Time to get to know JoAnn!

Hi everyone, this time the spotlight is on Blue Ridge Agency author, JoAnn Smith Ainsworth. I haven't spoken to JoAnn much since I joined the agency so I am looking forward to getting to know her better.

Please remember to email me at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com if you'd like the chance to be a featured author and I can add you to the list.

Best
Rachel x


Welcome, JoAnn!

1) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

Never give up. Stay optimistic.

When I speak to readers, I often have people come up to me to say that I’m an inspiration because I changed the direction of my life as I approached retirement and because I persisted until I succeeded. They become inspired to follow through on their dreams.

During this life journey, I learned to stay true to myself, stay focused on my goal and keep walking step by step toward that goal.

2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As I approached retirement age, I looked for a way to supplement my social security income. Since I have my B.A. and M.A.T. in English and my MBA studies, I decided to go into the business of writing novels. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with my characters and with the process. Now, I’d keep writing even if I never sold another novel.

I considered myself a writer from the time I made my decision to write. I considered myself an author when I got my first manuscript done.

Published author came ten years later. I spent many of those years studying the craft of writing so that I can produce the best possible story to enchant a reader.

3) What is the best part of the writing process for you?

I enjoy editing. As I peal off excess words, I feel like a sculptor who chips away stone to get to the image inside. Or, in my case, the story inside.

4) The worst part?

Facing a blank page is the hardest.

The decision on where to start the novel is crucial to the novel’s success. Capturing a reader’s attention with the first words on the page requires refining the thoughts by choosing or eliminating possibilities. It takes significant decision making to begin a novel. Those choices affect everything that follows.

5) What comes first, plot or characters?

I write in historical settings so I choose my setting/time period first. I ask myself: What story problem can arise because of this time and place? Then I ask myself what type of characters are best suited to resolve the story question? From there I create at least five major crises the characters must face. Those crisis points are the story plot. As you can see, the plot comes last.


6) What surprised you the most when you became published?

I was surprised by how I suddenly became an expert on writing and marketing a novel. I knew the same amount of information on the day before publication, but afterward people in audiences looked to me as an expert to give them guidance on writing and marketing their own books.

Enjoy reading!

Time to get to know JoAnn!

Hi everyone, this time the spotlight is on Blue Ridge Agency author, JoAnn Smith Ainsworth. I haven't spoken to JoAnn much since I joined the agency so I am looking forward to getting to know her better.

Please remember to email me at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com if you'd like the chance to be a featured author and I can add you to the list.

Best
Rachel x


Welcome, JoAnn!

1) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

Never give up. Stay optimistic.

When I speak to readers, I often have people come up to me to say that I’m an inspiration because I changed the direction of my life as I approached retirement and because I persisted until I succeeded. They become inspired to follow through on their dreams.

During this life journey, I learned to stay true to myself, stay focused on my goal and keep walking step by step toward that goal.

2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As I approached retirement age, I looked for a way to supplement my social security income. Since I have my B.A. and M.A.T. in English and my MBA studies, I decided to go into the business of writing novels. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with my characters and with the process. Now, I’d keep writing even if I never sold another novel.

I considered myself a writer from the time I made my decision to write. I considered myself an author when I got my first manuscript done.

Published author came ten years later. I spent many of those years studying the craft of writing so that I can produce the best possible story to enchant a reader.

3) What is the best part of the writing process for you?

I enjoy editing. As I peal off excess words, I feel like a sculptor who chips away stone to get to the image inside. Or, in my case, the story inside.

4) The worst part?

Facing a blank page is the hardest.

The decision on where to start the novel is crucial to the novel’s success. Capturing a reader’s attention with the first words on the page requires refining the thoughts by choosing or eliminating possibilities. It takes significant decision making to begin a novel. Those choices affect everything that follows.

5) What comes first, plot or characters?

I write in historical settings so I choose my setting/time period first. I ask myself: What story problem can arise because of this time and place? Then I ask myself what type of characters are best suited to resolve the story question? From there I create at least five major crises the characters must face. Those crisis points are the story plot. As you can see, the plot comes last.


6) What surprised you the most when you became published?

I was surprised by how I suddenly became an expert on writing and marketing a novel. I knew the same amount of information on the day before publication, but afterward people in audiences looked to me as an expert to give them guidance on writing and marketing their own books.

