- 1.) How did you come up with the idea and title for this book?

Ha ha...In truth I grabbed at a title because the word was "Don't sweat bullets over a title, they'll just change it anyway". Yet, nine years ago when a traditional publishing house picked up Banner's Bonus, they indicated that they also liked the title and planned on keeping it. Both their interest in the book and their liking of the title were pleasant and unexpected surprises.

- 2.) Was this novel easy or hard to write? Chapter (s), character(s), or scene(s) were difficult to write or capture, and why?

In a sense it was easy because it came from my heart. But being my first attempt at writing I had much learning ahead of me. And some of those lessons were hard. It was only with the help of a fantastic critique group (you ladies know who you are: Sandy, Pink, Vicki and Maggie) I learned those lessons.

- 2a.)What Chapters?

No particular chapter stands out.

- 2b.)What scene?

Naturally the love scene was hard to write. For me, love scenes have a fine line. The hardest part is trying to keep that special moment meaningful, touching and believable while at the same time adding just enough detail and description to keep the pages flying.

- 3.) Did anything surprise you while writing your book? For example, did any characters acquire unexpected traits or importance, or did any subplots or minor themes require expansion? Is this the book you set out to write?

Yes. As mentioned, Banner's Bonus was written from my heart, and written for me alone. I was repeatedly told by well meaning friends that it would never sell because of the fact that I straddled the line between scifi and romance. I didn't care. I kept writing it as I wanted it….just as my characters spoke to me. It was only in afterthought that I decided to approach a publisher and was all prepared for a rejection. Yes, I was surprised when they expressed an interest.

- 4.) Who is your favorite character(s) and/or scene(s)? Why?

My favorite character is Nick. He's an alpha male from start to finish, and I had more fun pressing his buttons through my heroine, Tressa. The sexual tension between those two was a delight to develop.

- 5.) Is there a villain in your book? If so, what motivates him or her, and does that individual have any positive traits? Does the villain see him or herself as a villain?

Quint Kendyl is Nick's ex-partner who has degenerated into a man with very little principles He is jealous of Nick and angered by a failed business partnership. Does he see himself as a villain? No he sees himself as having been wronged and is blinded by thoughts of revenge.

- 6.) Is there anything vital or important about you, your beliefs, interests, etc. that this book reflects?

Yes. Simply put: My love of Star Trek, and the original Star Wars movies. As an example, Nick Banner was inspired by Han Solo of Star Wars. But his character was further fined-tuned by Sam McCade, the hero in a series of scifi novels written by William C. Dietz. I owe Bill a special thanks for the things I learned at his feet. Teaching me what a spaceport smelled like is just one of many.

- 7.) Is there anything I haven't asked about your novel that you'd very much like your fans to know?

Being both fascinated with futuristic space travel as well as the romance of the tall sailing ships of the 1800s, I have tried to combine both worlds in Banner's Bonus as well as in my sequel, Solar Wind. My goal has been to create a futuristic romance with the feel of a high seas adventure. Their cargo holds might be filled with a little different merchandise than they would have been back in the 1800s, but for Tressa, the cramped quarters and sexual tension on board Nick's cargo ship, Victorious, is still the same as it would have been onboard a fast sailing clipper ship.

Was it fun to write? Very much.