What is your writing process like?
When I have a solid idea, I start writing in a spiral notebook. I do my research and writing everything in that spiral. I may cut paper and tape it to other places like an old fashion copy and paste. I get a final outline written out and begin writing.
How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
For my first novel TEOTWAWKI The End Of The World As We Know It. I largely used my own family members. For the book I am currently working on again I used my own family as inspiration. I also do a lot of people watching. Wherever I am I pay attention to people and take notes, how do they look, how do they act. Sometimes random strangers find themselves in my stories.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Writer's block is an evil entity that creeps into our minds and block the creative juices. Sometimes writers just have so much in their brain they need to get out it becomes a jumbled mess. Or our thoughts swim around in our head until they eventually find a creative outlet.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
I have been lucky so far and not had a bad review. However, I know it's coming. Like anything no everyone is going to enjoy your work. If I get a bad review, I honestly hate the reader didn't enjoy it and I hope they find enjoyment in their next read.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
My most challenging part is finding the time to sit down with a clear mind and write. I work full time. I have my daughter and grandbaby living with me. My husband is disabled and my parents are getting up in age and need me often.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
I was introduced to creative writing when I was in the second grade. My teacher would have a laminated picture like of a frog and there would be random words on the frog. I had to come up with a story using those words. I was the best in the class. I always had the best stories. As I got older I wrote plays. As I grew even older, I learned to expand on the dialogue and write actual short stories.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
Never give up. Holding your physical book in your hands for the first time is like holding a baby you just gave birth to. All your hard work, dedication is poured into that moment. Keep going it's worth it.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I always have ideas swimming around in my head. My characters are inspired from my own family and friends. I usually have a general idea of what I want to happen but often I just start writing and see what I come up with. I can always change it later
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
I only have one book on the market. I have several short stories written that may become another book later. I am currently working on my second book. And I have had several people wanting a sequel to my first book.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
I had a hard time writing the deaths of characters that represented a member of my family or friends. I felt bad killing them off and I didn't want it to bring bad juju. I also had a difficult time writing fight scenes. I watched a lot of MMA and watched body movements in order to describe it correctly.
What inspired the idea for your book?
I had a dream, or nightmare really about an asteroid hitting earth. The dream didn't last long but I woke up thinking, what would we do, we are not prepared for something like that to happen. I started doing research and found out just how many ways disaster could strike and change the world as we all know it. It don't have to be an asteroid. It could be virus, an EMP, a massive hurricane, a volcano eruption. So many events could change the world as we know it. We are all so spoiled to the everyday conveniences like running water, electricity, cell phone and internet. The impact on the world if those items are suddenly stripped from us would be catastrophic. Most people would sit back and wait for the government to swoop in and save them. To me the scariest words in the world as "We are from the government, and we are here to help" No thank you I will take care of myself and my family.
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
The ending was the hardest to write. I knew it was time to end their story, but I wanted to do it justice yet leave it a little open in case I want to go back later and write a sequel.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I need to be by myself with some music going. I often talk out loud when writing a conversation or scene. Any one else would just think I'm crazy.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Growing up I loved Stephen King. The detail he puts into his work in art. You can literally see images in your head of what you're reading. I want my readers to be able to do that with my work. I also love Bobby Akart. The amount of research his put into his books is amazing. But his books don't get bogged down with scientific information that you loose contact with the characters.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
I have never googled myself. I know who I am and what I have done. I don't need the internet to confirm that for me.