Q: When did you know you wanted to write books?
A: I dreamed of writing in high school. My father passed away suddenly when I was thirteen, we moved…and life was tough for me. Books and writing really were my escape. For some reason, I didn’t take my own dream seriously and set it aside. Years later, I was married, had three kids and realized that I deserved to go after my dream. My husband believed in my dream too, and that gave me the courage to try.

Q: How long did it take you to publish?
A: Eight years, five completed books and several partially completed books. I had a lot to learn! There were times I wanted to give up, just get off the Agony Train, where every stop was another rejection. But I kept writing because the drive was deep seated and wouldn’t let me stop. Finally, I sold the first two books in The Samantha Shaw Mystery Series.

Q: What is the best advice you have for aspiring authors?
A: Join Romance Writers of America. I learned more from that source than any other place. I joined my local chapter and discovered new friends with the same dream. I found the education, support and friendships invaluable.