When did you know writing was for you?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always written. I actually send my first chick lit manuscript, Freddy the Flame, to publishers when I was ten years old. Sadly, it was rejected, but I loved writing that book and creating the characters. From then on, I never stopped writing. But writing novels began when I was doing my Master’s degree. I took this amazing and totally out there course about imagination, and one of our assignments was to create a character. So, I came up with Wanda X, a leather loving fetishist, and I had so much fun creating her that I knew I wanted more.
I have two kids, and after the birth of my second child, I wanted to be around for them more, and I also wanted to write. So, I quit my teaching job after 15 years and started my own freelance writing/editing business: Perfect Pen Communications. I write for magazines and websites and edit academic, business and personal communication. It’s a dream come true.
How would you describe your books?
I would describe my books as edgy, smart and funny chick lit. I like to explore serious issues of self-esteem, family, love and career with very relatable and less than perfect characters.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The hardest part is not editing as I write. Because I’m a professional editor and former ESL teacher, I am always looking for mistakes. I find that I need to write the story out as much as I can before I edit it. I have to actively stop myself from correcting errors as I go.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Chick lit, mystery, suspense and literary fiction. I like to read every day, actually, I have to read every day, and I love trying out new authors and reading new books from authors I love.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want them to laugh, cry and feel completely satisfied at the end. One of my reviewers said that Jamie, my main character, could be her best friend, and that is exactly what I want my readers to feel.
I want my readers to relate to Jamie’s story. We have all had moments of self-doubt or we’re stuck in bad relationships and can’t find our way out. Jamie is insecure, reserved and scared to take a chance because she might fail. I want my readers to root her for her and for themselves.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think it is incredibly important and very difficult. Trying to keep up with Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and all of the other social media sites takes time and finesse. I am still learning how to do it all. But, I have met some amazing authors and readers because of social media, and I love how connected we all are even if we live on different continents. I would never have self-published Finding Lucas without Twitter. I began following other self-published authors and reading their blogs, and I finally got the courage to do it myself.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. I have been rejected many times, but I tried not to let it stop me from reaching my goal of publishing a novel. I would also say not to be afraid to self-publish because there are some excellent authors who do so. But if you are going to self-publish, do your research, outsource what you need to (i.e. book cover, tech stuff, editing, etc) and take a leap of faith. If this is what you want to do, there is always a way to do it.
Thank you to Samantha for stopping by! Please visit her website for more details, read my 5 star review for Finding Lucas and get your copy!
