When did you start writing?

I scribbled stories as a child and carried on scribbling—different things, children's book, thrillers, anything that came into my head and excited me enough to want to write down. I was working as a cashier at gas station it was only when I was at home that I actually finished a book. Typing 'the end' on something felt like progress. I sent it to all agency and it was rejected, but the comments were positive so I tried again, and again. It never entered my head to give up.

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How do you get started on a new manuscript?

A story comes to me in different ways. Sometimes I will suddenly think of a line of dialogue, and that might be enough to tell me a great deal about a character and the way they are going to respond to the story flow. I play with the idea, make sure the conflict is strong, that the motivation is solid. Most of all I think about the characters—I work hard to make them real people, with flaws and qualities, doubts and fears, and most of all with a problem! If there's no problem, there's no story. I look for trouble.

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Do you outline or free write?

I use both methods. I need to know my characters and the central conflict before I start. I usually have a few scenes in my head. I don't need to know the detail at that stage. Ideas always come as I write. By the time I reach the end of my first draft I know the characters really well and that's when the book really starts to take shape. I go back through, deepen the conflict, tighten the motivation, make the characters as 'real' as possible on the page.

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How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the book. I have a schedule and deadline but each book does vary and I make sure I allow time to get it right. Some books flow more easily than others and it's important to build in time for revisions. I always want it to be the best it can be before it leaves me for the final time.

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What do you love most about writing?

When an idea develops in my head and I can't wait to write. That's exciting. I enjoy seeing the characters come to life on the page and hearing them speak. I love it when it all feels 'real'. I enjoy research—in trying to add authenticity to a story I've learned about everything from protecting the rainforest to archaeology.

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I love when readers tell me one of my books has really helped them escape for a few hours. I love the friendship I have with other writers—they're a great bunch of people and writing can be an isolated profession so it's important to have a network of friends for mutual support. I appreciate the flexibility of the job. As a working man, that's useful. I don't have to ask anyone before I take a few hours off to go and make sure Pump Number 1 is working correctly. Working from home is a real advantage and I never forget I'm happy to be a published writer.

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What do you dislike about writing?

Not much. I do become frustrated when the book isn't going the way I want it to, but I have a fantastic editor and good friends, which helps. The hardest thing for me is being along for long stretches of time so I break up my writing day with social contact. I'm more creative that way!

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What do you do when you're not writing?

I love spending time with my family and friends. Writing is an indoor, solitary job so when I'm not writing I like to be outdoor and social! I love hiking, music, watching movies, reading, talking, laughing—lots of things! But most of all being with my loving husband.

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What sort of books do you enjoy reading?

I read a variety of books—romance (obviously!), thriller, young adults. I like reading stories of triumph over hardship. As long as a book grips me, I'll enjoy it.

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Is there going to be a movie based on your books?

I would love for there to be a movie based on one of my novels, but this is out of my control. At this time, the Movie/TV rights are available to all my books. Fingers are tightly crossed that one day my characters will jump out from my pages of my book to a Movie/ TV screen.

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If they do make a movie based on any of your book, can I be in it?

It's unlikely that I'll have much involvement with this, but if the studio decides to option one of my book and host open auditions I will post that information on my page. 

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What's your favorite book?

My all-time favorite book is I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

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Do you have kids?

Yes! My two dogs Esme and Melody are my kids. They bring more joy than I ever thought possible. They are my little girls.

 

I'm writing a book! Will you read and critique my manuscript?

I'm sorry, but I'm too focused on my own writing at this time to be able to review the work of other. I encourage you to check with local or online writing groups to find a critique partner.

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If you had to give an unpublished writer one piece of advice, what would it be?

Write. How many times have you heard that? Probably as many times as I have heard people say they are going to write a book 'one day' or 'when they find time'. Writers write. Not tomorrow, not next week—now, today. Write, and keep writing even when you receive a rejection. Also, it's important to finish a book. It's easy enough to start—not so easy to finish. It takes discipline to write and sustain a story through to the end and if you manage that, and enjoy the process, then you're already on your way.

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Can you recommend a book on writing craft?

Stephen King's On Writing. 

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