I live in southwest Missouri with my husband of 15 years and our three children. I work as an administrative assistant during the week. Now I get to add published author to my list of roles I play in life.
Being an author was not my first career choice. In my younger years I wanted to be a dancer, but dance lessons are expensive. I also wanted to be Dolly Parton from The Best Little Whore House in Texas. I could really belt out Itty Bitty Piss Ant Country Place, just ask my parents former neighbors.
After a slew of other interesting job choices, I just couldn’t shake the writing bug I picked up in high school. I started writing poetry and still write a poem whenever inspiration hits me. I also love to read, especially paranormal romances and urban fantasies. The love of reading is what spawned the desire to try my hand as writing a novel of my very own.
I love creating the characters and giving them their own personalities and voices. I have also come to enjoy writing fight scenes. The hubster (the wonderful man that he is) will act them out with me so I know exactly how I need to show it to the audience. Call us crazy if you like, but it’s really fun to act out a scene using a broom handle as a spear and a foam baseball bat as an axe.
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Centuries ago, Damian was betrayed by his best friend, his fiancé, and the Gods of his civilization. He vowed vengeance against them all. He studied and mastered the dark arts. All he needed after that was patience.
Damian’s ex, Vivian, now feels like her world is crashing down around her. His curse is threatening her brother Tristan’s life. The only way to save him is to trust a stranger who saved her from a fate worse than death.
Marcus had no idea saving Vivian’s life would put him in the middle of an ancient battle between good and evil. All he has to do is figure out which side he’s fighting for.
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Q) What inspired you to write this story?
This particular story started out as a paranormal romance. It wasn’t until I started researching locations and came across Teotihuacán, Mexico that it switched to urban fantasy. I became fascinated with the historic city and its civilization.
I wanted to write about this city. I wanted it to play a significant part in the story as well. In order to incorporate the city I had rewrite almost the entire thing. After that, it wasn’t a romance any more. It evolved into something much better.
Q) How long did it take you to write?
The first book took me about ten years to write. The first few years it was just for fun. I didn’t really consider publishing anything. I didn’t take it too seriously. Once I finished the first draft though, I thought I should try getting it published. I read some of it to my husband. He was not impressed. That’s when the rewrites began. They took about a year or so to do.
I had already written the first third of The Betrayal by the time The Descendant (book one) was published. The Betrayal took me about a year to write. I’m about half way through writing the third and final book for the series.
Q) What is your favorite thing about writing?
Stress relief. Let me ask, what do you do when someone you know or someone crosses your path that acts like or is a major jerk? Me? I write them into a scene where I can say and do whatever I please to them with no real consequence. Writing keeps me sane and out of jail =D
I have to admit, there are more things I love about writing. Creating characters, connecting to them, connecting with the reader, and so much more.
Q) What is your least favorite thing about writing?
Finding the time to write. I have a husband, three kids, a house, and a full time job that constantly demand my attention. I love writing. I love creating characters and situations to put the characters in. My family comes first though and always will. Once I’m retired there will be plenty of time to write.
Oh and I despite writing a synopsis and/or blurb. Condensing a 300 page book into a tantalizing paragraph that makes readers want to pick up your book and read it is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And I still don’t think I’m very good at it.
Q) If you could be any famous person for one day, who would you be and why?
I’d probably pick Jennifer Lawrence. She just seems down to earth and approachable. I have no idea if she really is. She always looks like she’s having a great time, no matter what she is doing. My choice might have something to do with the fact that I just watched Catching Fire. She is one heck of an actress.
Q) What is the oldest thing in your fridge and how old is it?
If you would have asked me that a couple of weeks ago my answer would have been 2 week old sloppy joe hamburger and 2 cool whip bowls full of marinated baked chicken. (I’m not the only person to use Cool Whip bowls as Tupperware…right?) I’m not sure how old the chicken was.
Alas, now I think the oldest things in my fridge are the condiments we use, like ketchup, mustard, etc. I do check them to make sure they are not growing fur.
Q) What can readers expect from you in the future?
As I mentioned, I’m working on the last book for the City of the Gods trilogy. I’m in the research stage on another book that my husband is writing with me. It will be another urban fantasy, but it will be a stand-alone story (just one book).
I have two short romance stories out now and plan to write more of those in the future. I’m also currently working on a children’s book. I’m hoping it will be released later this year.
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