Enjoy reading!

Time to get to know JoAnn!

Hi everyone, this time the spotlight is on Blue Ridge Agency author, JoAnn Smith Ainsworth. I haven't spoken to JoAnn much since I joined the agency so I am looking forward to getting to know her better.

Please remember to email me at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com if you'd like the chance to be a featured author and I can add you to the list.

Best
Rachel x


Welcome, JoAnn!

1) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

Never give up. Stay optimistic.

When I speak to readers, I often have people come up to me to say that I’m an inspiration because I changed the direction of my life as I approached retirement and because I persisted until I succeeded. They become inspired to follow through on their dreams.

During this life journey, I learned to stay true to myself, stay focused on my goal and keep walking step by step toward that goal.

2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As I approached retirement age, I looked for a way to supplement my social security income. Since I have my B.A. and M.A.T. in English and my MBA studies, I decided to go into the business of writing novels. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with my characters and with the process. Now, I’d keep writing even if I never sold another novel.

I considered myself a writer from the time I made my decision to write. I considered myself an author when I got my first manuscript done.

Published author came ten years later. I spent many of those years studying the craft of writing so that I can produce the best possible story to enchant a reader.

3) What is the best part of the writing process for you?

I enjoy editing. As I peal off excess words, I feel like a sculptor who chips away stone to get to the image inside. Or, in my case, the story inside.

4) The worst part?

Facing a blank page is the hardest.

The decision on where to start the novel is crucial to the novel’s success. Capturing a reader’s attention with the first words on the page requires refining the thoughts by choosing or eliminating possibilities. It takes significant decision making to begin a novel. Those choices affect everything that follows.

5) What comes first, plot or characters?

I write in historical settings so I choose my setting/time period first. I ask myself: What story problem can arise because of this time and place? Then I ask myself what type of characters are best suited to resolve the story question? From there I create at least five major crises the characters must face. Those crisis points are the story plot. As you can see, the plot comes last.


6) What surprised you the most when you became published?

I was surprised by how I suddenly became an expert on writing and marketing a novel. I knew the same amount of information on the day before publication, but afterward people in audiences looked to me as an expert to give them guidance on writing and marketing their own books.

Enjoy reading!

Time to talk with Paul McNabb...

The next Agency author to be subjected to my questions is Paul McNabb. I must just say before we get to Paul's interview how jealous I am looking at the background in his picture when I am sitting in dreary, rainy England. It looks fabulous!

Okay, over to you...

1) Did you set any goals for 2011?

I am definitely a goal setter. I was a high school wrestling coach for 8 years after I graduated from Oklahoma State University. I learned early to set goals and most importantly, to map out a plan to achieve those goals.
My goal for 2011 was the same as it had been for several years: Get my book, The Jaguar Conspiracy, published. The difference was early in the year Dawn called to say we had an offer from kNight Romance Publishing. It turned out to be a three book deal.

2) What is the best part of the writing process for you?

My favorite writers, Ian Fleming and Michael Connelly, wrote a series of stories about a main character. Of course Michael Connelly’s stories continue and he actually has four main characters. The stories were in real time, ie, as the stories progressed, the character got older. I am in the process of actually fulfilling my dream to create the same kind of character.
The reader will travel through time with him and enjoy the adventures as they occur. I know the story line of the first three books although I haven’t done much on the third book yet. I just had a fantastic idea for the fourth book. I really enjoy the whole experience of creating a character who travels to specific places and events.

3) The worst part?

Sometimes I spend days thinking about a difficult part of a story. The challenge for me is making the discoveries of the solution to a case realistic. I also think one of the most difficult parts of writing mysteries is giving readers misinformation, steering them in the wrong direction with facts that have multiple meanings.


4) What’s next for you?

In 2012 my first two mysteries will be published, The Jaguar Conspiracy in May and Hope Against Hope in July. I will start the editing process with the publisher soon so I anticipate I will be busy. I must deliver the manuscript for Hope Against Hope at year end so I have a few more rewrites to go. As my books are published I will be spending a lot of time marketing them.
I must execute the third book, Deadly Contract, during the course of 2012 and produce a finished manuscript by the end of the year. I know the story of the third book already but I haven’t even blocked it out yet so I have a long way to go on that project.
I plan to write a screen play for The Jaguar Conspiracy during 2012 because I think it would be an excellent movie. I also write three monthly columns in classic car magazines so that keeps me busy attending events, doing interviews and meeting deadlines.

