Author Interview with K.L. Hallam

Title: The Unmoving Sky
Author: K.L. Hallam
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
Publisher: Leap Books: Shine
Release Date: May 16, 2016

There is nothing darker than the woods, until you meet your worst fear.

Jackson Bower has a lot on his mind lately. His younger brother hasn’t been the same since his mother’s death. His father’s drinking is out of control. Then there’s Jackson’s girlfriend and the grief that ties them together even as it threatens to drive them apart.

He distances himself, hoping for a little perspective at the family lodge. But when their father gets drunk and dangerous, he and his brother escape into the woods.

Night creeps in, and the rains come fast. Artie slips down a ravine. He’s wounded and the brothers seek shelter in a cave, only to find someone else already taking refuge there.

A desperate man with plans to destroy their town.

Jackson must get him and his wounded brother out of the cave and over the mountain to warn everyone in time. Without getting them both killed first.

Goodreads ~ Smashwords ~ Amazon

Interview:

Hi, and welcome to We Do Write!  

Hello, thank you for having me here. 

How did the idea of the story come to you?

The brothers, Jackson and Artie, are very loosely based on my own two sons. The idea was that of a protective older brother, and I wanted to see if he’d come through the story as the rescuer, or if he’d need rescuing himself. 

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Mostly a panster, I find it’s a lot more fun this way. I sing jazz so I’m pretty used to improvising. Though when I get stuck, or the pace drags, I’ll outline a few worst-case scenarios (a loose outline) and go from there.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Coffee!! But I’ve had to cut back, so I chase it with fresh squeezed lemon water. But I also need either a pen and paper, or my laptop to write.  J

If you could have any super power, what would it be? 

To be Bewitched, you know the ancient TV show.  I‘ve always wanted to wiggle my nose and have my apartment magically clean itself. No such luck.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... 

... drawing or painting, and singing or riding my bike, and or reading freaky news articles for story treasures! 

Meet the Author:
K.L. Hallam, an air force brat as a young child, who moved around to more schools than she can list, gathering the stories that would connect to her heart. She writes MG, YA, and short fiction, or anything she hasn’t tried, a member of SCBWI, a singer and songwriter, illustrator and mother of two teenagers. She lives in New York City and spends her mornings writing in a Jazz club.

Follow K.L. Hallam on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and her website.

Book Trailer:

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Launch: MINDERS by Michele Jaffe

Today marks the release of the young adult thriller/mystery/sci-fi/dystopian/romance MINDERS by Michele Jaffe. This book sounds so good, and it seems like it has everything! Take a look.

"A dark, dangerous and twisty near-future mystery from the incomparable Michelle Jaffe. Don't miss this book!"--Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times Bestselling Author of Blue Bloods

Q: If the boy you love commits a crime, would you turn him in?

Sadie Ames is a type-A teenager from the wealthy suburbs. She's been accepted to the prestigious Mind Corps Fellowship program, where she'll spend six weeks as an observer inside the head of Ford, a troubled boy with a passion for the crumbling architecture of the inner city. There's just one problem: Sadie's fallen in love with him.

Q: What if the crime is murder?

Ford Winters is haunted by the murder of his older brother, James. As Sadie falls deeper into his world, dazzled by the shimmering pinpricks of color that form images in his mind, she begins to think she knows him. Then Ford does something unthinkable.

Q: What if you saw it happen from inside his mind?

Back in her own body, Sadie is faced with the ultimate dilemma. With Ford's life in her hands, she must decide what is right and what is wrong. And how well she can really ever know someone, even someone she loves.

A high concept, cinematic read with a surprising twist, MINDERS asks the question: who is really watching who?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Interview with Joshua Graham

I don't know how the weather is in your part of the world, but here, it's a constant back-and-forth seesaw. I wish it would make up its mind, because the pressure headaches are not fun.

But let's take our thoughts away from headaches and focus on another interview. Today we're talking with author Joshua Graham about his book, TERMINUS.

Welcome to We Do Write, Joshua. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m the author of a couple of #1 bestselling thrillers, including BEYOND JUSTICE and DARKROOM. My latest book is TERMINUS, a Supernatural Thriller. My books have won top honors such as First Prize in: The International Book Award, Forward National Literature Award, USA "Best Books 2011″ Awards.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing fiction since the first grade, but professionally since 2003.

Tell us about TERMINUS. What’s the story about?

