What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

I was lucky enough to travel to Scotland two years ago where I did the OUTLANDER tour. It was fantastic. Our guide took us all around Inverness … to off-the-beaten-path places. We definitely got to see things that weren’t on the average tour. I was with a group of friends and not all had read the books, but everyone agreed it was the best tour we did.

What is the first book that made you cry?

I only know it was my first romance novel. I was twelve then so I can’t even recall the name of the book – I was just so overcome with emotion from it. I know it was a romance because those books were the first to make me feel so strongly – which is the reason I became addicted to them.

What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Hm … I can’t say this is the MOST unethical practice because as in any business there are wrong/criminal things happening all the time … but as a writer nothing burns me up more than seeing my work pirated and posted for free. I make a living writing and this is stealing food from my babies’ mouths. Plain and simple. For me, it’s no different than someone coming up to me and stealing my wallet. If someone can’t afford a book, there are libraries. That’s why they exist.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both. Truly.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

The “I’m-too-afraid-to-show-my-work-so-I-keep-revising-and-never-let-it-go” is very common for aspiring writers … but it will guarantee you never get published. Every writer has to learn to let go. This is a challenge for any writer, really. Self-doubt can cripple us all, if we allow it.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Netflix. For real! LOL … or more specifically, stumbling down the rabbit hole of a great series on Netflix or any streaming platform.

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

Ha… well, I already do. I don’t think I could handle adding a new pen name to the mix.

Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

“Ego” has such negative connotations, but I will say that it takes confidence to be a writer ….to put pen to paper, write a story, submit it to editors and publish it for the world to read (and judge). Yes, some degree of ego can help through such an emotional “bumpy” journey.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I don’t think the two things are exclusive to each other. I try to deliver the fantasy … the escapism and beloved tropes every time while still writing the story in a fresh way.

Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

No one has ever asked me that! It’s a thought-provoking question.

Honestly, I don’t see how … and despite never liking to speak in absolutes I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I don’t know any writer that doesn’t feel emotions strongy. We all do. That’s what compels us to write.

Is there something you wish you could change about your writing process?

Believe it or not … I wish I could write faster than I already do!

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

It gave me confidence and, of course, kept me motivated to write more.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

My membership dues to RWA … and the money I spent attending my first RWA conference. It inspired me so much.

Also: Laptops! I’ve had many … and every single one was worth the penny.

What did you do with your first advance?

Paid bills!!

What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?

The Rules by Stacey Kade … it is so good and so emotional and more people should know about it and read it! Best first kiss I’ve ever read in any book … hands down.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Only one … I have a medieval romance buried away somewhere on an old hard drive.

What’s the best way to market your books?

Write the BEST book you can so people are talking about it – period. No amount of money can buy you that kind of promotion.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

I don’t think it’s too hard to write characters from the opposite sex. We’re all people … all human. The important thing is to know the character inside and out … know their motivations, fears and desires and that character will evolve organically from there and appear realistic.

What is your favorite childhood book?

Winnie the Pooh.

Does your family support your career as a writer?

I can’t imagine writing without the support of family. It would definitely be a buzz-kill to the writing process – knowing my loved ones are in the other room indifferent or resentful of what I do.I am amazed at authors who are able to have a writing career without that support. I once met an author who told me her husband hated that she wrote, but she did it anyway. I admired her strength but I also felt tremendously sad for her. It reminded me how lucky I am to have a family that is proud of my writing accomplishments.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

2-3 months

“How long have you been wanting to kiss me?”

It was tempting to fling the truth at him—the truth that they hadalready kissed. It would feel good to catch him off guard and watch him absorb that fact.

She couldn’t do it, of course. After the satisfaction of shocking him wore off, she’d be left with the awkwardness of him knowing she was the idiot who had kissed him in the boathouse while he thought she was someone else.

“You were stroking my lips,” he reminded.

“I was checking to see if you were breathing.”

He whirled her around, sending her colliding into his chest.

“Oh!” Her hands came up to his chest, palms flattening on the very body she had only moments ago felt at her leisure. Now it felt different. Now he was awake. Alert . . .his eyes as sharp as a hawk’s gaze on her. Now his heart pounded swift and hard beneath her touch.