5) Tell us where you write?

My wife and I own a townhouse on the central coast of California. I have a small loft office upstairs by a balcony. I have a comfortable chair and my laptop. I’ve surrounded myself with die cast model cars, a Maltese Falcon replica, automobile posters and some music pictures. It’s a comfortable place.

6) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years?

I want to write a book a year and build a following for my main character and the series. I want to write a screenplay a year, too. I want to be economically successful as a writer, ie, earning a good living from my books.

Meet Blue Ridge Agency author, Phyllis Humphrey!

This time around, the agency fortnightly author visit features Phyllis Humphrey. Phyllis was one of the very first people I spoke to via the agency yahoo group when I was fortunate for Dawn to take me on back in March. I am very grateful for such a warm welcome and very much look forward to getting to know Phyllis a little better. Please remember to email me if you'd like an interview at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com - I am getting VERY low on interviews and I know there are still many, many of you lovely authors who haven't appeared on the blog yet. I'd love to hear from you! Okay, over to Phyllis... 1. Goals for 2011? I never give myself a goal of "selling" a book, because I have no control over when--if--an editor will offer a contract. My goal for 2010 was to try to promote COLD APRIL, released in December, 2010. Thanks to my hours of research about the Titanic, I’ve been able to post some blogs (www.phyllishumphrey.com) with information I think others will find as fascinating as I did. 5. Favorite author & book? REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier has always been my favorite book, and, judging by how many of her books I’ve purchased, I guess Sue Grafton is my favorite author these days. 7. Where do you write? I have my very own ten-by-ten office, which overflows with paper. It has two doors: one inside and one to the garage so I can sneak out if necessary. 11. How many books have you written? Nineteen complete, plus four incomplete. I’ve sold thirteen, and two of my backlist will now be indie published too. 12. Which comes first, plot or character? In the case of COLD APRIL, the plot, because Titanic sank, and I had to save my hero and heroine. Usually, I think of them together: that is, a character with a problem or a goal and I want to show her solve that. 13. Do you ever suffer from writers block? Not really. I’ve had my share of crappy days, but I remind myself that a famous writer once said, "Just keep writing. When you read it later, you won’t be able to tell which came when you were feeling inspired." 14. What do you like to do when not writing? We’re all social animals, and mustn’t sit at a computer all the time, so I joined a Performing Arts Club and I act in their plays and sing in their musicals. I love it. 17. How do you deal with criticism/rejection? Rejection is a given in this business, and I try to learn from criticism. Sometimes, a comment from a contest judge has alerted me to a way to improve and I ended up with a better book. 10. Your biggest piece of advice for beginning novelists? Persistence. Never give up. I sent out one book nineteen times before it sold, and another 27 times before getting a contract. (Of course, I tried to improve the book in between.)

Time to talk with Paul McNabb...