Terminus is a Supernatural Thriller in which an angel decides to renounce his immortality and powers in order to be with the human woman with whom he has fallen in love—a woman he was sent to destroy. Now he must save her from assassination, as well as stop a nuclear terrorist attack. But his time and power is running out. To get a visual glimpse at this book, please view the trailer here:




Cool! How did the idea of the story come to you?

During a professional Masterclass, in which we had to come up with about 3-4 book proposals per day. The creative juices were flowing and I really loved the concept for TERMINUS. It took a few years to complete, while getting other books published along the way, but I’m glad it finally came together. Many of the themes arose from my pondering on the ideas of mortality, eternity, spiritual warfare, and the like. I had read a book called “Fearless” by Max Lucado, and a particular chapter about facing death and beyond unafraid touched me particularly. I believe this was the final push that took TERMINUS from a proposal to a finished book.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a few friends who have helped me with critique. I also have my wife who is the greatest first reader and development consultant a writer could have. I do some degree of self-editing, but the final edits are done with professional editors.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A bit of both. I plot in broad strokes, then in between let things go by the seat of my pants.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting out of my own way. I tend to overthink things and sometimes overwrite things. Thank God for my editor who helped me keep things tight, and fast-paced, which is the way I like to read as well.

I hear you. Editors are a godsend. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I’m pretty flexible, but I do like to have my Bible, research materials, and internet access. But one thing I must have is quiet. If someone is talking within earshot, I can’t really write.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

The ability to heal.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

http://zombo.com/

You know I'm not clicking that, right? ;) Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Reading, homeschool teaching, spending time with my family.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife and kids for putting up with the insanity of having a writer as a husband and father. I also want to thank my readers and facebook friends/fans for all their support and enthusiasm in spreading the word about my books. In the interest of time and space, I will leave the rest to be read in the acknowledgment section of my books.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

The quickest way is to look me up on Amazon.com here: www.amazon.com/author/joshuagraham
I can be reached on the contact form on my website: www.joshua-graham.com
I’m also on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J0shGraham
And on twitter: www.twitter.com/j0shuagraham
Please sign up for my newsletter for exclusive content, giveaways, and early updates here: www.joshua-graham.com/newsletter

Thanks for chatting with us today, Joshua!

Interview with Karen Magill

Is it spring yet? I, for one, hope it doesn't take too much longer before the weather warms up and the sun decides to be part of our lives again. In the meantime, let's get to know Karen Magill, author of MISSING FLOWERS.

Welcome to We Do Write, Karen. Tell us a bit about yourself.


I come from a family of writers. My grandmother was a published author and one of my paternal uncles writes. Ever since I first learned how to put words together, I have written.

So it's in your blood! That's awesome. Tell us about MISSING FLOWERS. What’s the story about?

When psychic Julie Seer moves to Vancouver, her dreams are filled with visions of women being murdered. She doesn’t know who is being killed or why until the day Julie goes to a press conference held by the Vancouver Police Station. A press conference to announce the formation of a special task force that will investigate the case of the prostitutes who have gone missing from Vancouver’s East Side.

Detective Constable Santoro Ricci is an officer with the Vancouver Police Department and he wants on the special task force. When he happens upon Julie at the press conference, Ricci finds himself unofficially investigating the case.

Julie also finds herself having visions where she is transported back in time into the body of a Chinese prostitute in the late 1800s. Through these visions, and stories told to her by long time residents of the city, Julie learns more of the history of Vancouver.

With the help of Francine, an east side prostitute, Julie and Santoro work together to solve the mystery of the missing women. When Francine and Julie are taken by the killer, Santoro must find the missing answers fast.

How did you come up with the title?

A friend of my parents’ refers to the prostitutes on Hastings Street as ‘Hastings Street Flowers’ so I took the flowers to signify those women and the missing is because they have disappeared.

Oooh, intriguing! How did the idea of the story come to you?

I write a blog on Vancouver and its history – Vancouver Vagabond http://karen-magill.blogspot.com – and I knew I wanted to do something with Vancouver history. The missing prostitutes was an actual case here in Vancouver where there was a serial killer targeting the prostitutes. I found a way to combine the two.

So interesting! Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a very good friend who has read my books over before publication. I don’t know what I will do in the future but I don’t think I will work in a group – I don’t play well with others.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am more of a pantser and many times will write my book in sections when a scene comes to me and figure out how to fit that scene in the book later.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting started. Once I get into the groove I just keep writing but it getting there is difficult. I am great at procrastinating.

