Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Right now, I have one book published: Katie’s Kottage, Book One of Katie’s Journey. But there are five more and two spin-offs. These are already written and I am just editing them to polish them up for publication.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Katie’s Kottage is a six-book series with two spin-offs, and it was inspired by a short story and a friend’s insistence that it was more than a short story. Katie’s Kottage bloomed into more than what I originally had planned for it. It was exciting to write, and the words seemed to flow. This series is the fastest I’ve ever written, and I am proud of it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a pantster, meaning I do not plan out my books. I just figure out where my characters need to end up and try to put them into chaos to figure out how to get out while growing personally in these challenges.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, of course, J.R.R. Tolkien. He’s the foremost authority in fantasy. However, I have a wide range of authors I like and way too many to list here. I do like to read mystery, thriller, fantasy, romance, westerns… I guess the list could go on.
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing the Katie’s Journey series and the two spin-offs. However, I did just write an apocalypse type of book that I think is interesting. I like strong female characters and tend to write women in more take-authority types of roles. They know what they want and work to achieve it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So, I currently use Twitter and Facebook. However, I’ve branched out into Pretty-Hot.com, Allauthor, Amazon, and I keep my eye out for more. Marketing is by far the most difficult part of this process.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write on! You have a story to tell. Only you can tell it. Don’t be afraid. Get your idea down and then work on polishing it up. There are so many avenues to get your book published and do your research before deciding. You have as much time as you need and don’t rush it. Get your Beta readers so they can critique your work so you can polish it up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You fail only if you stop writing.” -Ray Bradbury. If you are an author, or you are writing (not published) keep writing. You can do this.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am not reading anything as I have been concentrating on editing. However, I have met so many wonderful authors on various author sites and have many books to choose from.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to get Katie’s Journey fully published with the two spin-offs and finish some other stories I have in the works.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Ugh! I cannot choose just one! But if I have to narrow it down – who didn’t like the Black Stallion series? As a horse lover, that was my dream horse.