Where do you get your ideas/inspiration?: Everywhere in this crazy old world around me. Sometimes dreams. Sometimes–often–I just have a scene in mind and go from there. And if you’re referring to the love scenes? I’m actually single and quite boring, so it’s not first hand accounts! Sorry if that disappoints. <grin>
Do you base your characters on real people?: No, like the disclaimer you see in the books (that whole bit about being a coincidence if a character reminds you of someone) I generally invent my characters. I will fess up to sometimes naming characters after friends kind of as a little dedication to them.
Who are some of your favorite authors?: Well growing up I read a lot of Sandra Brown and Harlequin Presents (my mother was addicted!). Today you’ll find me reading Lori Foster, Pat White, Jaid Black, Jane Porter, Karin Tabke, and I’m a huge fan of Cherry Adair (for so many reasons, especially since she’s always been a cheerleader/mentor for me!) There are truly a ton of authors I read, in every genre, that have influenced my writing. But I’m just naming a handful for lack of space.
When did you start writing?: I’ve actually been writing since I was a young teen. Back then my books were bit of a cross between a Harlequin and Sweet Valley High. Very dramatic, sexually active teens. Not pretty. Not pretty at all. I stopped writing for about eight years–when the computer continued to eat my books and I couldn’t handle the emotional abuse anymore–and then got really involved with music. I hit my early twenties and decided I missed writing, and wanted to try again. And this time publish my work! I got a critique group, figured out what I was doing wrong (who knew that basically bi-polar heroines that are nymphos don’t sell?), and grew as a writer. I sold my first book about five years later.
When do you write?: I’m a single mom, finding time isn’t easy. I write at night, mostly, when the kid’s asleep. But I have a reasonable minimum daily word count goal and I make it. Often exceed it. And that’s how I get my books written. It’s all about the math, how many words a day you need to make a deadline. And, oh yes, I thrive on deadlines.
Why do you write so many genres?: I love writing in multiple genres. They all have to have that romantic thread, be it erotic, humorous, suspense, futuristic…or a combination of them all! I enjoy exploring different genres.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?: I’ll pass on great advice that was passed on to me. To actually finish a book. Don’t start a book, write a few chapters, and then brush it off because you think it sucks and start another one. Finish it. Finishing an entire manuscript is a heck of a lot harder than you’d think. The other great advice I got is to develop thick skin. This industry is tough. It’s kind of like dating–get ready for rejections, because unless you’re in a small percentile, it’s going to happen! There are many authors who took many many years to become an ‘overnight success’. And write daily. You’ll stay in your book better that way and actually watch your word count rise!
What resources do you have for writers?: If you write romance, then I’d encourage you to join the RWA (Romance Writers of America) and find a local chapter, and then sign up for the Romance Divas (an online forum–free!–with tons of support and advice!)