I hear ya; I'm a procrastinator too. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Music. I love to write while listening to music and blocking out all other noises. I get so lost in the sounds sometimes and my story that I forget the time.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I would love to be able to see far enough in the future so that I could see what the lottery numbers were for the next draw!

Ha! Don't we all. ;) What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I have googled size statistics for a man’s penis. Research for a novel. LOL

LOL! Sure, sure. I totally believe you. *smirk* Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: mystery, terrier, and realize.

It took a moment to realize that the terrier was at the center of the mystery.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Walking. I regularly roam the city getting photos and seeing places where the history happened for my blog.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

First, there is my parents – they are great supporters – and Diana is a friend that reads my work and gives me her opinion. So many people on Facebook like Kim Mutch Emerson, Martin Crosbie, Tasha Turner, T.L. Burns and K.R. Hughes. Too many to mention! I also want to thank Denise Beilchick. She had problems with the eBook of Missing Flowers so I fixed that and now she has become a great supporter. I also have to thank Saga Books for believing in me and publishing Missing Flowers.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

Webpage: : www.karenmagill.com
Blog: http://karen-magill.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenMagill
Facebook: http://goo.gl/0LrRK
Facebook Fan Page: http://goo.gl/ulvSy
FB Karen Magill’s Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/124352631064366/
(I started the street team in January to help promote my books and to better get to know the people who are supporting me.)
Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Magill/e/B003DI10YG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Thanks for chatting with us today, Karen. I look forward to reading your book!

Interview with Alison Stone

Author Alison Stone is with us today to talk about her novel TOO CLOSE TO HOME. She lives in New York and is represented by Jenn Schober of Spencerhill Associates.
Welcome, Alison. How long have you been writing?

I first got the idea to write soon after my oldest was born. He'll be seventeen in January! However, in my defense, I started writing for the children's market and local publications before I finally got the never to try my hand at novel-length fiction. In the seventeen years since, I've produced three more children and many more manuscripts. :)

Tell us about TOO CLOSE TO HOME. What’s the story about?

I think the easiest way to tell you about TOO CLOSE TO HOME is to share the blurb:

They say you can never go home. If you do, better watch your back.
Ten years ago, after her father’s gruesome death was ruled a suicide, Kathryn McNabb left her hometown, vowing never to return. And never to let anything—business or personal—break her heart.

Now an overachieving manufacturing engineer, she thrives on order, control and solitude. But an unexpected inheritance makes her the co-owner of the company her father founded, forcing her to face the ghosts of her past. Including Ben Nowak, childhood friend, secret crush, and son of the man who ruined her father.

Ben hadn’t planned on returning home either, but with his own father’s death it falls to him to continue the family legacy. When he learns Kathryn plans to sell the plant out from under him, his quest takes on new urgency—Midport Industries is the main source of jobs in town.

Butting heads strike sparks of attraction that entangle business and pleasure into a hopeless knot. And someone is watching. Someone with a darker reason to prevent the deal from going through. Someone desperate enough to kill…

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Great question. In my former life, I was a manufacturing engineer for an automotive parts supplier. One day, a worker on the plant floor told me that someone had drown in one of the tanks because of a drug deal gone bad. I have no idea if he was pulling my leg or not, but the idea stuck with me. TOO CLOSE TO HOME is centered around a manufacturing facility in a small town. The heroine soon learns something beyond manufacturing is going on in the plant. This was a fun story to write because I was able to draw on my experience as an engineer. (I promise I left out the boring parts!)

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a few close writer friends who read my work and give me feedback. I love having "fresh eyes" look at my manuscript before I submit. I am often too close to the story to see if it all gels.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

One would think I was a complete planner considering my training as an engineer, however I tend to do a little of both. I have an idea and a few plot points and I go from there. This leads to A LOT of rewriting. I am trying to learn to plan more and save myself time (and frustration.)

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Honestly, it's the sitting down and doing it. I will find ten other things I'd rather do--laundry, errands, dishes, etc--before I will sit down. Once I sit down and open the file, I get right into the story. Now why don't I just do that to begin with? Procrastination is not my friend.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Either coffee or tea. I usually have one cup of coffee to kick-start my day, then I drink tea for the rest of the day.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Is curing cancer a super power? Probably not, huh? In that case, I'd love to be able to fly. I hate to fly in planes, so maybe being able to fly on my own would be a useful power.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

I can't think of anything really weird, but whenever I think of the inherent "danger" of googling, I think of a local sporting goods store in town. It's called Dick's Sporting Goods. (You probably know where I'm going with this!) A few years back I googled "Dicks" and yeah, I got an eyeful. Now whenever I use Google, I make sure I'm more specific in my search phrases. Seriously, what did I expect?

