Do you see writing as a career?

Yes and no. It’s hard to making a living writing and you have to be able to publish frequently and develop a following. You’ve got to hope readers will tell their friends about you and give good reviews to help get the word out about you. You’ve got to figure out marketing and promotion (a lot of publishers won’t do that much for you, and many writers are self-publishing and doing it all on their own). Along with day-to-day living, that can leave little time for actual writing.

That said, I keep writing and trying to figure it out. I also teach online and take on private clients here and there to make sure I'm bringing in money. I’m also married and thank goodness my husband’s job is a good one.

What do you think about the current publishing market?

It’s a nightmare. It’s a jungle of opportunity. It’s a swamp. It’s a glittering universe of possibility. It’s constantly changing and you’ve got to stay on your toes. Publishers and some agencies are getting some draconian clauses into their contracts and you’ve got to really know what you’re getting into and be careful. If you self-publish, you’ve got a lot of work to do to put out a quality product, but also do the marketing and promotion. If you persevere, make smart choices, are resilient, and believe in yourself, you can do well. You can also get beaten down or feel overwhelmed. All I can say is don’t give up, keep learning and practicing and improving your craft, and regroup and reevaluate and change your path as you need. Be nimble.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I read romantic suspense, mysteries, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance for the most part. With side trips into historical non-fiction. I read regency romance, as well, but I’m finding less and less that I like. I may be a bit burned out there, but eventually I’ll read it again. It’s cyclic with me.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I tend to write with music, but basically it doesn’t matter. Once I get into the story, I don’t really hear things. I like music to get me in the mood and for when I sort of breach the surface and am thinking, it’s there and I can chair dance. Or just dance, depending on if I’m sitting or standing. I have a desk that converts into a standing desk.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I prefer one book at a time because it’s hard to shift my thinking. That said, I’m currently working on three books. However I’ll probably work on one for a while, then shift to another when I get stuck, and keep doing that a necessary. It’s hard for me to work on multiple projects, but I am trying to develop that skill.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Pen, computer, and dictation. I use a pen when I’m out and about and don’t have my computer, or when I need to slow down to think and I feel productive even though I’m going slower. Computer for quicker stuff, brainstorming, and zero drafting (which means writing fast without correcting anything and just getting words down as fast as I can. It releases the floodgates on my imagination and cool stuff happens).