When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
My mother told me that when I was a baby and
just old enough to sit up, I used to flip through a cloth picture book and
speak in baby talk. I think I was making up stories then. I certainly couldn't
have been reading!
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
I think I always wanted to write, but
previously my efforts were sporadic. I feel a tremendous sense of
accomplishment when I finish any type of writing, whether it's a poem, a short
story, or a novel. The worst thing about writing is that sometimes it's hard
not to take criticism personally.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
In third grade I wrote a story about a cat from
outer space. The teacher said I must have had a brain tumor to think up a story
like that. But years later, Disney released a movie about a cat from outer
space. I wonder if she sold my idea! Fortunately, her comment didn't make me
stop writing.
What made you create (your book)? How did it
come to you?
I wanted to write a paranormal book, but I
didn't want to write about vampires because so many of those books existed. I
thought the concept of shape-shifting was intriguing, but I wanted my book to
have a variation on the theme. In my series The Tala Chronicles, I have not
only werewolves but also people who have the werewolf strain weakened from
intermarriage. Having both adds an interesting slant to the werewolf subject
and affords multiple plot possibilities.
Who is your literary hero?
I really don't have just one, but in the
paranormal and horror categories, that person would have to be Stephen King.
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
Some of my characters do have my traits, and
they probably have even more than I'm aware of. I try not to give my characters
traits that people I know would recognize as theirs.
Describe your main character in six words.
Haunted,
artistic, loyal, courageous, intelligent, and persevering.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Dangerous, exciting, mysterious, benevolent,
strange, and memorable.
What scene was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene in the most recent book Wolf Slayer was the last one.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The scene I revised the most was the beginning
of the book. Tala has to make a difficult choice, and I wanted it to be
realistic and something that evokes empathy.
What are you working on now?
I recently finished Book 4 of the Tala
Chronicles. I'm trying to decide on a title. I'll release Humorous Horror Poetry soon, and I'm revising a medieval werewolf
novel.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
I'm planning at least one more book for The Tala Chronicles. A
mystery series sounds intriguing. I'm looking forward to taking more writing
classes, and I'll probably teach a few. Conferences are always tempting.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
There are so many books, but The
Shining by Stephen King is the scariest book I ever read, and I think it
will always be my favorite of his. The sequel, Doctor Sleep, is excellent, too. I also highly recommend The Circle by Dave Eggers. It's a
prophetic roller-coaster ride about social media run amok.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're
not writing?
I'm a voracious reader. My husband and I live
in Florida, and we enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling.
