1. What would you consider to be your Kryptonite as an author?  As an author, the one thing that has ever really stopped me in my tracks is marketing. I love the process of writing the story and even the editing part is enjoyable with the right editor. Marketing though is the hardest part for me personally. Everyone who writes knows there is so much more going on in a book than the simple loglines we come up with. How do we convey the beauty of a room or the haunting conversations with a single line? That is without a doubt the hardest and possibly the most important part of the process…to me.

2. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Keep going, this too shall pass. It is the best advice I could give anyone in this field. Keep writing, keep moving forward and stay focused.

3. What book do you feel is under-appreciated? How about overrated? I think the Grapes of Wrath is overrated in many ways. It does capture the era well and the descriptions are amazing however it isn’t a book that I could completely immerse myself in right away. It took a few chapters for me to get into it. As for under-appreciated, there are too many to count. As a reader, there are many indie books out there that I feel warrant another look by society. 

4. Favorite childhood memory involving books? The day I discovered Judy Blume was the day I discovered my joy of reading. I will never forget Super Fudge and all the adventures he had with his older brother Peter and his little sister Tootsie. There was nothing better than reading about Fudge as he yelled Super Fudge and tried to fly.

5. If you could dine with any literary character, who would it be and why?  Paul Muadib from Dune. I think his adventure in life is one filled with so many emotions. His spiritual journey and path of revenge changed the way their society viewed everything.

6. What fantastical fictional world would you want to live in (if any) given the chance? Who wouldn’t want to visit Hogwarts? Imagine picking up a wand and flying on a broom…that would be an amazing adventure. Also I wouldn’t mind serving aboard the Enterprise in Star Trek.

7. Did you want to be an author when you grew up? I always knew I was a writer, what I didn’t know was if I could be an author. There is a difference between someone who writes for themselves and someone who is paid to write. The difference makes you look at the worlds you create in a different way. Ultimately though, I write what I want and let others decide if they are going to love it or hate it. I figure if I have taken someone away from their own reality for a while and let them step into a world I created; and they enjoy it…then I’ve done my job.

8. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Loyal, fun, honest.

9. What is your most unusual writing quirk? I think aloud sometimes. It doesn’t always happen at the most opportune times…lol.

10. What’s one movie you like recommending to others? There are too many.

11. If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be? I have 3 dogs, so probably dogs.

12. Have you ever met anyone famous? Yes

13. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book? 1^st draft about a month. It doesn’t generally have the world created, it’s more of a who what when where why of the plot. The second draft takes a couple months.

14. What creature do you consider your "spirit animal" to be? A wolf.

15. If you were the last person on Earth, what would you do? Get on the space shuttle and take off for the galaxy. Might as well see what’s out there before I die.

16. What fictional character would you want to be friends with in real life? Warf from Star Trek.

17. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? Read and write every day no matter what.

18. What book do you wish you had written? Dune

19. Tell us 10 fun facts about yourself! :)

I love dogs and don’t trust people who hate dogs.

I enjoy fashion

I crochet.

I love to quilt.

I like peace and quiet but enjoy lots of noise from my family.

I love nail art.

I think writing is just an extension of life.

I’m a Star Trek junkie.

I love to play video games. Skyrim is my all time favorite game to play. I also love old school games.

Midnight snacks should consist of cookies and milk.

20. If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?  Today. I would be burned at the stake in the past or hung for being opinionated. We live in exciting times. The world changes at an amazing pace. The reality is that we are experiencing a lot as a society and as individuals. Whatever we dream can become a reality. Why would I want all that taken away?

21. What is your favorite genre to read? Depends on my mood. I read all genres though.