When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
It was the early 90’s. I’d always been a huge reader and suddenly I thought I could do this. I could write a book better than this one. Ohhh…I was so wrong. The book was horrible, but I loved telling a story. I was hooked. I joined North Texas Romance Writers and away I went on a journey that’s been fun.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I can usually write a fast first draft in two months. But then I spend another two months cleaning it up. I’d like to write 3-4 books a year.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Right now I’m learning a new schedule and it’s all over the place. I’m in my office 6-8 hours a day, but so much of my time is spent on promotion/marketing and the business part of writing. I’m about to change that–mornings are for writing and afternoons are for promotion. No Facebook, Twitter, etc. until after lunch. We’ll see how that goes. That starts November 1.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love bad boy heroes. My heroes always start out as jerks, but I love it when the heroine turns them into good, loving husbands.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Ideas come from everywhere. I found the newest one while driving down the road. The name looked interesting and I wanted to write a story to that name. The shower is also a special place for solving plot problems.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is supportive, but his family and my family really don’t understand what it takes. They don’t realize why I’m up at 5:00 am and in the office until late. They don’t realize the dedication. Only my immediate family really understands. My stepson will ask me if I’m going to be up in the office all weekend.
How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
I’m working on book fifteen. My favorite contemporary is The Wanted Bride. I loved the heroine in that book and my favorite historical is A Scarlet Bride because the heroine overcame so much in that book. But The Reluctant Santa is also a special one.