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Where are you from? The Inland Empire of Southern California
How did you get started as a writer? I've always had an active imagination. When I was really little I would play all day making up stories for my Barbies to play out. I wrote my first real story in second grade titled "The Princess and the Happy Ending." Then I started writing instead of doing classwork in 7th or 8th grade. But I never really thought about being a published author until my boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to pursue it.
When were you first published and what was the book? In 2015 I published Chasing Stars and then realized I did it all wrong and pulled it down. I republished it this year as a second edition.
What romance sub-genres do you write? I like realistic stories, so I don't vary too far from contemporary, but I do write New Adult. Right now I am writing a New Adult Climate Fiction...and it will still be a kissy book.
Do you write full-time, or do you work a day job as well? If you work a day job, what do you do? I just recently quit my job to write and mom full time.
What’s your favorite part about being a writer? Getting the stories out of my head and into the form of a book.
Do you prefer silence or noise when writing? If you prefer noise, what's your preference (music, television, etc)?
I have to have noise. I usually have something like Hell's Kitchen on in the background.
What are you working on now? A New Adult Climate Fiction. It's set in a not too distant future and I think it will be three books.
If you could live inside any one book you’ve written, which would it be and why?
Chasing Stars because it's set in Washington State which is beautiful and cooler than California.
What is your ideal date night?
Netflix, kids in bed, snacks, and Moscato.
Name 5 of your favorite movies.
Cool Hand Luke, Pulp Fiction, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, The Outsiders
What are some of your non-writing related hobbies?
I crochet hats. I like to garden. And bake.
If you weren't a writer, what would your dream job be?
Sports Medicine.
Pick an author you admire...who is it and what is the one question you would ask them?
Jane Yolen. I would probably just want to hug her and sit next to her and listen to her talk and let other people ask her questions.
You win the lottery, and you are celebrating with your a group of your most dedicated readers. How are you all celebrating?
Maybe rent a yacht for a few hours while we sit and talk about books.
Do you prefer writing long-hand or typing the first draft?
Both. I have a whole bunch of long-hand rough drafts I wrote when I was a teenager that I am rewriting while typing. But new stories I usually just type up.
How do you choose your character names?
They usually just find names for themselves. But if not, I use baby name books.
If you had to write a book about yourself, what would call it?
I Have No Idea What I'm Doing
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