Tell us about yourself.:
Although I've been writing all of my life, it was a side job for me until about five years ago, when at the age of 56, I published my first novel. Novel writing is now my fifth career, proof that anyone can reinvent themselves at any age.
I live with the love of my life in Camas, WA, a suburb of Portland, OR, where I also write and produce plays and participate in various writing groups and workshops. We love to ski, hike, travel, breathe the ocean air, and teach our Golden Retriever new tricks.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
My hometown is Agawam, MA, a small 19th-Century farming and mill town on the Connecticut River. I love writing about small-town experiences, and often set my novels in places much like Agawam. You'll find rivers, mountains, and well-meaning nosy people in all of my stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
All writers, and thus all writing habits, are unusual. It's an odd profession, really.
I used to write everything out in longhand, then transcribe and edit as I went in Word. No more. I draft quickly in Scrivener and subject my critique group to those early drafts. They're very patient with me. Gotta love that.
What authors have influenced you?
My hometown is Agawam, MA, a small 19th-Century farming and mill town on the Connecticut River. I love writing about small-town experiences, and often set my novels in places much like Agawam. You'll find rivers, mountains, and well-meaning nosy people in all of my stories.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't rush out and publish that first draft! And don't show it to prospective agents or publishers. Writing is rewriting. Make that your mantra.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If you want to be a writer: Read as much as you can, of as many different types of writing as you can.
What are you reading now?
The Receptionist, by Kate Miles.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Procrastination and distraction, the evil twins of the modern age.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Lord of the Rings. Ask me next week, I might answer something different.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
My sweetheart and I take daily 3-mile walks (4 miles if we're at the Oregon coast) and try to spend as much time as we can with the grandkids. We'd love to get back to traveling again…stupid COVID!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The earliest I remember is The Gorgon's Head, a kid-friendly version of the Perseus and Medusa myth. It expanded my imagination and reminds me always to think big when it comes to story, character, and plot.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
The works of John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Scott Turow, Robert Dugoni, Lee Child, Ray Bradbury, Joseph Campbell, and Isaac Asimov. The music of John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. The love of my mother and father.
What are you working on now?
The next book in the series, of course: Mother of Valor. And getting book 3 of the series, A Better Part of Valor, onto bookshelves.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Bookstore readings and signings. I love meeting the people who read my work, answering their questions, and finding out what else they love to read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have to get back to writing plays. It's been 3 years since I've written a full-length piece and I miss the fresh, collaborative experience of live theater.
How well do you work under pressure?
Very well. Deadlines are my friend. See "procrastination and distraction," above.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
The story itself dictates that. A story with dark, scary events requires a serious tone; a lighter tale demands a more folksy, relaxed style. Regardless, I'll always infuse humor into the work, as comic relief if nothing else.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
My wine, but I don't think there's quite enough to go around.
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