The next Agency author to be subjected to my questions is Paul McNabb. I must just say before we get to Paul's interview how jealous I am looking at the background in his picture when I am sitting in dreary, rainy England. It looks fabulous! Rachel Okay, over to you... 1) Did you set any goals for 2011? I am definitely a goal setter. I was a high school wrestling coach for 8 years after I graduated from Oklahoma State University. I learned early to set goals and most importantly, to map out a plan to achieve those goals. My goal for 2011 was the same as it had been for several years: Get my book, The Jaguar Conspiracy, published. The difference was early in the year Dawn called to say we had an offer from kNight Romance Publishing. It turned out to be a three book deal. 2) What is the best part of the writing process for you? My favorite writers, Ian Fleming and Michael Connelly, wrote a series of stories about a main character. Of course Michael Connelly’s stories continue and he actually has four main characters. The stories were in real time, ie, as the stories progressed, the character got older. I am in the process of actually fulfilling my dream to create the same kind of character. The reader will travel through time with him and enjoy the adventures as they occur. I know the story line of the first three books although I haven’t done much on the third book yet. I just had a fantastic idea for the fourth book. I really enjoy the whole experience of creating a character who travels to specific places and events. 3) The worst part? Sometimes I spend days thinking about a difficult part of a story. The challenge for me is making the discoveries of the solution to a case realistic. I also think one of the most difficult parts of writing mysteries is giving readers misinformation, steering them in the wrong direction with facts that have multiple meanings. 4) What’s next for you? In 2012 my first two mysteries will be published, The Jaguar Conspiracy in May and Hope Against Hope in July. I will start the editing process with the publisher soon so I anticipate I will be busy. I must deliver the manuscript for Hope Against Hope at year end so I have a few more rewrites to go. As my books are published I will be spending a lot of time marketing them. I must execute the third book, Deadly Contract, during the course of 2012 and produce a finished manuscript by the end of the year. I know the story of the third book already but I haven’t even blocked it out yet so I have a long way to go on that project. I plan to write a screen play for The Jaguar Conspiracy during 2012 because I think it would be an excellent movie. I also write three monthly columns in classic car magazines so that keeps me busy attending events, doing interviews and meeting deadlines. 5) Tell us where you write? My wife and I own a townhouse on the central coast of California. I have a small loft office upstairs by a balcony. I have a comfortable chair and my laptop. I’ve surrounded myself with die cast model cars, a Maltese Falcon replica, automobile posters and some music pictures. It’s a comfortable place. 6) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years? I want to write a book a year and build a following for my main character and the series. I want to write a screenplay a year, too. I want to be economically successful as a writer, ie, earning a good living from my books.

Time to talk with Paul McNabb...

The next Agency author to be subjected to my questions is Paul McNabb. I must just say before we get to Paul's interview how jealous I am looking at the background in his picture when I am sitting in dreary, rainy England. It looks fabulous! Rachel Okay, over to you... 1) Did you set any goals for 2011? I am definitely a goal setter. I was a high school wrestling coach for 8 years after I graduated from Oklahoma State University. I learned early to set goals and most importantly, to map out a plan to achieve those goals. My goal for 2011 was the same as it had been for several years: Get my book, The Jaguar Conspiracy, published. The difference was early in the year Dawn called to say we had an offer from kNight Romance Publishing. It turned out to be a three book deal. 2) What is the best part of the writing process for you? My favorite writers, Ian Fleming and Michael Connelly, wrote a series of stories about a main character. Of course Michael Connelly’s stories continue and he actually has four main characters. The stories were in real time, ie, as the stories progressed, the character got older. I am in the process of actually fulfilling my dream to create the same kind of character. The reader will travel through time with him and enjoy the adventures as they occur. I know the story line of the first three books although I haven’t done much on the third book yet. I just had a fantastic idea for the fourth book. I really enjoy the whole experience of creating a character who travels to specific places and events. 3) The worst part? Sometimes I spend days thinking about a difficult part of a story. The challenge for me is making the discoveries of the solution to a case realistic. I also think one of the most difficult parts of writing mysteries is giving readers misinformation, steering them in the wrong direction with facts that have multiple meanings. 4) What’s next for you? In 2012 my first two mysteries will be published, The Jaguar Conspiracy in May and Hope Against Hope in July. I will start the editing process with the publisher soon so I anticipate I will be busy. I must deliver the manuscript for Hope Against Hope at year end so I have a few more rewrites to go. As my books are published I will be spending a lot of time marketing them. I must execute the third book, Deadly Contract, during the course of 2012 and produce a finished manuscript by the end of the year. I know the story of the third book already but I haven’t even blocked it out yet so I have a long way to go on that project. I plan to write a screen play for The Jaguar Conspiracy during 2012 because I think it would be an excellent movie. I also write three monthly columns in classic car magazines so that keeps me busy attending events, doing interviews and meeting deadlines. 5) Tell us where you write? My wife and I own a townhouse on the central coast of California. I have a small loft office upstairs by a balcony. I have a comfortable chair and my laptop. I’ve surrounded myself with die cast model cars, a Maltese Falcon replica, automobile posters and some music pictures. It’s a comfortable place. 6) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years? I want to write a book a year and build a following for my main character and the series. I want to write a screenplay a year, too. I want to be economically successful as a writer, ie, earning a good living from my books.

