Tell us about yourself.:
I am a Best Selling Author, Blogger, and Entrepreneur. I have written 9 books that have landed on 21 different Amazon Best Seller lists on the U.S., U.K. and Canada.
I have 43K followers across all my social media pages and have attended 31 book signings and 4 Book Tours. My events have been promoted in various newspapers, newsletters and magazines
including The Florida Times-Union, The Orlando Weekly, live interviews on podcasts and radio and local literary magazines. I love being a Full-Time Author and pursuing this crazy dream!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Virginia and there was a total of 4 kids (I am the second oldest). There was always craziness in the house with our 2 dogs, our very loud parrot and various birds and hamsters. Even as a kid, I loved reading and my favorite book series was "Animorphs" by K.A. Applegate. I excelled in my English classes and would even help my siblings with their reading homework. I started a journal when I was 9-years old and I never stopped writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always write my fiction stories from a first-person narrative. I took theater classes in high school and really learned how to "fully become the character" I was playing on the stage. So, now I fully embrace the main character on the pages.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Virginia and there was a total of 4 kids (I am the second oldest). There was always craziness in the house with our 2 dogs, our very loud parrot and various birds and hamsters. Even as a kid, I loved reading and my favorite book series was "Animorphs" by K.A. Applegate. I excelled in my English classes and would even help my siblings with their reading homework. I started a journal when I was 9-years old and I never stopped writing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am an Author Representative to my current publisher, RWG Publishing, so I talk to aspiring authors all the time about the literary industry. The advice I give most often is…to have realistic expectations. The first book you write may not get you fame, money or notoriety. But keep writing. You are a no-name author and you may not make a lot of sales for a while. But keep writing. You may be discouraged with the process and even the bad reviews written about your books. But if you love what you do, and if it's worth it to you…then keep writing!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"You can save the world." Blame it on all those Animorphs books about children with super powers who combat an alien invasion, but I believe that the impossible is doable, greatness is within you and the power to transform the world is within our grasp.
What are you reading now?
I just got done reading "The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s" by Andy Greene. I absolutely love the NBC hit show, "The Office" so that book was terrific to read! I now have so much insight and fun facts about the show!! And I applaud the writers and actors on that show and I have even more respect for such a large cast of talent and improv comedy!
What’s your biggest weakness?
I can get too focused on preparing for the future that I forget to enjoy the present. I'm celebrating a book release while writing pages for my next novel. I have to learn how to stop and enjoy the process and celebrate the accomplishments along the way!
What is your favorite book of all time?
I love "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. I love "Wild At Heart" by John Eldredge. And for a guilty pleasure read…I love "The Truth about Forever" by Sarah Dessen.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to watch Hallmark Channel movies. And I am an avid reader! I don't really binge watch on shows, but right now I am getting into "Parks and Recreation" since the humor is similar to "The Office." I definitely love comedies!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Aside from Animorphs, I read a lot of "Goosebumps" by R.L. Stine. Even now, I will stay out of the basement, won't go near a cemetery at midnight, will not buy a dummy doll and I won't try on any creepy masks in case it gets stuck and takes over my body!
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I love C.S. Lewis. In fact, my book "After You: A Demon is Always Lurking Nearby" is a modern-day twist on his classic novel, "The Screwtape Letters." I love Gene Edwards and his book, "The Beginning" inspired my Fiction Christian novel, "The Creation Project."
What are you working on now?
One book, "Andrew's First Act" is about to be released soon. It's an Inspirational Fiction story about a man named Andrew Masterson who goes to New York City to pursue his dreams of being a stand-up comedian.
I am writing my 11th novel now, tentatively called, "Once Upon a Time…In a Dental Office" that is about Kay Vity who works at Hour Glass Dental and forms a relationship with one of the Dentists in her office.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Social Media. I have a large following across all of my social media sites and I love engaging with my readers and fans. My blog has 20,000 readers and I promote other authors and Entrepreneurs on that site as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to write 4 books a year. I am a Full-Time Author and I want to create more stories and continue to share original creative content to my readers.
How well do you work under pressure?
I work well under pressure. I've worked in Television for over 15 years, working for the NBC-TV Network and for the Disney Channel. That creative field has definitely helped me as a writer.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
Since my stories are told from a first-person narrative, I always have the story expressed through the character's eyes. My novel, "After You: A Demon is Always Lurking Nearby" is from a demon's point of view, so naturally the story is PG-13 in nature.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Whatever you do…stay out of the basement! LOL!
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