What is your writing process like?
A lot of what I write is "off the top of my head." I'm more of a "pantster" than a plotter. However, once I've started the book, I do some outlining to develop my characters and to make sure my plot makes sense and flows well. I also do a lot of research because I'm getting into the historical fiction genre and I want the details to be accurate.
How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
Sometimes I base my stories on my own personal experience and some of my female protagonists have personalities similar to mine. Sometimes, I base my stories from the experiences of other people and sometimes an idea comes through something I've seen or heard.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
I've experienced writer's block from time to time. Usually it happens when there is a lot going on in my life that distracts me from my writing. Sometimes it's caused by "imposter syndrome" where I don't feel as if my ideas or my writing isn't good.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
I look at the negative reviews and honestly evaluate them to see if the person reviewing the book has a point. If they do, I strive to not make the same mistake in my next piece of work. If I believe they're off base, then I don't let it bother me. I just ignore it.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
The most challenging part of the writing process is the editing. I tend to put a lot of detail in my writing and sometimes is just too much, so I have to cut some things out. When I get to that point, I consult other writer friends.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
I started writing stories, plays and poems when I was in sixth grade probably.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
First of all, don't let "imposter syndrome" get in the way. Write in a way that catches the reader's attention. Make it reflect your own ideas and personality. Look at successful authors in your genre. Read their books or at least parts of them. Don't be afraid to ask questions of other writers and when they give you advice, if it makes sense to you, then follow it. Even when the advice seems counterintuitive, at least try following the advice. Proof read and edit after you've written a chapter or two. Read your work aloud into a voice recorder and then play it back to see how it sounds - especially the dialogue. .
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I start with a situation that they find themselves in, look at how they handle their obstacles and how the characters relate to each other. Unless you're writing a fantasy novel, make the characters and situations believable. Even if it's a fantasy, it still has to have a ring of truth to it.
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
I've written three books and I co-authored one book. My favorite is my latest one - THE GHOST OF SAREY JANE. It's my favorite because I really got into the characters and their lives and conflicts. In a lot of ways, it was also the easiest to write because the ideas just flowed.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
I think the middle and latter part of the book because by that time, the protagonist had died, but I wanted to keep people's interest because she still figures in the plot even though she's dead. I didn't want the book to drag, so I had to figure out a way to keep it exciting and not be dragged out. Yet, I didn't want to rush the latter part of the book either.
What inspired the idea for your book?
It totally came out of the blue. After I thought about the plot and wrote a couple of chapters, then I started to flesh out the characters and the plot.
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
I think the hardest scene to write was towards the end when the other female protagonist starts to unravel the mystery of Sarey Jane and why she is haunting her house and has supposedly put a curse on the town. Again, I didn't want to rush through it, but I didn't want t to drag, either.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Quiet.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Ann Napolitano. I just finished her book,"Dear Edward" and it really moved me. It was well-written with believable characters and a believable plot and held my attention. I'd like to get to know her better and learn from her.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
Just today, actually. I found that there were quite a few hits when I googled my name, so that gave me some hope that perhaps people will find me and read my books.