Q: What made you want to start writing?
As an undergraduate student at UCLA writing reports and essays was essential. I especially enjoyed and excelled in classes that allowed me to use my creativity when writing. I didn’t have the time until recently to write for myself and this started on a whim in Bimini, Bahamas. My husband would go out fishing and I would read a book on the beach or in our home. One day I picked up my laptop and just started writing and creating characters. As the story developed I dove into the art of writing and concentrated on learning from other writers.
Q: I read that a certain LA subculture gave you the inspiration for your novel, Intimate Encounters. Can you tell us more about that subculture?
A good friend of mine worked in the sensual massage industry and she would tell me funny stories about the business and her clients. I used that premise to create my characters and develop the story along with my own experience as an archaeology student. Intimate Encounters merges the two, creating internal conflict for the main character, Cali.
Q: Are you currently working on a second novel?
Not currently, but I will be this spring and summer. Once I start writing the process happens pretty quickly for me. Sometimes I spend all day writing.
Q: What did you find most difficult about writing?
Editing is my least favorite part of writing. But it’s a necessity.
Q: Why did you move to Los Angeles from Cincinnati? What was the biggest adjustment you had to make?
I wanted to travel and live somewhere warm. My good friend from high school needed a roommate and I longed to get out of the suburbs of Cincinnati and explore the world. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. We lived together in a tiny studio apartment with no kitchen and we shared a bathroom with the entire apartment complex. I hated it, but we were within walking distance to the beach. The biggest adjustment was going from a somewhat small town to such a large and diverse city. It took me awhile to learn the freeway system and neighborhoods of Los Angeles. I once found myself lost in a bad part of East L.A., and that scared me into learning the roads and city layout. After about a year, I loved the city and I made it my home.
Q: You have a Masters degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology. What made you decide on that major?
The diversity of people in Los Angeles fascinated me and I wanted to learn more. I became very passionate about the study of culture, especially ancient societies. As a young student, I had the opportunity to travel to Egypt and I decided then to pursue my dream of becoming an archaeologist. Once I make a decision I give it 100% and follow through.
Q: What is one personal goal that is at the top of your to-do list?
That’s a hard one. I’ve done so much in my life and I would have said write a book, but now I can take that off my to-do list. I’ve never had a child and I think being a mother would be a wonderful experience. But I haven’t decided on that, yet. It’s such a commitment and I go back and forth with the decision.
Q: How do you enjoy spending any free time?
I have my pilot’s license and a plane, so flying is at the top of my list. It’s such feeling of freedom to fly to the islands or another town with my husband and friends for lunch or an overnight stay. I also like reading, watching movies and getting killer massages.
Q: What would your advice be to aspiring writers?
Write for yourself. It’s a rewarding experience and write because you like it. Always strive to learn more about writing and improving your own skills. Don’t let rejections stop you, instead let that become your inspiration to learn more about the publishing business.
Q: I read that you have had the opportunity to travel pretty extensively. What was the favorite place you visited?
Each place is unique and beautiful in its own right. I would say several places hold a special place in my heart. Recently, I went to South Africa and the beauty of Cape Town was unparalleled along with a safari in the northern part of the country. For me Italy is the most romantic place, and it’s where my husband and I spent our honeymoon. Egypt and Russia for its long rich history. Vietnam, Ireland and Peru all combine natural beauty and history.
