Recently, I was contacted by NFReads.com—a general interest
website with an "Author Interviews" section featuring both fiction
and nonfiction authors across a wide variety of backgrounds, genres and writing
experience. They constantly scour the web for interesting authors with
inspiring stories, and asked me if I would like to publish an interview about my
writings (no fee was involved; the bulk of the interview was frequently asked
questions).
In anticipation for the September release of the third
installment (fourth if you include the prequel) of The Last Timekeepers time
travel adventure series, entitled The
Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, I jumped at the chance to do the
interview with NFReads and share some fun facts and interesting tidbits about
me, my writing, and my personal life.
BTW—the cover reveal
for The
Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, and the preorder link goes live simultaneously on August 17th, 2021, so mark that date on your electronic devices
or calendars! In the meantime, please enjoy catching up with my author life…
1. What is/are the real-life story(ies) behind your book(s)?
The idea for The Last Timekeepers series
came to me in a dream I had around 1998. In this dream, I saw seven arches, and
there were seven people (five kids, two adults) with crystals in their hands,
walking up to these arches. It definitely had an Indiana Jones feel to it, but with an ‘Atlantis’ slant. I love
history. I also love myths and legends. So I put those two ‘ingredients’
together and came up with a time travel series with roots leading back to
Atlantis.
When I created the
Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, I drew from all of my childhood and
adult experiences from vacationing and living in cottage country. This gave my
teen psychic mystery book series a nostalgic feeling coupled with a sense of
adventure and…wait for it…the supernatural. Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expected
the unexpected.
2. What
inspires/inspired your creativity?
To tell the truth it’s been my life experiences, but
sometimes single malt scotch helps. Kidding. I also loved watching Scooby-Doo as
a kid. I mean, who didn’t? I also had an over-active imagination in school, and
found it hard to concentrate on mundane subjects. I often drifted off into the
land of story-making until the teacher called out my name. Yeah. I wouldn’t
advise that. As I grew older I never thought I could channel those stories into
something as concrete as a book, but I was inspired to do so by a deep,
spiritual desire that whispered in my ear one evening. True story. Now with six
books and two series on the go, I’m glad I listened to that voice, and haven’t
looked back.
3. How do you deal with
creative block?
I do something else other than stare at my blank computer
screen. That’s more exhausting than trying to come up with anything creative.
Stand up, move around, make tea or coffee, take yourself or your dog out for a
walk. Sooner or later the words will come, and when they do, you’d better be ready
to get them down.
4. What are the biggest mistakes you can make
in a book?
Rushing the story. Even when you’re writing a series, each
book has something to say in its own time. And I’ve learned that each back has a
soul. Allow the book to have its own unique voice. After all, every author has
theirs.
5. Do you have tips on
choosing titles and covers?
If you’re writing a series, you’ll want to brand titles and
covers so that readers know those books are part of that series. Choose titles
that reflect the main theme. Same with covers. Colors on your covers are so
important and can set the mood, along with any elements you’ve chosen to
display on the cover. You want to tease your readers enough to become so
curious that they hit the buy link on your website.
6. How do bad reviews
and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?
I don’t let bad reviews or negative feedback run my author
life. It’s not a healthy way to go in this business. I don’t even check my
reviews. I realize every reader has a right to an opinion, and that’s a good
thing. Variety is truly the spice of life. Some books will leave readers with a
bad taste in their mouths, while other readers can’t get enough of what you’re
dishing out.
7. How has your
creation process improved over time?
Tremendously! With years come experience and wisdom. I’ve
learned that I’m an intuitive plotter, and enjoy the process of planning a book
more than being a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants). Since I’ve
decided to write book series, I keep a handbook binder for both my series,
filled with character tracking sheets and other pertinent information I can
fact check when I’m writing a new installment. This saves me time and
embarrassment, making sure colors of eyes remain the same, and what clothing my
characters are wearing in that particular book. Plus, my pacing and tension has
improved tenfold. Love leaving those readers hanging!
8. What were the best,
worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of
completing your book(s)?
Seeing the finished product in my hands is an amazing
feeling, and some of my book launches have been memorable. The worst is the
mental anguish of my editor pushing me to the limits to produce the best story
possible. It was gratifying and exhausting at the same time. The most
surprising thing was the royalty payments. It was quite a wake-up call for me
(and I bet for other authors out there). I’ve learned that a career in
publishing is a dedicated path. Slow and steady progress assures success.
That’s my motto now.
9. Do you tend towards
personal satisfaction or aim to serve your readers? Do you balance the two and
how?
If I’m being honest, a little of both. I write books for me AND
my readers. The writing part is my journey—from seed idea to finished product—and
all that’s happened in between. The way I serve my readers is to deliver the
best possible story I’ve got in me, while entertaining and inspiring them at
the same time. That’s where I find balance.
10. What role do
emotions play in creativity?
Emotions are a scary-wonderful roller coaster ride for an
author. We get out the best and worst of ourselves for all to see. It’s like
wringing out a sopping wet sponge until there’s nothing left to squeeze. That’s
when we (authors) get to exhale and if we’ve done our jobs well, our readers
will have gone on that ride with us.
11. What are your plans
for future books?
So many books, so little time. LOL! Actually, I’ve planned for a
total of ten books, plus the prequel for The Last Timekeepers series, so I’ll
be one busy gal. So far, I have three books in this series published. In
September 2021, the fourth installment, The
Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave will be released through my publisher,
Mirror World Publishing. For my other young adult series Mysterious Tales from
Fairy Falls, there are five books total planned, two of which are already
published. Currently, I’m working on the third book in this teen psychic
mystery series.
12. Tell us some quirky
facts about yourself
I’m an empath. Yeah, I feel ya. I never knew this until later
in my life. It’s been a load to carry, and I honestly thought something was
wrong with me. Guess that’s why I’m drawn to writing about characters with
psychic abilities or delving into my past lives. I love exploring arcane
subjects, attracted to unsolved mysteries, and always expect the unexpected.
Bahaha…
If you’re a writer, do you resonate with any
of my answers? If you’re a reader, is there anything else you would like to
know about my author life? I’d love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks
for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!