Q. So is life really stranger then fiction?

A.Well it is certainly as unpredictable… But just like fiction it is so much fun, even in the scary parts, like when 35 foot waves crash down on you and you think surely you will drown and your boat is going down…. But a part of you says, “Well at least I won’t regret the things I didn’t do! Plus I am never afraid to see the face of God, whenever I die. I believe his timing is always perfect.”
Q. A lot of readers want to know how they can get a signed copy of a book, if you’re not coming to their town.

A. You just buy it from my Publishers website online instead of the bookstores or Amazon and request it be inscribed and he’ll have me mail it directly to you my self….www.1bookpubli8shers.com or my own site here as soon as my buy it button cooperates. As my own webmaster I am still in a huge learning curve but I’m working on it.
Q. Clint, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, wants to ask: "What inspired you to become an author?"

A. When I learned to read as a child the whole world opened up to me. Books weren’t just words strung together; they were wonderful adventures and fabulous places. I loved the feel of a book propped on my chest and my nose stuck in between the pages, late into the night, holding my flashlight under the covers, long after I should have been asleep. I loved that the author took me halfway; and then my imagination created the imagery. A book allows you to participate. A movie just does it all for you. Anyway that’s why I write. To be driven to write you begin by loving to read.
Q. Adrianne, from New York, wants to know: "How long did it take to write your first novel?

A. Initially about four months, but it needed a lot of editing after that. In fact I think you could edit a book forever. It’s hard to let your baby go, but at some point you are ready for a new adventure and a fresh idea, so you have to let it go to press and start a new project. I probably have about ten months into Refraction. I am promising myself to keep Raw Justice under eight months. I have to, I have a deadline!
Q. Keith, from Atlanta, wants to know: "Who are the authors that have most influenced your style of writing?"

A. I don’t really know. I’ve read thousands of books and probably hundreds of them have had some sort of effect, but they all tend to run together, as far as their influence goes. I’ve never made a conscious effort to write like any other writer, though I’m sure influences reveal themselves to some astute readers. It’s probably easier for you to tell me who you think I’m like. Although I'm trying to be original, I’d be very interested in your responses....
Q. Ashley, from Tulsa, asks: "Where did you get the idea for Refraction?

A. I know it will sound a bit crazy, but the story just wrote itself. Characters came to life and then they did things and other characters entered into the picture and influenced the story and it all just flowed out. The only thing I had to do was sit down in front of the computer religiously everyday and let it all unfold. Stephen King refers to the guys in the basement (inside him) who write. I guess I’d have to say that my story was a little like that. I just began with a “What if” thought in my head and then let my creativity answer it in 400 plus pages. The only hard part was the discipline of showing up at the keyboard everyday.
Q. Luke, from Dayton, Ohio, asks: What is the best part of being a writer?

A. Making things up that bring enjoyment to others, while I’m having a ball doing it and loving every moment of the creativity flowing through me. It is sometimes a shot of triple espresso and sometimes it is soothing and romantic, carrying me along like a raft on a lazy river; then the next thing I know bullets start flying and we are all on the run. It is great spending the day with strong characters who are constantly grabbing the reins, and surprise me with what they want to do.
Q. Georgia, from Santa Maria, California inquires: "With which character in your books do you most identify?

A. Probably Joan, but each of my characters has something of me in them, because I am living through them to get them out and 3 Dimensional.
Q. Maggie, from San Diego, asks: "Why don’t I see your book advertised more?

A. That’s what I keep asking my publisher! But this is still a brand new project. Only those who received galleys have read it at all, it is just coming out for general release in March 2008. So this interview is coming at the pre-release stage. My book signings are just being set up and this first interview was my very first.
Q. Meryl, from Alberta, asks: "Did you find writing Refraction to be a cathartic experience?"

A. I found it more liberating to leave behind short stories and newspaper articles and allow myself a free reign to let my imagination run wild. I guess it was cathartic too, but only after I realized that I’d actually done it.
Q. Lou, from Warren, New Jersey, asks: "Did you have as much fun writing the book as we did reading it?"

A. Gee I sure hope so. And thank you so much for that kind question.
Q. Ken, from Spartanburg, asks: "What prompted you to write about murder and crime, which are rather depressing subjects?"

A. Murder and crime are depressing, only if they’re happening to you. Watching them unfold is usually fascinating. But I did mix in a lot of redeeming characters and situations as well. My book is a tense thriller at times, but there is a love story too and amazing relationship issues are addressed, like love, friendship, loyalty and knowing right from wrong.
Q. Anything else you’d like to say to Refractions first readers and the focus group?

A. Yes. I’d like to express my very real gratitude to them all for reading my work, for recommending the book to their friends and families, and for taking the time to write questions for me. I’d also like to suggest that your local bookstore is the best place to get the book, if they don’t have it in stock yet, because I’m so new, please ask them to order it for you. I am of the firm belief that everybody should have his own copy! At least a girl can dream.....

You can also order direct from www.1bookpublishers.com

If you would like to have a personalized copy from me simply use the "buy it" button and fill in the inscription portion.