IBF Meet the Author Blog Hop

Indie BookFest was so much fun last year that I'm doing it again this year! I seriously can't wait, and I hope you can join us in Orlando for the conference in August. Today, we're doing a "Meet the Authors" blog hop. So...meet me below. :) And then hop on over to meet the other fabulous authors who will be at IBF 2014.

IBF Meet the Author 2014 Feb 14 - 21

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself.

The Soul Savers Series is based on the premise of “How far would you go to save the souls you love, and those that you don’t?” It follows the life of a young woman, Alexis, who discovers she is the heir to a matriarchal society that serves as the Angels’ army on earth. My plan is for this series to have seven full-length books, along with other companion novellas and short stories.

The Book of Phoenix Series is a paranormal romance trilogy with a unique twist. It’s based on the premise of Twin Flames, who have a stronger bond than even soul mates, and the idea that we humans have no idea what’s beyond this world…and this lifetime. I’m working on the second installment of the series now, and the deeper I get into the story, the more I’m loving just how complex this world is becoming.

Me? I’m a very devoted mom of three handsome young men, two in college with the third accepted to join them next year. My loved ones are incredibly important to me, and I cherish my family and friends more than anything. Beyond that, for fun I love to travel, especially on the back of my husband’s Harley! When I’m home and time permits, my favorite relaxation includes cooking an amazing meal, reading (of course), and hanging out with my boys and my dogs.

When was your first book published?

My first book, Promise, was published in July 2010.

Why did you decide to become an Indie Author?

After I finished my first book and polished it until it shined, I queried agents but was told more than once, “there’s no market for college-aged protagonists. Make her younger or older and we may reconsider.” I considered if I could make Alexis younger for YA or older for Adult, but she needed to be 18 and starting college for the entire series to make sense. I just couldn’t do it. At that time, self-publishing as we know it today was still in its infancy, but I believed in the stories that I had written, and I believed in myself, so it didn’t take me long to determine that Indie was the best path for me. Besides, what did I have to lose? It was a crapshoot and I ended up winning! J

Are you currently working on anything?

Right now I am working on The Space Beyond. It’s part two of my second series, The Book of Phoenix. In addition, I’m in the midst of releasing a box set with a group of amazing New Adult Paranormal Romance authors entitled Curses, Fates & Soul Mates. Contributing authors include Rachael Wade, Raine Thomas, R.K. Ryals, and Lynn Rush.

Who and what inspired you to write?

When I started the Soul Savers Series, I’d been thinking about angels and demons for years, but even when I decided to give fiction another try (after not writing it for 15 years), I didn’t really have a story in mind. I started with character sketches, and then a scene between two of these characters. Then ideas began to snowball from there. That’s how it works – one little kernel of an idea can quickly grow into massive inspiration, if you just let your imagination go.

Pretty much everything that I see or do can somehow influence my writing. I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling this past year, and many of the sights that I’ve seen have already found their ways into stories. Sometimes it’s something as simple as a post on social media that can trigger something in my head that will turn into a perfect moment in a story. But beyond that, personal experiences—family events, etc.—can cause my actual writing process to vary.

One of the luxuries of being an author is being able to adjust my schedule when my family needs me. Recently, I needed to spend time with my dad while he was in the hospital. I ended up writing a big portion of one of my books in the hotel near his hospital. Ironically, it was my Thanksgiving short story trilogy—all about being thankful for the important things in life.

Each author has his or her own inspiring journey. How did you begin writing?

I’ve loved writing since I was 8 years old, but when I was in college, I got “practical” and changed my major from English to business. I’d decided then I didn’t have a novel in me. I graduated with a Business Marketing degree, but my career always included writing – I thought then that I was meant to use my writing skills for business. While working as a resume writer, training program writer and editor, newspaper reporter and editor, and marketing communications developer, I raised my three boys. When they hit their teens, though, and my oldest started driving, I began to find more free time on my hands. I devoured every book I could get my hands on and loved lots of them but couldn’t find the story I really wanted to read – the one forming in my head. So I decided to give writing fiction another try. Within 6 weeks, I’d written the first drafts of what became Promise and Purpose. I haven’t looked back since. That was five years ago!

What is on your writing playlist for your book(s)?

It varies, depending on what I’m writing, but each book’s playlist may include Linkin Park, Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Evanescence, Red, Skillet, and Godsmack. In The Space Beyond, I have a couple of Southern born-and-raised characters, so I’ve been trying to listen to some country and Southern rock. “Trying” is the keyword, especially with the country. It’s just never been my favorite, although there are some current songs I can tolerate. Haha!

Who is your favorite character in your books?

That’s a tough one! I think I’m closest to Alexis—she’s been living in my head for quite a few years now—and I’ve really enjoyed watching her grow and develop throughout the series. As far as sexy, hot, who would I want to spend some quality alone-time with? Well…that would have to be Tristan. Although Jeric could be fun too!

What is your favorite book of all time?

I think each time I read a new book and fall in love with it, it becomes my new favorite book. I get something out of every book I read. It’s impossible to pick a single favorite.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

Besides the fact that the first book (Promise) is free so you have nothing to lose? Because the ¾ million people who have downloaded them can’t be wrong? Or, wait. Because I have the most amazing fans in the world, and you belong with them. *grin*