselling authors do. The publishing world is a tough
world to break in to. And sometimes I am amazed at how many great authors do
not get the attention they deserve because they are a no name. And I am equally
amazed at how some books achieve best seller status just because a well-known
author has penned the novel.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
The Unicorn and the Rainbow. I was 4 years old.
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
I’ve always had a
fascination with vampires and being from the South, The Bible was a huge
influence in my life. I especially loved the stories in The New Testament about
Jesus and The Apostles. I was very disappointed the stories did not go into
further in detail of the lives of The Apostles after Christ’s crucifixion. So I
started thinking. What if the reason why the details are not mentioned is
because no one knew what happened. What if, The Apostles suddenly disappeared
or better yet, what if they were actually punished by Christ and The New
Testament was written to cover it up? And that’s when it came to me. What if,
Christ punished them because He was afraid they
would betray Him just as Judas did? What if, in an effort to make an example of
The Apostles, Christ turned them into vampires by using The Holy Grail at The
Last Supper? Forcing them to survive on the very blood He deemed was the
embodiment of life. After many years of writing, re-writing and re-writing some
more, The Vitandi was born.
Who is your literary hero?
Alex Cross. I’m a
HUGE James Patterson fan!
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
I’d say all of my characters are based
on people I know. Especially my family. All the characters names either are the
real names of my family members or variations of them.
Describe your main character in six words.
Sexy. Confident. Charismatic. Wise. Funny. Charming.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Unique. Original. Plausible. Creative. Innovative.
Fresh.
What scene was your favorite to write?
I’’ll
give the Chapter. Chapter 23. When John “The Apostle” reveals the back story of
The Apostles to my heroine, Nicole Erwin. I’ve added a unique twist to his
tale. One that I feel is very different.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The love scene. My MC Kellan Donnolly must father a child with my heroine,
Nicole. It gets pretty heavy. I was totally embarrassed.
What are you working on now?
I am currently
working on a sequel to The Vitandi titled, Anathema. The MC in this book is
Gaius Cassius Longinus. The Roman commander who pierced Christ’s side with The
Holy Lance. He too was punished for his
role in Christ’s unjust demise and this book branches off on a whole new
adventure, which still includes the characters from The Vitandi, only the focus
is on Longinus. The heroine this time is a homicide detective in New York City,
Sydni Taylor. Honestly I like this book better.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
My goal is to get the word
out about my book. Not from a financial perspective (although I wouldn’t be
unhappy if it made bestsellerdom) but more from a creative and exploratory
perspective. You know, to break out of the norm and create a world that not
only fascinates the reader, but makes them believe it could have actually
happened. I have received fantastic reviews so far and I am very grateful my
work is being noticed.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
Yes! Author Kelly D.
Abell. I came across a copy of her book Sealed In Lies and was memorized! After
finishing that book I read her other books. Kelly has a unique talent. The
worlds she creates are not only exciting, but keep you on the edge of your seat
to the very end. She has also written a series of YA books. My favorite is
Haunted Destiny. I recommend you check her out. You will not be disappointed.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not
writing?
Gosh! I didn’t know there was anything else to do BUT write! No,
seriously, I enjoy spending time with my family. My 4 kids and my wonderful and
supportive husband.
