Tell us about yourself.:
I'm an attorney by day. And an author by very early morning! I've been practicing law for almost 20 years and I hated every single minute of law school – not unlike Emma, the heroine of my first novel.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
My parents and I moved around somewhat while I was growing up. I don't know that that really impacted my writing, although it let me see more places in the country and meet more people. So in that respect, I have more character ideas in my head.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some people think it's unusual, but I get up about 5 AM every day to write. Even on weekends! I make my tea and light a candle – just because it's cozy – and write for an hour or two.
In nice weather, I sit on my deck to write until the sun gets to high to see my computer screen.
I also never write at a desk. That feels too much like my day job and the creativity stops.

What authors have influenced you?
My parents and I moved around somewhat while I was growing up. I don't know that that really impacted my writing, although it let me see more places in the country and meet more people. So in that respect, I have more character ideas in my head.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a routine that works for you. If that's 20 minutes at the kitchen table or three hours at midnight, it doesn't matter what it is, so long as you are consistent. And try to make it comfortable!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"Get back on."
As someone who rides horses I've fallen off more times than I can count. And had some serious injuries. But always, always you get back on. It resets your brain to not make you afraid, or not as afraid.
I think that advice works in a lot of situations.

What are you reading now?
A Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

What’s your biggest weakness?
Wanting everyone to like me!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Pride and Prejudice

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I like big outdoor projects. Big landscaping work, planting trees and shrubs. I love to mow the pasture at my house – it's a good way to disconnect. I also ride horses!

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don't remember a specific "first" story, but my parents read to me every night. I read all the Oz books – they were my grandfather's when he was a boy, so they are beat up first editions.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I've been narrating stories to myself for as long as I can remember. Or imagining conversations. As a kid I was very outgoing, and still am, but I also always had my nose in a book. With the people around me in my daily life, I am very open, and I think that's how I try to tell my stories: authentically, from each character's perspective.
My first book, Magnificent Mess, is all about the chaotic, messy time of coming of age. In literature that's often portrayed as late teens. But in real life it's usually later, when we get out in the world on our own and have a change to explore. I think a lot of my characters are on a journey of self-discovery, whether that's through romance or medical issues or academia.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my second book in my first series. The first book is due out this fall. And no, I don't have a title for either book, or the series yet!

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I'm still learning this part, so I don't know yet!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Get through the editing process on the first book in the as yet unnamed series. Write the first draft of the second book in the series. I'm also working on my memoir, which has a longer deadline to first draft.

How well do you work under pressure?
If it's too much pressure, I shut down. But a little bit is a good kick in the pants.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I don't, the characters do!

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I think reading is where we get to escape into our fantasies. Whether that's a world where fairies live, or a place where our friends have our backs, or meeting the love of our lives, books show us what is possible.
Reading is a place to imagine romance, to relive or kick start our own coming of age, to think about how to discover ourselves at whatever stage of life we're in. It's also a place to indulge our curious side and our guilty pleasures.

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