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: porch, bursting, and imagination.

Bursting with nervous energy, I tried to rein in my imagination as the porch step creaked under my weight. :D

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

...driving my kids all over town.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Writing can be a roller coaster ride. I am very fortunate to have Jenn Scober, my agent, in my corner. She took me on as a client nearly five years before I sold. We came close more than once--but close only counts in horseshoes, right? I am so grateful she stuck with me and encouraged me until we got "The Call." In less than 13 months, we sold 3 books. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is just the beginning. And I'm grateful to the editors at Samhain and Harlequin who took a chance on my books.

I also have the best family. My hubby supports my writing career 100% and my kids cheer me on every step of the way.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

A current list of my books can be found on my website: AlisonStone.com. I'm also on Twitter at @Alison_Stone or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AlisonStoneAuthor.
Too Close to Home is available at the following online locations:
Samhain Publishing: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/close-home-p-6950.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Too-Close-to-Home-ebook/dp/B008GWOHIU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1354728552&sr=8-9&keywords=Too+Close+to+Home
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/too-close-to-home-alison-stone/1112120174?ean=9781609288501&itm=1&usri=too+close+to+home

It's also available at many other fine eBook retailers.

One more thing before I go. I enjoy to give books as gifts during the holidays. Leave me a comment telling me what gift you enjoy giving and/or tell me about the best gift you've ever received. One lucky person (selected at random) will win an eBook copy of Too Close to Home from Samhain, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. (Winner's choice)

Thanks for chatting with us today, Alison. It was great getting to know more about you and your book.

Thanks so much, Dorothy, for having me as a guest.

Interview with Prudence MacLeod

Happy Monday, everyone! Does it feel like Fall where you are? Have you already got your Thanksgivings plans sorted out? So much to do and so little time, right? Well hopefully you have time to sneak a peek at an interview with the fabulous Prudence MacLeod.

Welcome, Prudence!

Hi Dorothy, thanks so much for giving me this opportunity. Okay, I’m strapped in with coffee in hand. Ask me anything at all. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I’m in my sixties, so I’ve been around for a while. The thing is, the older I get the more fun this adventure called life becomes. I love telling stories, knitting, hanging out with friends, walking with dogs, did I mention hanging out with friends? I also enjoy meeting new people. Oh and then there’s the shopping…

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing off and on much of my life, but only in the last twenty years have I taken it seriously.

Tell us about HUNTER. What’s the story about?

Hunter is my latest effort. It began as an exercise of letting my mind wander then took on a life of its own. It is the story of a young woman with a special gift, one that brings her as much grief as it does benefit. She has spent her life running and hiding from the authorities and something else; always wondering why the women in her family are different. And then she finds out, and goes on the hunt herself. The story is as much about Tracy’s hunt for herself and her place in the world as it is about the hunt for the aliens.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Actually it was through a conversation with my Labrador Retriever. Dogs perceive the world very differently and I suddenly wondered what that might be like. Later that day I was watching Firestarter with friends and that was it. I couldn’t sleep that night until I put some thoughts on paper.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a couple of Beta readers. First I do a self-edit, then have the story read, and then it goes to my editor at Powder River Editing. This is actually new for me and Hunter is only the second book she has done for me. It does make a difference.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Oh, pantster all the way. Shoot, if I knew how the story would unfold I wouldn’t bother to write it. I write them to see what is going to happen.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Promotion usually; I’m not so great at blowing my own horn or running contests and such.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Coffee, dogs, or people. I talk to the dogs while I write. It helps me to sort out the story. I’m a writer, most of us survive on coffee, and oddly, I enjoy having people all around me.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Oh, teleportation. If you want to have coffee with a friend in Texas, poof you’re there. Want to do lunch with the girls in England? Poof, you’re there. How incredible would that be?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Oh dear, now that’s a tough question; probably the name of the main characters in my books. After I finish a book I google the names just to make sure I’m not going to rub anybody’s fur the wrong way. You know, if I write Joe Bob as a womanizer and google turns up Joe Bob as a solid citizen running for office, well, my Joe becomes Jimmy Sam. No harm intended and none done if I can help it.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: ambition, ammunition, and appetite.