Time to talk with Paul McNabb...

The next Agency author to be subjected to my questions is Paul McNabb. I must just say before we get to Paul's interview how jealous I am looking at the background in his picture when I am sitting in dreary, rainy England. It looks fabulous! Rachel Okay, over to you... 1) Did you set any goals for 2011? I am definitely a goal setter. I was a high school wrestling coach for 8 years after I graduated from Oklahoma State University. I learned early to set goals and most importantly, to map out a plan to achieve those goals. My goal for 2011 was the same as it had been for several years: Get my book, The Jaguar Conspiracy, published. The difference was early in the year Dawn called to say we had an offer from kNight Romance Publishing. It turned out to be a three book deal. 2) What is the best part of the writing process for you? My favorite writers, Ian Fleming and Michael Connelly, wrote a series of stories about a main character. Of course Michael Connelly’s stories continue and he actually has four main characters. The stories were in real time, ie, as the stories progressed, the character got older. I am in the process of actually fulfilling my dream to create the same kind of character. The reader will travel through time with him and enjoy the adventures as they occur. I know the story line of the first three books although I haven’t done much on the third book yet. I just had a fantastic idea for the fourth book. I really enjoy the whole experience of creating a character who travels to specific places and events. 3) The worst part? Sometimes I spend days thinking about a difficult part of a story. The challenge for me is making the discoveries of the solution to a case realistic. I also think one of the most difficult parts of writing mysteries is giving readers misinformation, steering them in the wrong direction with facts that have multiple meanings. 4) What’s next for you? In 2012 my first two mysteries will be published, The Jaguar Conspiracy in May and Hope Against Hope in July. I will start the editing process with the publisher soon so I anticipate I will be busy. I must deliver the manuscript for Hope Against Hope at year end so I have a few more rewrites to go. As my books are published I will be spending a lot of time marketing them. I must execute the third book, Deadly Contract, during the course of 2012 and produce a finished manuscript by the end of the year. I know the story of the third book already but I haven’t even blocked it out yet so I have a long way to go on that project. I plan to write a screen play for The Jaguar Conspiracy during 2012 because I think it would be an excellent movie. I also write three monthly columns in classic car magazines so that keeps me busy attending events, doing interviews and meeting deadlines. 5) Tell us where you write? My wife and I own a townhouse on the central coast of California. I have a small loft office upstairs by a balcony. I have a comfortable chair and my laptop. I’ve surrounded myself with die cast model cars, a Maltese Falcon replica, automobile posters and some music pictures. It’s a comfortable place. 6) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years? I want to write a book a year and build a following for my main character and the series. I want to write a screenplay a year, too. I want to be economically successful as a writer, ie, earning a good living from my books.

Chatting with the lovely and generous, Vonnie Davis!

