When did you know writing was for you?I’ve always been an avid reader. One summer I read over two hundred and ten romance novels! Then a couple of years ago I read a pirate story and I got the bright idea that I could write one. Sure, why not? Couldn’t be that hard, right? Wrong. I wrote a story, sent it to a friend, and she destroyed it with red ink. So I buried the book and waited.
Later I read this great historical series, again I thought, I can do this. So I asked my cousin, who is great with the English language, if she would like to write a book together. The plan was for me to write a chapter send it to her, she would polish it and then we would just keep going but she grew busy and wasn’t able to help and before I knew it I’d written a full novel on my own.
While seeking publication for my first novel, and becoming more and more discouraged, I wrote a short story called The Holiday Truce. It won Solstice Publishing’s Celebrate the Season Contest. The rush, the excitement, of realizing I’d won felt so good that I wanted to write forever. In that moment I knew writing was for me.
How would you describe your book?
Love Octagon is a clean, humorous book about family life. Honestly I started this book as a way to vent about issues going on in my life but in the end it was riddled with actual stories from my family and friends.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Trying to keep all the characters straight! I had two lists beside me at all times: the character list and the “what in the world do this people look like and act like” list. The main characters in the book encompass eight different women, eleven children, and several men.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?I would like readers to understand how much I enjoy writing about real life situations within different genres. I don’t want to be stuck just in historical, or contemporary, I want to be able to write about anything that pops into my head.
What does your daily schedule look like?
My daily schedule has changed drastically since I started writing. At first I got up early, read my Bible, and then wrote for a couple of hours, after which my normal activities of taking care of the kids and running my household kicked in. But now, I get up early and read my Bible, take care of the children, and write at night or whenever I can get a chance.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
The best advice I have is what I’ve heard from others, success as an author is not like a race but a marathon. You have to be in it for the long haul. Few authors get rich overnight but even without the money writing has its own rewards.
What is your favorite book?
I honestly don’t have one favorite book. I like lots of different authors that write in a myriad of styles.
Favorite movie?
Would have to be the Star Wars trilogy. I’m crazy about action movies.
Who is your favorite literary character?
To be honest, I don’t have one.
Who is your writing inspiration?
My children offer a plethora of writing inspiration. I’m also inspired by nature and everyday occurrences.
What is your must have beauty product?
This is tough because I personally hate wearing make-up, I prefer the natural look. I guess I would have to say lotion.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?
I would tell myself not to wait so late in life to write. Not to push myself so hard and to try and relax and have more fun.