“Jeanie, here’s the extra ammunition you’ll need if you have the appetite for the killing, or the ambition to see another sunrise.”

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

thinking about writing.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you.Let's hear your shout outs.

First there’s my partner who is also my biggest fan as well as a gifted artist. Find her here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurpleRavenBoutique?ref=seller_info
My editor and dear friend, C.M.Crawford , find her here: http://powderriverediting.blogspot.ca/
Also the WANA group. You can find these folks on Facebook or Twitter as well as hundreds of other places. These are the most supportive and inspirational people you could ever hope to encounter. Find them at WANA 1011, WANA 112, on Facebook or at #MYWANA on Twitter. These are incredible people, check them out; you’ll be glad you did.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

All my books can be found at these locations or at fine on-line book seller anywhere.
http://www.prudencemacleod.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Prudence-MacLeod/e/B0079XOY8U
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Witchhazel

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Prudence. I wish you the best with your book!

This has been a lot of fun, Dorothy. Thanks again for inviting me.

Interview with TK Harris

Today we're talking with author TK Harris about her novel, PHANTOM DREAMS.

Welcome to We Do Write! Tell us a bit about yourself.  

I grew up a military brat and between it and work I have been lucky enough to travel the world, living in many countries.  I am a mom, teacher, IT person, Gemini, writer and problem solver.  I think that about covers it!
How long have you been writing?  

Since forever.  I think I started being able to "spell" around 3 or 4.  
Tell us about PHANTOM DREAMS. What’s the story about?  

An ordinary women with a life time of nightmares that become reality.  A serial killer with a vendetta.  And an FBI agent (who's hot btw) who's tired of chasing monsters but is determined to do it one more time.

How did the idea of the story come to you? 

A dream!  Really.  I had a dream that I was walking through a large crowd of people, surrounded by white canvas tents.  I am moving quickly but don't know why, when suddenly the crowd parts and there is a man in front of me, carrying a sword and it is aimed right at me.  Then, just as quickly, the woman is no longer me and I am now watching.  I woke up before the sword drove home.  And that's how Phantom Dreams was born.
Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?  

I used beta readers I hired off of Craigslist!  Ha!  I actually wrote a whole article on Beta Readers you can find here:  http://cindy-vine.blogspot.com/2012/10/why-you-need-beta-readers.html

Are you a planner or a pantser?  

A chaotic mix of both.  I start out with a plan which gets blown away leading me down long winding paths and then I put another plan in place to "get everything right (or is that write?)" only to end up down another path. 

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?  

EDITING

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

My favorite pen.  Even though I usually type now, I started out writing with a pen and paper.  Or pencil and paper.  Sometimes even crayon.  Depending on wherever I was and whatever I had when inspiration struck!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?  

The ability to read, write, understand and speak ANY language.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled? 

How to roll a joint.  Seriously!  I teach college and my kids did a web design project on marijuana and got me curious.  (I didn't inhale though! Ha!)  

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: ghost, illogical, and tightening.
 
Illogical though it seemed, my chest began to tighten in fear as I stared at what could only be a ghost.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably 

reading, hiking, working, riding my motorcycle and being a mom.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My ex, believe it or not, who put up with me when I started writing this and we were still married.  My roommate for helping me to promote it and my bf for helping me get it formatted, design my book cover and just generally putting up with me being obsessed with marketing my baby!
And finally, where can people find you and your book online?  

Right now its on Amazon, B&N and Kobo.  We should have it up soon on iBooks and iGoogle!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Dreams-ebook/dp/B008I4R1FM

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phantom-dreams-t-k-harris/1112976686

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Phantom-Dreams/book-by49U9ATsku2CiTPWfxl6g/page1.html?s=N81-rNZGlE6rhpbt92nJbA&r=1

Website: http://www.tkharrisonline.com/index.php?p=1_11_Book-and-Reviews

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tk.harris.568?ref=tn_tnmn

Interview with Nancy S Thompson

Today we're talking with author Nancy S. Thompson about her new release, THE MISTAKEN.

Hi, Nancy, welcome to We Do Write! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I lived most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area, but eight years ago, my family moved to the Seattle Puget Sound Area. I’m married to my “high school sweetheart” though we didn’t actually meet in high school. We have one son, age 17, who is just starting his freshman year at Arizona State University. And although I am an interior/architectural designer and have run my own business since 1997, my new passion and focus is writing.

