Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was a little girl and published my first book 15 years ago. I mainly write historical western romances but this year I’m branching out into contemporary adventure romance with my new Pathway series. I’ve written 7 novels and several short and long novellas. I live in Arizona with my husband and dogs. Our 4 children are mostly grown and gone, but I keep the fridge stocked in case they drop by.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new release, DEEP BLUE (The Pathway Series Book 1), is the first book in a new contemporary adventure series I’m launching this year. Dr. Grace Mann travels to Guadalupe Island, near Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, to freedive with the great white sharks who arrive each fall to mate and feed. Filmmaker Alec Galloway is hired to film a documentary about her, but can he do his job when Grace’s passionate focus on the sharks might endanger her life? I’ve long loved the ocean and in college I dreamed of studying marine biology (instead I got two engineering degrees). I’ve always wanted to write a book featuring sharks, and I finally decided to sit down and make it happen last year. This story combines my love of daring exploration, environmental awareness, and animal conservation. The sharks aren’t the villains in my novel. That was very important to me as I developed the plot. In future books, I’ll be tackling topics such as: ancient artifacts that may have an alien origin, deciphering the language of sperm whales, and efforts to stop elephant poaching in Africa.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I chew a lot of sugar-free gum. When I’m particularly stressed, I consume large amounts of sweetarts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading a lot of fantasy and science fiction. I loved Anne McCaffrey (no relation), Marion Zimmer Bradley, Piers Anthony, Julian May, and Roger Zelazny. During college, I discovered romance and cut my teeth on Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and Elizabeth Lowell (I even named my youngest daughter after one of her heroines).
What are you working on now?
I’m currently finishing the first draft of the second Pathway book, COLD HORIZON, which features Alec’s brother, Tyler, as he climbs K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. On his team is Lindsey Coulson, who has returned to the mountain to face the loss of her sister. I’m hoping for a Summer 2018 release.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to use every avenue available: social media, my newsletter list, blog sites, BookBub. There’s a lot of books out there so discoverability is always a challenge.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to read a lot. It will help you understand how readers connect emotionally to stories, because that’s always more important than a perfectly-written book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be adaptable. Just when you’ve got it all figured out, it always changes.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been reading Tanya Anne Crosby’s Highlander series. Loads of steamy fun!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be working on the next two books in my new contemporary series, then I’ll return to my westerns with a brand new collection.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
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