A Chat with the Author

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When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

 

When I’m not writing—my favorite hobby—I’m coaching, healing others, or working with clients in my private practice. I spend a few days each week doing massage therapy and personal development life coaching, and the rest of my time enjoying life with friends, traveling, and writing. 

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How do you discover the ebooks you read? 

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Honestly, I don’t have much time to read anymore because any free moment I can find, I’m usually writing. But if I do download an audiobook or ebook, it’s usually because someone recommended it to me. I believe authors are some of the most dedicated and prolific people out there, and if I feel called to read someone’s work—or it’s recommended to me more than a few times—I make an effort to check it out. Writing is not easy, so supporting an author by reading their work truly means the world to them!

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Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? 

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Oh my, yes. The first story I ever wrote was back in first grade. It was about a little boy who loved a little girl so much that they grew up together and eventually married, always knowing their souls were meant to be together. Some people might roll their eyes at that or judge it, but it’s the mind and imagination I was given—and I’m not going to waste it.

Now, the first book I ever published? That’s something I’ll never forget. BreathHealer Book I is still a special love story to me because it weaves so much of my own past into it. It was also the first story I ever finished and had the courage to share with the world—a 275-page novel. That was back in 2009, so quite a few years ago now, but it sparked a fire in me that has never gone out.

I’ll forever write, read, and dream in books.

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What is your writing process? 

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My writing process usually begins with me scribbling ideas on paper in a brainstorming kind of way, or waking up and quickly jotting down whatever is calling to me from my subconscious. It’s amazing what you can hear if you’re still enough to listen. I get many story ideas right as I’m waking up, coming out of my REM cycle, and that’s when I begin my favorite part—character creation.

I wait until a name flows into my mind, write it in the center of a sheet of paper, and then start brainstorming. From there I write nonstop—everything about the character: their attributes, what happens to them, why it happens, how they look, how old they are, what they feel, and so on. If anyone saw the process, it might look a little chaotic, but it’s my kind of “crazy.”

For me, brainstorming really works and creates a strong foundation for starting a new novel. Of course, many things grow and change from there. The creative process is wonderful… and sometimes a little exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it. It works for me, and honestly, it’s incredibly satisfying because it feels like freedom. I think most of us have an inner artist—we just have to let them have free rein sometimes.

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Describe your desk

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My writing desk is my lap—lol! I have a MacBook Air that I carry everywhere with me in my purse. It’s the best computer I’ve ever owned and is ready to go the moment I open it, whether I’m at the park, in a coffee shop, on an airplane, or in the car while someone else is driving. I can write just about anywhere… and even carry on a conversation while doing it! I guess that’s a talent of mine.

When I’m writing, I’m most comfortable in yoga pants, a hoodie, and Uggs, with the fire pit going during the winter months—which, to be fair, isn’t very long here in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I’ve also been known to head to our neighborhood pool with my beach bag and laptop in tow, oh and I've also written while sitting in a camping chair at the NMSU pond while my children and foster kids were fishing. At this point, I’m practically challenging myself to see how many books I can write and publish in the sunshine!

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Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing? 

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I was born and raised in central New Jersey, out in the farming areas where I used to watch cows wandering past my classroom windows while I was at school. The bus ride each day was long—about 45 minutes—so I started reading heavily on the way to and from school. That’s where I began to understand what I loved in stories: picturing how characters looked in my mind and learning how to help a reader (or listener) see things from my point of view.

Writing, for me, is a kind of magic. It’s a way to use the language you’ve been given to help others understand something—an idea, a feeling, a perspective. I find it fascinating how some people can connect with your words on the deepest level, even hearing meaning between the lines, while others can read the same paragraph and completely misunderstand it. Human perception is a curious thing.

 

 

When did you first start writing? 

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I began writing as a “writer” on February 14, 2009—the day I pulled out of the driveway of my recently sold New Jersey home. It was the day I left my old life behind to start a new one in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I had always written throughout my life, but 2009 was when I began seriously considering publishing.

BreathHealer Book I was actually created in my head during the four-day drive from New Jersey to New Mexico. When I arrived at our new rental, I dug my laptop out of the moving boxes and started typing away while waiting the four months it took for our new home to be built.

Throughout my career, I had always been good at communicating—both verbally and in writing—but it was usually for professional reasons. When I began writing purely for the joy of it, everything changed. I discovered I was more creative, more emotionally vulnerable, and far more fearless.

It’s true what they say about finding your passion… once you do, it changes everything

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What's the story behind your latest book? 

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My latest book is about a serial killer… and I probably shouldn’t say much more than that. What I can share is that I’ve been able to draw from several areas of my life while writing it—some past law enforcement experience, knowledge of physiology and anatomy from my massage therapy career, and even a few intimate insights shaped by both my personal triumphs and mistakes. All of my characters are completely fictional, but having spent so much time understanding and working with people certainly helps bring them to life.​

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What do your fans mean to you? 

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They’re the best. Writing is such a personal thing, and I truly enjoy it. But when I hear from a reader who can articulate how a chapter or a lesson positively affected them, it’s pure elation. I love my readers so much. The moments that mean the most are when someone takes the time to send a text or an email to share their thoughts. Those messages can carry you right through writer’s block! ​​

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Who are your favorite authors? 

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I love authors who take the time to create connection, love, and deeper understanding between people. Gary Zukav has gone through incredible personal growth over the course of his life, and I really resonate with his soul-centered way of speaking and writing. When Gary speaks—or writes—my ears definitely tune in.

I’ll always enjoy Tony Robbins as well. He’s such a powerful presence and has done a lot to help make the world a better place. In recent years, I’ve also come to appreciate Brené Brown because she backs up what she says with solid research. I admire authors who can answer my “whys”… and sometimes even give me better ones!

And of course, Maya Angelou—there’s so much to love there.

I also admire anyone brave enough to write erotica well, without making it feel creepy. After all, what’s better than passionate, meaningful connection? There are so many incredible authors out there. What I really love most is the courage it takes for someone to put their work—and themselves—out into the world.

Writers know critics will always exist, sometimes waiting to pounce because they can’t—or won’t—create something themselves (unsupportive family members can be viciously jealous). Yet authors step forward with their gift anyway. Some people can try to tear an artist down in just a few words, but a writer will take it in stride, turn it into a chapter, and keep going… maybe even laughing all the way to the bank. I love that spirit.​​

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What do you read for pleasure? 

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Lol, for my pleasure I read my texts and emails from fans. Never underestimate the power of good souls around you. I love humans who "human" well- 

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How do you handle haters or those who judge without even reading your work? 

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Great question. First, I remind myself that some people are unhappy with their own journey, so of course they may take shots at someone who seems happy with theirs. Early in life I had to learn the difference between truth-tellers and liars. Unfortunately, liars often seem to get more attention—but truth-tellers receive something far better: love. And to me, there’s nothing more valuable than love. That’s why my stories almost always weave love into them. I believe the strongest souls I’ve ever met are the ones brave enough to be vulnerable and to love. And yes, love is a risk. I’ve personally experienced loving people who secretly resented me, and I didn’t even realize it at the time. But in a strange way, I’m grateful for the critics and the haters too. They remind me exactly who I never want to become.

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