Onwards and upwards with the author interviews! Thank you so much for everyone who contacted me over the last couple of weeks wanting to be added to my list of author appearances. I am really enjoying getting to know you all and sure everyone else feels the same. Anyone else wanting to be interviewed can email me at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com Okay, over to my fabulous online friend and Blue Ridge author, Vonnie Davis... A warm Virginia shout-out to all you Blue Ridge Literary writers. As country comedian and singer, Minnie Pearl, used to say, “I’m just pleased as punch to be here.” Did you set any goals for 2111? I set a two-pronged goal for myself. First, I wanted to improve at my craft. Second, I wanted to write two more books. I have one book and a novella under contract and am working furiously to finish book two. Which is your favorite genre to read? To write? I mainly read the genre in which I write. I’d be foolish not to. Right? How could I write a romance if all I’m reading are books on gardening and knitting? I also read political intrigue and spy thrillers, since I’m currently writing a romantic suspense series involving terrorists and governmental corruption. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? No. I suffer from writer’s fear. I can always write something. There are so many storylines bouncing around in my head that when I reach a difficult section in my current WIP, I can yank something else from my mental closet and work on it. For example, I currently have three historical romances and several romances involving older heroines nagging for my attention. A lovely gentleman in my writers’ group, who also happens to be a BRLA author—“Hi Jim!”—once asked me if I ever finish anything. I may have a touch of attention deficit disorder. Voices in my head? (gentle laughter) Oh, yeah. Getting back to that writer’s fear I mentioned. I will picture a scene in my mind for weeks. It plays out like a movie in slow motion. I can hear the dialog, see the characters, smell the aromas of the scene. I set up the scene chapters in advance with little tidbits of information dribbled in. Yet, when I am ready to begin writing it, fear steps in. What if I lack the ability to transfer the scene from my mind to the computer screen? What if I’m unable to get my reader to see and hear it the way I do? I tell myself to write one paragraph and then another; bare bones writing of just the dialog and action. Then I go back and layer in emotions and internal dialog. Then another layer of description needed to involve the senses. What are my characters hearing in the background (an old song on the radio, perhaps), touching (the velvety petals of a rose), smelling (beans burning on the stove), or seeing (passersby talking as they hurry along). Adding the senses to a scene strengthens it and draws our readers further into the story. They feel as if they’re there. What is the best part of the writing process for you? I love what I do. For years and years I dreamed of writing, yet lacked the self-confidence to actually work at it. There were many half-hearted attempts to put storylines to paper. It wasn’t until I met and married Calvin, who is also a writer, that I had someone to encourage me to write. He is my hero, and I put a part of his personality into ever romantic hero I create so they have a touch of his sterling character. I enjoy creating quirky characters who add a special dimension to a story. I like to write about families and all the dynamics within them. So I have several secondary characters who often add a comedic relief to the plot. What is the worst part of the writing process for you? Writing sex. The intimacy between two people is such a lovely part of one’s life, but writing about it is very difficult. I tend to focus on the emotions the characters are feeling rather than the mechanics. Still, how many times can you write about sex and make it sound different? If I’ve spend two-thirds of the book developing their relationship and showing the sexual tension, then I need to also write intimacy in a dynamic way that doesn’t let the reader down after pages and pages of building up to that point. I struggle big time with this. What is your biggest piece of advice to emerging novelists? Learn the power of point of view. Study the novels that have sucked you into the storyline. How did the writer achieve that? Read books on the topic and take online workshops on deep point of view. This will strengthen your writing. Your book will become a page turner—and isn’t that what we all want as writers? To have someone tell us they couldn’t put our book down? That is the highest compliment. To that end, friends, write on! Vonnie’s debut book, Storm’s Interlude, was named Best Read by Long and Short Reviews and garnered the Book of the Week award. It was also accepted into the Best 100 Romances Project of smaller publishers as well as eBook publishers.

Nice to meet you, Michael!

The agency author I've interviewed this time around is Michael Murphy, author of mystery novel, Scorpion Bay and others. I hope everyone is enjoying these interviews as much as I am and you are visiting the blog as a chance to get to know each other better.

I am running low on interviews so if you'd like to be featured please email me at rachelbrimble@googlemail.com and I'll add you to the list. Dawn has a LOT on authors of her list and I know I've only interviewed a handful. So, come on, don't be shy! ;)

Rachel x
1) What is the best part of the writing process for you?

The part of writing I enjoy most is letting the subconscious mind work on plot and characterization. It’s the creative part. Sometimes it’s dreaming and sometimes the process occurs when I’m driving or on the treadmill. If I really let my mind take over, then putting the scene down on paper is just mechanical.

2) Favourite author/s & book/s?

I mostly writing the kind of books I enjoy reading, mystery and suspense. Nelson DeMille inspires me by his ability to weave humorous characters into the action and suspense and Dennis Lehane inspires me with his intricate plot twists. My favorite book is Plum Island, by DeMille.

3) What’s next for you?

I’m awaiting word on the sale of the best book I’ve ever written, Good-bye, Emily. I ventured far from mystery and suspense with a character driven novel about a man who just turned sixty. Determined to scatter his wife’s ashes, he recreates a roadtrip with his two buddies from high school. They head back to where he met Emily, Woodstock. It’s funny, touching and full of music and memories of that era.

4) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years?

Sometime in the next five years, I’d like to enter a Starbucks and see someone reading my best seller.

5) What comes first, plot or characters?

My answer to this question has changed over the years. When I started writing novels, I thought it was plot, but now I strive to create memorable characters. I have fun challenging them with plot, but at the end of the day, or the end of the novel, it’s the events’ impact on the characters that matter the most.

6) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Urban chicken farming. Really.