Where do you get your ideas?

Ideas and characters come to me from many sources.  Sometimes an article I read collides with a face I see at the airport and a conversation I overhear at the grocery store.  I cant’ even tell you what brings them together in my mind, but once the story starts to take shape and the plot’s in place, I let the characters take over.

Are any of your characters based on people you know?

No, sometimes characteristics or mannerisms of folks I know creep into my characters.  I just can’t help myself.  However, while I know many fascinating people, I don’t think I could write believable tales about any of them.  I’ve always found truth to be less believable than fiction!  Look around you- You’ll see what I mean!  J

Why did you want to be a writer?

I write because I can’t NOT write.  (How’s that for grammar?)  There are stories that I need to share.  Even if I’m the only one who ever reads them, I still have to write them down.  My only prayer is that someone else will enjoy them too.

Have you planned a sequel to Puttin’ On the Glitz for Kate Karpinsky?

Yes, Kate will be back at some point in the future.  She’ll return in Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Green and Blue Suede Boots.   Notice a theme here?  Stay tuned for more information.  I’ll post new chapters as I finish working on Kiss Me Goodnight.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy knitting, gardening, spending time at my sons’ sporting events, spending time at car shows with my husband, playing with my paint horse, Shenandoah (Shenny for short) and, of course, Reading.

What advice would you give fellow aspiring writers?

Write.  Write every day.  Even when you think your work sucks.  Writing is hard.  It requires tenacity, ambition and an undying belief in yourself and your work.  However, the reward of even one reader’s enjoyment of the words you put to paper will make your efforts worthwhile.