Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I've wanted to write since I was a child. To me, sci fi was the way to go. I grew up reading it and watching movies and TV shows. I created a universe and even put together a map of the galaxy where my books would take place, long before I wrote the first story. When I finally got up the courage to actually write for publication, I was in my fifties. So even though I got a "late start" -- I was creating since I was a child. I've since published 12 books.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!

I had a chance to work with a Russian cosplayer who recreated the central character in my story universe and performed him live on Instagram. Not just once, but twice. Nik Nitsvetov is a dead ringer for Pietas, and he spent months creating the costume and getting the wig etc. ready for the performance. I was able to work with him both times via Skype, email, and Instagram to set everything up and enjoy the event. You can read about it on my website and see pictures on Instagram. Nik as Pietas is literally all over my website.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I like to play Pyramid Solitaire, work digital jigsaw puzzles, and play a game called Free Flow Hexes, where you connect dots in a pattern. It's a simplistic idea and any kid could play. Something about connecting the dots of color relaxes me. I also read (boatloads) and enjoy catching up on TV I've missed while working. My husband and I are both retired so I have to watch that I don't spend too much time chilling -- there's no one around to remind me to punch a clock or get to work. But the truth is, I roll out of bed and head for my office, where I can shut the door, turn on the lights, listen to music and write. No one has to nudge me. I do it because it's my favorite thing to do.

How to find time to write as a parent?

My three kids are now grown, but when they were very young, I didn't write much because I considered my most important job to be caring for them. But if you're a writer, you understand what I mean by "I couldn't not write." It was a drive inside me, like a thirst I couldn't quench. I somehow managed to write while they were asleep, even if I fell asleep not long after. I might get only minutes a day.

The big thing was to keep a sense of humor. If I got angry at being interrupted, it sent my muse straight out the window. So I had to remember that they were my priority. Right after them (when they were babies) was my husband. He shifted back to number one when they were older, but it was a juggle because kids have to come first sometimes. Moms and Dads, you know what I mean.

When they were in grade school, I wrote when they had gone to bed, or on rare days they were in school and I was off. Once they hit middle school, I worked up to writing while they were home and doing homework. The rule was that if mom was writing and dad was home, they would go to him first.

Now if someone was hurt, obviously, interruption was fine. But unless they were bleeding or on fire, no one was allowed to interrupt during that hour. We had an agreement that if they needed to speak to me, they would come in and leave a note on my desk without speaking and then leave. I would read it as soon as possible and if it was something that needed a response, I'd take care of it. That worked really well.

My kids have been the greatest source of inspiration for me. My youngest son has one of those amazing brains that holds onto information -- quite unlike his mother, believe me. He's my go to for math and science questions. My oldest son is a freelance graphic designer and has done hundreds of images for my website. You'll see his work on my website in the Tarthian Tour Company. On my site, click "Tour the Empire" and you can visit every planet. He did the art for most of it. My kids are living proof you can still write if you have children and they will turn out okay.

At one point I resorted to putting a note on my door that said, "Please don't disturb me. I'm disturbed enough already." Be firm, but remember what and who are the most important. And don't beat yourself up if you feel guilty. You won't avoid that. Try to minimize the impact your writing has on your family -- not the impact your family has on your writing and you'll come out fine.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less.

I asked a friend to help me with this. She said tell them you are "an author that breathes scifi." Gotta agree with that!