Frequently Asked Questions:

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Not consciously, but for years, I've written down snippets of different stories I had in my head. I just never finished any of them. It wasn't until I left my job that I decided to see if I could actually finish an entire book. To my surprise and delight, I did. From there, I was hooked.

Why do you write romance?

I've read and enjoyed various genres through the years, but kept coming back to romance. I love the optimism in a romance. Each book has its own journey and story, but in the end, I know there will be happiness. As the main characters develop through the pages, falling in love, making mistakes, sometimes going through horrific circumstances, they experience a self-discovery and often find out they're much stronger and capable than they thought. And despite everything they've gone through, there’s hope for the future because of their love for one another. I love closing a book with a smile on my face.

What would you say to a writer just starting out?

Learn as much as you can about the business of writing. Surround yourself with like-minded, positive people. Join a writing organization. I highly recommend Romance Writers of America. Develop friendships and associations with other writers so you can share your triumphs as well as your disappointments. Help other writers and allow them to help you. If you decide this is what you truly want to do, despite the disappointments and difficulties, then never give up. Perseverance is key. Keep on writing, keep on learning. The more you write, the more you'll learn.

How long did it take you to become published?

I finished my first book in 2002. I wrote four more manuscripts and received multiple rejections before selling my fourth manuscript to Ballantine in 2007.

What books or authors have influenced your writing?

I honestly believe I’ve learned something from every book I've ever read. However, growing up, my favorite book was The Rolling Years by Agnes Sligh Turnbull. I think it was the first time I realized how powerful the written word could be. How it can move and influence you in ways you've never experienced. Even decades later, I still remember the incredible emotions I experienced while reading that book.

When and why did you want to become a published author?

Characters have always been in my head, having dialogue, getting into all sorts of situations. A story line would pop up and I'd think about it, play around with it, but never seriously considered writing the entire story. After an eighteen-year career with an insurance company, I wanted a change. I quit my job, without any real idea what I was going to do next. I played around with several different things, trying to determine exactly what my real passion was. While I did this, I read a lot—seven to ten books a week. One day a story idea came to me. Instead of just thinking about it and letting it go, I began to write it. From there, an obsession was born. The more I wrote, the more I wanted to write. And I couldn't stop until I finished it. Of course, after I wrote that one, I had to write another. And after the challenge of completing the manuscript, I chose another challenge of pursuing publication.