- First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?

I just finished putting the final word on SOLAR WIND, the sequel to BANNER'S BONUS. Now comes the hard part: The proofing, critiquing and ultimately any revisions that may be necessary.

- 1.) What does your writing schedule look like? When do your creative juices flow best?

Actually, I have no scheduled writing time. Just depends. Some days I'll write all day long. Other days I might write just in the mornings or evenings. Then again, sometimes my best writing is done during the wee hours of the morning when the house is quiet and everyone's sound asleep.

- 2.) Do you do any research for your stories? What is the most interesting thing that you have learned?

Research is very important when it comes to getting facts straight. For me it was the scientific and technical things that had me burying my nose in research.

I have learned several interesting things through research. I've learned what a spaceport might smell like. That the temperature in outerspace is only registered off of objects rather then from the air (there is no air in outerspace).

I also learned that when an object such as a spaceship enters a planet's atmosphere the friction of entry causes flames to engulf the object. That's why shooting stars flare.

- 3.) Is there a character that you have created that you can't get out of your head?

Nick Banner from BANNER'S BONUS was hard to withdraw from. I carried him in my heart long after the story was over. I knew if I went on to write about one of his brothers right away... he would only be a carbon copy of Nick. So, instead I chose to write about Nick's sidekick, Zeke Slater. And SOLAR WIND became the sequel to BANNER'S BONUS.

- 4.) What is the best advice you have gotten as a writer? What could you pass along to a person just starting out?

Two things: When writing in any genre...mystery, romance, scifi, remember to "SHOW" don't "tell". The less past tense words you use, the more immediate your writing is.

Showing = "ing" verbs put the reader right into the thick of things.

Telling = "ed" words merely tell us what has already happened.

Also when writing romance. One very important piece of advice. Remember the visual when it comes to your hero. Let your reader see him through your heroine's eyes. Show us that lank of hair falling over his brow. That dimpled groove at the edge of his smile. His twinkly eyes when he's teasing. Let us hear his voice, see him walk with an unconscious masculine grace that drives your heroine crazy. You got the idea. Remember, if you don't fall head over heels in love with your hero, neither will your readers.

- 5.) What are your personal goals? Writing and/or life in general?

Writing for the pure enjoyment of it, and to never stop learning from the "Masters": Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Sharon Sala, Barbara Delinsky...and many others.

- 6.) What is your favorite thing about summer?

Can't begin to narrow it to just one. Sunsets, lazy summer afternoons, the smell of a campfire in the air, shooting stars, convertibles, the fragrance of flowers in the air, the smell of fresh mown hay.... too many to name.

- 7.) If your life was a movie, what would it be called?

"Straight From The Heart"

- 7a.) What would the theme song be?

"Bridge of Dreams" by 3rd Force

- 8.) What was your most romantic date?

The night I eloped (with my husband of 30 years now). For those of you wondering. Yep, we really eloped. It was so spontaneous. We'd talked and talked about marriage... but just never got around to setting a date. Finally after five years of dating, we simply took off one night. A very brave, and thrilling and scary thing for sheltered little me to have done.

He wouldn't even let me go home to pack a few things!

- 9.) What do you do at the end of the day to unwind?

Spend time with my pets. Nacoma, a 16.1hh registered Paint horse who thinks he's a big puppy. And Hunter, our 1-year old German Shepherd pup who thinks he's our third child.

- 10.) What kinds of books will we find in your beach bag this summer?

Romance. Why, is there any other kind? *Grin*

- More Fun!!!

- 1.) What is your favorite summer drink of choice?

Paradise Tropical Tea, iced.

- 2.) Would you rather swim at the beach, lake, pool or ocean?

Pool

- 2a.) Two piece bathing suit or one?

Oh.... Bathing suit did you say? Umm.... Well in a perfect world...you would probably find me wearing a one piece.

- 3.) What is your favorite kind of music?

I like many kinds from Santana to classical to new age to christian...even the 60's oldies. But Smooth Jazz is my very favorite. I write to it.

- 3a.) Do you have a favorite band?

Again, I have many. But to name just a few in the smooth jazz catgegory...

3rd Force, David Sanborn, Russ Freeman and Craig Chaquico. They stir my blood and my imagination.

- 4.) If you could be physically transported to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Hmmm, The mid Atlantic and southern U.S. in the spring. The northeastern in the fall. And Scotland because I'm half Scottish and I want to hear the bagpipes echoing in the glen.

- 5.) What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Peppermint. The kind with the little crunchies in it.

- 5a.) Do you prefer a cone, bowl or just a spoon and the carton?

Sugar cone when I'm out. But just a spoon and the carton works real well at home. *Grin*   

 

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