Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have published two series of 5 and 6 books respectively and one stand-alone book. So that makes twelve books in total.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Stolen Heart.” It is a steamy romantic suspense where the two main characters fall in love but get themselves stuck in a difficult situation and have to make some hard choices.
I have always loved “bookish” people and I used to work in a library when I was in college. You have no idea how much flirtation and how many intimate moments can take place in the aisles discretely tucked away between rows of neatly arranged books!
This is what set my imagination going. What if our main character is a young librarian? Would the visitors to the library notice how pretty she is? Would some of them try to flirt with her? And suddenly I could vividly picture Celeste and her cute freckles as she sits at the reception desk. As I let my mind wander, Reggie came in through the doors and he only had eyes for her. I just had to follow them to see what was going to happen next.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Showers! I do my best creative thinking in the shower.
Well, now that I think about it, I have a thing for water. I also get tons of ideas when I swim at the local pool and when I sit at the beach and listen to the rolling of the waves. I prefer the beach on a cold day when there is a gentle wind and you have to dress warmly and nobody else is crazy enough to venture down over the dunes.
Apart from that, I am a bit of an impulsive writer. I prefer to let the characters show me the way rather than plotting the story before writing it. This can land me in trouble when the scenes get stuck, but it also gives moments moments of extreme joy where I get surprised by twists that suddenly show up as I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a tough question. During my teenage years I lived in France for a while and went to secondary school there. So, I have read a lot of French classics. These have undeniably laid a foundation for how I view literature today.
But I love so many different genres. Ranging from political fiction like “Noble House” by James Clavell, to historical fiction such as “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières. In the romance genre, my first love was Danielle Steel and of the more recent authors enjoy romantic comedy like “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren, and in the steamy romance genre I like to read MS Parker and TL Swan.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am preparing my second stand-alone book. One of the characters in Stolen Heart spoke to me: Reggie’s aunt Merriam. So, I decided to explore her character further to see what was happening in her world. As it turns out, the book is completely unrelated to Stolen Heart, and they can be read independently of each other.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is the best place to see what I am up to.
I keep it up to date about the books I publish and there are also links to two free prequels. Each of the prequels introduce the background story of my two series: “Heart of the Galante Legacy,” and “Dren General Hospital.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first time I sat down to write a book, it was one of the scariest experiences I have ever had. It felt as if I was baring my soul to the world and each sentence I wrote was an open invitation for the world to judge me and my writing abilities. That’s a heavy burden to have sitting on your shoulder, whispering in your ear as you try to create sentences.
My advice would therefore be to try to let go of that feeling. Writing is not perfect. It will never be perfect. Writing is also not something that you need massive inspiration to do. I see writing more like a daily thing you just do without worrying about the outcome too much. If you see it more like brushing your teeth, then you will do it everyday. And at some point you will get moments of surprise and beauty and the characters will come alive. Trust the process and keep on going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Yikes, that’s a tough question. I don’t know if I ever really have anything “best” of anything. My life fluctuates and moves along with the punches, so what I think is great one day will speak less to me another day. But right this very moment, a great piece of advice I can think of is: Keep on breathing and you will get through anything. Life can be tough and complicated at times, but as long as you just focus on the simple stuff and take one breath at a time, eventually most things will pass and problems get resolved.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading a children’s book. I am helping a friend put together her first book. (I told you have love many genres!)
I also have a few non-fiction books next to my bed such as “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
And the newest MS Parker book is stuffed into my Kindle screaming for my attention.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many stories in my head that are waiting to become reality. I have a grumpy-sunshine trope book that is taking shape, I have a new series I am planning and I am also playing with the storyline of a Christmas romance.
Every morning I open my eyes, I am so excited about what I want to do today. Of course the day always ends up being completely different from what imagined.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Ha ha ha! Well, you might guess what my answer will be at this point. I don’t do bests or favorites, as it just depends on the day and on my mood. But there are many books that have impressed me through the years. “House of Sand and Fog” by Andre Dubus III has stayed with me for a long time, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger also left a lasting impression on me, and more recently “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles.
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