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I love the solitary act of writing and also enjoy the social aspects though these don’t come as naturally to me – I do get nervous before speaking in front of a large group. What I Iove most about the public side is visiting with fellow readers – I have the most fun when I get to visit with book clubs, either in person or on on skype. I love…[Read more]

I love almost all genres ~ it just depends on my mood. I’m a big fan of mysteries and historical fiction and historical nonfiction. But it doesn’t really matter, I’ll try to read just about anything. Except maybe user manuals.

That said, I do really try to pay attention to what is going on in the news and often find inspiration there.

I definitely write about what I find compelling and interesting. I think that is key in order to completely invest myself in a project and hopefully, as a result, readers will find themselves intrigued as well.

I really do give a lot of thought to naming characters! There is a great website called babynamesworld.com that gives the meanings and origins behind the names. For example, Allison means ”noble” which kind of makes sense after to read the novel. Also, Joshua means ”rescued by God” which also fits nicely into the story.

This is a great question. I worried a lot about what reviewers and readers thought of my work ~ I’ve learned that reading is like anything else, people have their preferences. I try not to focus on the negative, instead enjoy the comments by those who are moved or touched by my writing ~ it’s a great feeling.

I will do that!

Reading didn’t come easily to me in early elementary school ~ I found it quite difficult until I reached 4th grade and then something seemed to click for me. After that, it was difficult to pull me away from books.

Yes, I can see why you would wonder that ~ I get that question often. Fortunately, I have 2 wonderful sisters and 3 wonderful brothers ~ nothing like Brynn and Allison’s relationship!

Thank you! He’s one of my favorite characters, too!

That’s not a bad idea! It does make you wonder what will happen to Joshua or even to Allison and Charm fifteen years from now!

Thank you! I really enjoy writing in the different points of view. I’ve found that it’s important for me to focus on one character at a time and spend a lot time writing in that character’s voice before moving on to another character. I will spend several days or even weeks writing from one perspective, take a day or two off, and then jump into…[Read more]

My family is the most important thing in the world to me so I work very hard to keep my family time separate from my writing. I also work fulltime as a teacher ~ so that adds an additional challenge. I tend to write when my kids are asleep or off with their friends.

Hmmm. I like to have a Diet Coke to sip on when I’m writing. I also always begin my novels by writing in longhand in a journal that I purchase specifically for my new book.

Thank you, I hope you enjoy it! I’m sure I do draw aspects of my characters from people around me, but I don’t always notice it until much later. I can write just about anywhere but prefer to write near a window. I also enjoy having quiet music playing when I write.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but didn’t seriously consider until about 6 years ago. I had thought about it for a long time, but one day decided there is no time like the present and I started writing!

No, all the characters and events in These Things Hidden are fictional and thankfully no part of it is autobiographical!

Thank you! Yes, I owe my interest in writing all to my love of reading. I love to read and I hope my books bring that enjoyment to others.