A: I love to read; but one of the things that always get to me is that I am always able to figure out ‘who done it’ long before the end of the story. My goal is to write mysteries that the reader will have to get to the end before knowing who did it. Touched is not that kind of story but Blood and Water is.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I started writing in college but I got really serious in 1993.

Q: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

A: Don’t give up. I know that might sound redundant but it’s true. Writing is not all authors have to do. One must work really hard at getting exposure, so that readers are aware of us.

Q: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

A: I wouldn’t really call it writers block. Sometimes I’m indecisive as to where I want a story to go or what I want the characters to do. When that happens, I pick up another manuscript. Right now I have two in the works.

Q: Who is your favorite author and why?

A: I have quite a few favorites. Reading the works of others is a learning experience, so I try not to limit myself.

Q: How did you deal with rejection letters, if you received any?

A: I cried. I discussed them with my husband, said a pray and got back to work.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A: Imagination. The sky really is the limit.

Q: How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

A: my plots are developed around social issues. Having worked in psych and in an emergency room, I have a lot of experience to draw from. Touched, which is out now, deals with child abuse, domestic violence and hate crimes. Blood and Water, which will come out 2003, deals with family conflict and technology theft.

Q: What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

A: At first I didn’t feel anything. It wasn’t until people started commenting that it dawned on me that it was real. I was finally an author.

Q: What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?

A: A writer must be persistent. Writing is not an overnight success.

Q: What do you do to unwind and relax?

A: I like swimming, going to the mountains. The mountains are good for inspiration. I like taking walks with my husband and my dogs. At the end of a long day curling up with a good book is a must.

Q: Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us? (We' d love to hear all about them!)

A: Blood and Water, which will be published by American Books, will come out 2003. We Call It Home is a book that I’m currently working on. While it has some of the same characters as Touched it is not really a sequel.

Q: Tell us a bit about your family. Your adoring public would like to know!

A: I’m married to a wonderful man; soon to be nine years. We have two dogs and a cat. My brother and sister, who called me professor when we were kids, are not surprised that I wanted to become an author. While they were out socializing I was reading.

Q: what dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? Any special memories that you would like to share...please, oh, please?

A: I’m a new author. That by itself is a dream come true. I often wondered if I wrote a book would anyone want to read it. What’s more, I wondered if they would like it. The fact that people ask me when my next book is going to become available blows me away.

Q: Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?

A: None. I am available though. My writing excites me and I love to talk about it. Anyone interested just contact me.

Q: If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

A: Pursue your dream. If you don’t at least try you will never know if you will be successful. Just a reminder; keep it legal. (Smile)

Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Your words will be a help and an inspiration to writers everywhere.