Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been published since 2003. My latest incarnation, Jenna Castille, was born at a Reno RWA conference in 2005. My first book as Jenna came out soon after. I’ve written a total of eight books, which I’m now re-releasing as I write more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest re-release is Spells at Midnight. It started out as an origin story for this paranormal odd-couple, matchmaking service I had stuck in my head. Matched by Magic was born from that. All the books from that series, along with the spin-off I’m working on now, come from that idea of pairing up the strangest couples I could think of.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Isn’t all writing an unusual habit? I guess, if I had to pin one down, it’s my compulsive how-to writing book habit. Whenever I get a case of writer’s block, I find myself haunting the writer’s reference section of the local book store. I’ve got quiet the collection going now 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Which ones haven’t? I’m a compulsive reader. I say I cut my teeth on Tolkien, literally. My folks read the whole series to me before I could read. I’m sure I chewed on their copy of The Hobbit. But honestly, I love fantasy, romance, and horror. Stephen King and Dean Koontz are snuggled up on my bookshelf next to Nora Roberts. In my writing genre, I love J. L. Langley, Lyn Gala, Stephani Hecht, Jordan L. Hawk, J.M. Dabney, R. Cooper, T. J. Klune, and I could go on and on…
What are you working on now?
I just finished the full plot for Feast for an Incubus, which will be the start of a spin-off of my Matched by Magic series. I’m also working on another, new Fae series that’s coming along fast and furious. Damn Sidhe won’t leave me alone 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
And that’s the million dollar question. I’m starting over as an indie author and am right in the middle of the learning curve. So far, I have to say Pretty-Hot.com seems to be a great place to start.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. Keep your butt in that chair. I’ve have some real dry spots in my career. I let what was happening in the industry, and the death of several small publishers, get me down. You’re going to have downs in your career. Don’t stay there. Keep at it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I first started, back in 2001, an author told me that she’d never met someone who really wanted to be a writer who never got published. Sometimes it took a dozen books to get there, but as long as you keep working at your craft, you’ll have strangers reading your stuff some day.
What are you reading now?
I just finished A Wish Upon the Stars, the last of T. J. Klune’s Tales from Verania. I loved this series! I have a soft spot in my heart for a sarcastic, but lovable protagonist.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Like I already said, I’m setting out into the world of the indie author. I’ve lost two publishing houses, like many other writers I know. And the self-publishing industry is so very different from when I first started writing. I’m looking at this whole thing as a huge adventure.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I hate this question. I really can’t choose. There are too many beautiful babies out there. I’ll just say I’ve been on a fantasy kick recently, as you can tell by the book I just finished.
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