Getting to Know You

Start by telling us a little about yourself. Where are you from? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I’m originally from Port Arthur, Texas…our claim to fame is that it’s the home of Janis Joplin (and don’t say Who?) I am number five of six children and the mom of four teenagers..which is why I’m losing the fight with Miss Clairol. I’ve been married 17 yrs to my retired Coast Guard husband. When I was a kid I wanted to be an actress (okay, I wanted to be Meryl Streep. She’s awesome!). I even did a couple of school plays…but I was painfully shy and pretty much froze on stage so I doubt my performances were any good. Even to this day I have a very hard time speaking in front of crowds. But the acting definitely comes in handy with my writing.
Musicians often note the musicians who influenced them. What authors have influenced you and your work?
A: I’m an avid reader and love all kinds of books. There’s not any one person who influenced me, but if I had to pick anyone it would be Jayne Ann Krentz and Nora Roberts. I love their work and want to be just like them. (Sorry Meryl)
Do you have a favorite book or series?

A: That’s actually a hard question. I read a few ‘series’ books (such as Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books or Robert Crais’ Elvis Cole). My favorite book tends to be the one I’m reading at the time– whether it’s Lee’s or Robert’s or Toni McGee Causey (who has a three book series that’s a hoot!) or any of the other authors I collect.

When you’re not writing, do you have any hobbies or interests?

A: I have three teenagers at home who keep me way too busy to get my own hobby (aside from writing…which isn’t actually a hobby.) But, I’m not complaining…my kids are a hoot! And every other weekend we play Sing Star Karaoke!! It’s a competitive thing.

About Your Books

Tell us more about your latest release from Cobblestone Press, Her Will His Way. What’s it about and what inspired you to write it?

A: Well, that’s actually a long story. The condensed version is, an editor asked me if I wanted to participate in a Latina based erotic anthology because she wanted to help ‘jump start’ my career. She was in the process of trying to buy my first book. Unfortunately she left the house before she could do either. I decided to go ahead and finish it and about 7 months later I sold it to Cobblestone. I had originally had plans to make the book a romantic suspense in novel length but instead, because of the editor, it turned into a contemporary erotic romance…not that I’m complaining. The story is about Anita Perez, a woman who’s lost everything– her husband (due to infidelity), her business (bankruptcy) and her confidence. When she inherits her grandfather’s flower shop in the Rio Grande Valley, she sees it as a sign to start over, although she has a problem. She doesn’t speak Spanish and her grandmother’s very sexy neighbor State Trooper Antonio Hernandez doesn’t have a problem reminding her of that. Of course, Tony only teases Anita because he’s been in love with her for twenty years and he’s trying to get her to fall in love with him. But, his plan might just backfire if Anita finds out he has a secret ‘deal with the devil’.

How’s the feedback on the book so far?

A: So far the feedback has been wonderful! And I couldn’t be more happy. I really loved this book and these characters and love sharing them with everyone. If I weren’t under contract, I’d give it away. LOL

Do you come up with your characters first or the plot of the story?
A: Actually, I have to have a title first. Without a title, I’m lost. Lol My titles are generally a theme of the whole plot so I guess you can say I do a plot first. After that I’ll do a very bare bones outline of my characters…and I mean very bare…it’s usually just their name, occupation and internal conflict. The rest develops as I write…and rewrite and re-rewrite.
Any current projects you’re excited about and can share with our readers?

A: I have two novels on submission at three different houses. Both books are erotic romantic suspense and one has paranormal elements. They are both really good (if I should say so myself-hah) so I’m really hoping they’ll get picked up soon. (Keep your fingers crossed)

Random Questions

If you were stuck on an island, what 3 things would you take with you?

A: A mirror (because the reflection from the sun can help make a fire if I need it..although the downside would be I’d have to see how bad I look stranded on an island.) A pen and notebook (for obvious reasons) and a pillow so I can at least be comfortable while I wait for rescue.

Give us 5 words that describe you.

A: Friendly, witty, (in a sarcastic kinda way), intuitive, stubborn, persistent.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: Greece. I’ve never really had a desire to leave the US, but I would love to see the Greek Islands one day. I’ve seen pictures and they’re beautiful!! And I just love Greek people…don’t ask me why.

Do you have a beverage of choice? Something you can’t write without?
A: No. I generally drink water all day. The only must have beverage for me is coffee…and only in the morning.

Do you write to music or the TV?
A: Neither. I’m easily distracted so I need to have quite when I write. However, if I’m just mental plotting I’ll listen to music…mostly soft rock/love song stuff. Although, when I was writing my second book (the one with the paranormal elements) I listened to Garth Brooks’ No Fences album(CD) all the time…for some reason it helped to keep my muse focused. Guess she was a fan.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?

A: Thanksgiving because I can eat all day and the calories don’t count (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)

Do you have any advice to new writers?
A: I wish someone had told me to Relax! This is a very tough business to break into and it can be very disheartening. But you can’t let it get you down or make you think negative about yourself. (No comment’s from you, kettle! ()

Learn, Learn, Learn! You can never learn enough about the craft and with each book you write your writing gets better. And, don’t be in such a rush. It will happen when it’s meant to happen. (Yeah, I can hear the kettle laughing at me.)
How can readers get in contact with you?
A: Reader’s can contact me through my website or you can look me up at MySpace or Facebook…or my blog. I’m all over the place. I will also be milling around at RWA this year so don’t hesitate to say howdy!

Is there anything we didn’t cover that you’d like to mention?
A: Well….my favorite color is blue. I love Mexican food (go figure). Spring is my favorite season. All my plants are fake because I can’t seem to keep any alive. I hate southern accents…especially when someone is obviously not from the south (Kira Sedwick!) Oh, and I used to be a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and almost got attacked by a Doberman once while I was walking a route….and it really ticked me off! The only upside to that job was I was in great shape!

Like that? Try this...

• First Line Friday: MEMORIES TO COME by CRICKET STARR
• Review: Laid by A.J. Llewellyn
• Review: Finding Fiona – Book 3 of the Sisters of Silverwood by Viola Grace
• Review: The Zone by Barbara Karmazin
• Review: Stray by Ash Penn