It's great to have you here, Gemma! I'm sure readers will enjoy your answers, so let's get right into it :-)
1.
When did you know
you wanted to be a writer? What were some of your first steps toward making
your dream a reality? I’ve always been a
writer, but I never dreamed I could do it for a living.
My first step was to realize that I COULD write for a
living. I had to acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, people would want to read
the stories I wrote simply for my own entertainment.
The second step was to believe in myself enough to
submit my stories to a publisher.
The third step was to toughen my skin to take the
rejections that eventually came in.
2.
Yes, tough skin
is a must in this business J
What 3 things would you like readers to know about you? 1) I am blessed with the most amazing husband and canine kids. 2) When
I began the Cedar River series, I had never stepped foot on Upper Peninsula
soil. 3) If it hadn’t been for the two special men in my life (my father and my
husband), who believed in me, I probably would still be writing for my own
amusement.
3.
Tell us about
your books. Genre, titles, any favorite characters? What can we look forward to
from you in the near future? WIP’s, upcoming releases
My first book is titled Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s
Heart. It’s an urban fantasy/paranormal romance set in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan. Cedar River is a community of shifters. KOTGDH follows the story of
Bowie Golden and Anastasia Plum.
Natural Born Enemies is the second book in the Cedar
River series. It tells the story of Adam Thomas, black puma shifter, and Luna
McIntyre, shaman to the McIntyre Pack. This will be released this fall.
I’m currently working on Book 3 in this series plus
I’m working on the first story in a brand-new series about a coven of
witches…set in the Upper Peninsula. There is also a book about the Fae. This
one will be a children’s story, possibly YA.
4.
Wow! That gives
readers a lot to look forward to. Is there a common thread in your books? How
do your values show up in your writing? What do you want readers to take from
your writing?
That is a great question and one I really hadn’t
thought on. The common thread I think you’ll find is this strong sense of
community. Families aren’t simply blood-related. The families in my stories are
made up of friends as well as blood relations. That is how my life truly is.
I hope my values are reflected in my writing. I see a
lot of myself in my female leads. They are strong and independent. They don’t
NEED a man in their lives, but having the man they have enhances their lives.
I hope my readers enjoy the stories I write, but I
hope they take away a couple of things: Your family doesn’t have to be made up
of only people you’re related to. Your family can be the group of people who
love and support you. Secondly, I hope my readers see that love doesn’t have to
make a woman into a whimpering, simpering creature. Sometimes, love doesn’t
work out, but you have to keep moving forward. Love will find you when LOVE
thinks you’re ready.
5.
Those are really
important values. My life is like that, too, especially as I’ve aged. I think
there’s a lot to be said for “wanting” a man because he enhances your life, but
not “needing” one to make it. What do you look for in a good book? I like a book that sucks me into the pages
and refuses to let me go until the final page is turned.
6.
Yes! The kind you
hate to put down, even long enough to turn out the light or turn off the kindle
and get some sleep! The kind you’re addicted to until the end, then you’re a
little sad it’s over. What are some of the best social media, marketing, and
publicity tips you’ve come across? One
of my author friends wrote a book about “pimping” yourself as an author. I
studied it inside and out. The most valuable information is to put yourself out
there and promote, promote, promote, every single day. It doesn’t take long and
it is a necessary evil.
7.
What are some
things you know now about writing and being an author that you wish someone had
told you at the very beginning? Oh boy,
I think the one thing I wish someone would have told me was how much of my
promotions relies on me. It helps to have author friends who offer advice and
help promote. They’ve been my lifesavers especially when it comes to guest
blogs.
8.
That’s very true.
I wrote in a bubble for years, but it really helps to have friends sharing the
journey. Along that same line, what are some of your favorite resources? My author friends are my greatest
resources. I have a couple who are the most wonderful sources of information.
They were in my shoes not too long ago so they understand that, as a newbie, I
have lots of questions and they are more than willing to answer them.
9.
What lifts your
spirits when you’re discouraged? My
husband and my canine kids. When I’m feeling low, my husband always has some
sort of encouragement to offer. If he’s busy or not around, a wet, slobbery
kiss from one of my canine kids makes my heart soar.
10.
They do help keep
things in perspective, don’t they? Nothing’s more important than love and a
good rub. LOL What tips can you offer towards building and maintaining a strong
support system as a writer? You have to
be willing to step outside your comfort zone. If you are offered support, give
it back. You can’t simply take the support you get and not return the favor.
Immerse yourself in the writing world. Friend authors in your various circles.
Join groups where authors are offering tips, help, and support to fellow
authors. Don’t allow authors to tear you down.
I want to thank Dariel for
allowing me to spend the day with her readers. I hope you had as much fun
visiting as I have. You can find me on the internet at the following places:
You can also buy e-copies of
Keeper of the Golden Dragon’s Heart here:
Comments
Dariel, great questions as usual :)
I agree that love should come in many forms - makes your character's worlds believable. We can all identify with love's various incarnations.
Thank you, Cherie:) I love my cover as well. I cried when my editor sent it to me.
Danita- Aren't Dariel's questions great? Goodness, I really had to dig deep to answer appropriately.
Dariel- I can't tell you thank you enough for allowing me to spend the day here. It means a lot to me:)