How long have you been writing?

Unlike most writers I know, I never had that lifelong passion to write, though I’ve always loved to do it. I was bitten by the bug in March 2010, in one moment of divine inspiration.

Tell us about THE MISTAKEN. What's the story about?

It’s basically a story of revenge gone horribly wrong, but it’s also about a man who desperately wants to free his brother from the muck and mire of San Francisco’s Russian Mafia.

Here’s the short synopsis:

All Tyler Karras wants is to enjoy life with his expectant bride; what he gets instead is a graveside seat at her funeral. With the woman who killed her uncharged and still free, all Ty wants now is revenge.

His brother, Nick, has dangerous connections and suggests a sadistic plan: grab the woman responsible and hand her over to his associates—sex-traffickers in San Francisco’s Russian Mafia. They offer Ty more than he dreamed possible. In exchange for the woman, they’ll finally let his brother leave the business for good—with his debt wiped clean and his heart still beating.

There’s just one problem: Ty kidnaps the wrong woman.

Now he must protect Hannah Maguire from the very enemy he's unleashed, but the Russians are holding Nick as leverage to force Ty to complete their deal. Caught in a no-win situation, Ty must find a way to save himself, his brother, and the woman, but with the Russian Mafia, even two out of three makes for very long odds.

Sounds like an exciting read! How did the idea of the story come to you?

It came to me while driving around in my convertible on a rare sunny Seattle afternoon. A new song I had recently downloaded onto my iPod, Hurricane by 30 Seconds To Mars, began to play, and I was struck by the lyrics: “Tell me, would you kill to save a life, would you kill to prove you’re right?” When I heard that, I wondered, what could make a good man do something truly awful, and could he ever find his way back to the man he use to be? From there, a story was borne. I used elements and experiences from my past to mold the story, but it’s all fiction.

Great inspiration! Are you a planner or a pantser?

This is a difficult question. I used to think I was a hardcore plotter because I wrote an extensive outline before I ever sat down at my computer and started typing. But now I’m thinking I’m actually a pantser because that outline was really more of a first draft, albeit handwritten and incomplete without dialogue, setting, or detail, but still, a first draft. So while I did constantly jot down notes, my story—which came to me whole—was first written in a stream-of-consciousness format, so I think that actually makes me a pantser.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Hm, well, I don’t think there is a hard part for me really, at least not for The Mistaken. The story poured out of me in a few short weeks. Now that I’m writing my second book, I find that while the story came to me nearly whole, it’s not quite as fleshed out as The Mistaken was, so I would say, at this point, just completing the story concept and plot. But for the most part, writing comes to me pretty easily. I even love revising. It’s everything else that I find difficult, like blogging, building a platform, and all the publishing stuff. It kind of gets in the way of the writing.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I need my notes, what I’ve always called my outline, but what is really that handwritten first draft. It’s my roadmap. Second to that, I need the TV on, but turned down low so I can hear it, but not quite understand what is being said. I can’t stand a quiet house.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to fly, but that’s not very practical and I am a practical girl, so I’d have to go with invisibility. That would enable me to insert myself into any situation and just soak in the intrigue and drama of all that is going on around me. I could go anywhere and learn anything and no one would be any wiser. How cool is that?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Of all time? Geez, that’s hard to say, but recently I Googled whether or not the hotel room doors at the Four Seasons San Francisco have peep holes. (They do.) Not too exciting, I know.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: Oreos, competition, and deflated.

With the competition over, and her shoulders deflated in loss, Marie stepped off the stage risers and trudged away, her only consolation, the lone Oreo left in her hand.

LOL, well at least she's got that. ;) Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Of course, my greatest thanks go out to my husband and son who allowed me this crazy obsession of writing this book. I also need to thank Katie Henson and Amy Lichtenhan at Sapphire Star Publishing for believing in me and my story, and for giving me such an awesome opportunity. But more than anyone, I want to thank author Lisa Regan. She started off as a critique partner and turned into my closest friend and ally. More than that, she taught me almost everything I know about writing, and whipped my book into publishable shape. Without her, I’d be nowhere.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

The Mistaken will be released via Amazon on October 18, 2012, where you can get either the trade paperback or the e-book version. As for me, you can find and follow me on my blog, on Twitter and Facebook, or on Goodreads where my book, The Mistaken, also has its own page. I’m also on the Sapphire Star Publishing website.