- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How did you become a writer?
A. I don’t know whether I chose writing, or writing chose me. I’ve always been a voracious reader, so it seemed a natural progression for me to someday try my hand at penning a book. I completed my first “novel” at age 17, then went on to minor in creative writing in college. I have been writing ever since!
Q. How many books have you published to date?
A. Nineteen novels and two novellas.
Q. How long does it take you to write a book?
A. Typically three to five months. The more deadlines I have, the faster I have to write.
Q. Where do you get ideas from?
A. While a few of my ideas have been inspired by a dream, a news story, or a past memory, the majority of them are products of my overactive imagination.
Q. Are any of your characters based on people you know?
A. I’ll never tell. Ha ha!
Q. What made you decide to write romantic suspense?
A. I’ve always been an avid reader of romance and suspense novels. Growing up, I used to devour every Harlequin romance I could get my hands on, but I also enjoyed horror novels by Stephen King, John Saul, and Dean Koontz. So it seemed only natural for me to someday write books that combine two of my favorite genres. There’s nothing like the dynamics between two people who find themselves thrown together against a common enemy, especially when an attraction already exists between them.
Q. Will there be any more books featuring the Wolf Pack?
A. Yes! In March 2011, I officially launched the “Wolf Pack” series with the publication of the novella Treacherous. This summer, I will release another novella featuring Sterling Wolf’s brother Stanton. Starting next year, I will release full-length novels featuring Stanton’s five sons Manning, Montana, Magnum, Maddox, and Mason. I hope readers will enjoy getting to know more members of the Wolf Pack!
Q. Will there be a sequel to Whatever You Like?
A. I have been thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to Whatever You Like! I’m glad that so many readers loved the book and are interested in seeing more of the Brand clan. I am planning to write a sequel featuring Remy and Zandra, as well as Morgan Morrison. I will have more details in the coming months, so please stay tuned.
Q. Do you let anyone read your work before you send it to your editor?
A. No, because then I’d have to kill them. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
Q. What is the hardest part of writing a book?
A. Everything is hard, but for me, starting a book is always the most challenging part. I know how important it is to set the right tone and draw readers into the story right away, so I agonize over the beginning more than any other part of the book.
Q. What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
A. Be true to your own voice, and don’t ever give up on your dreams.
Q. What is the most important thing you’ve learned about the publishing industry?
A. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come overnight. There are many talented writers out there who may never land a publishing contract, or who may never “make it big.” It takes hard work, determination, and a true love for writing to persevere through all the ups and downs of the publishing industry.
Q. Do you listen to music while you write?
A. Depends. If I’m writing a tense, emotionally charged scene, background music can be a distraction. If I’m writing a steamy love scene, listening to slow jams can keep my creative, ah, juices flowing.
Q. Speaking of music, do you know that Sade has a song named “Maureen”?
A. Yep! I love that song. When I was in college, I used it for my voice mail recording. Very cool. Sometimes I even tell myself that Sade named the song after me. Hey, I can dream, right?
Q. Are you available to speak at book club meetings?
A. Sure! I love to meet with book clubs and participate in discussions about my work. I’m always grateful and excited to have my books chosen for monthly reading selections. At this time, however, I’m not able to travel very far to attend book club meetings. But I am available for teleconference discussions. If you’d like to invite me to be a guest author at your book club meeting, please contact me via email.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Spare time? What’s that??? Ha ha! Seriously though, I love to read, bake desserts, and hang out with my husband and our two children.
Q. How may I contact you?
A. The best way to reach me is via email. I love to hear from readers! Believe me, I read every single email I receive and strive to respond to every last one. However, due to my demanding writing schedule, I may not be able to respond to you. But please know that I always appreciate hearing from you, so keep in touch!
A. I don’t know whether I chose writing, or writing chose me. I’ve always been a voracious reader, so it seemed a natural progression for me to someday try my hand at penning a book. I completed my first “novel” at age 17, then went on to minor in creative writing in college. I have been writing ever since!
Q. How many books have you published to date?
A. Nineteen novels and two novellas.
Q. How long does it take you to write a book?
A. Typically three to five months. The more deadlines I have, the faster I have to write.
Q. Where do you get ideas from?
A. While a few of my ideas have been inspired by a dream, a news story, or a past memory, the majority of them are products of my overactive imagination.
Q. Are any of your characters based on people you know?
A. I’ll never tell. Ha ha!
Q. What made you decide to write romantic suspense?
A. I’ve always been an avid reader of romance and suspense novels. Growing up, I used to devour every Harlequin romance I could get my hands on, but I also enjoyed horror novels by Stephen King, John Saul, and Dean Koontz. So it seemed only natural for me to someday write books that combine two of my favorite genres. There’s nothing like the dynamics between two people who find themselves thrown together against a common enemy, especially when an attraction already exists between them.
Q. Will there be any more books featuring the Wolf Pack?
A. Yes! In March 2011, I officially launched the “Wolf Pack” series with the publication of the novella Treacherous. This summer, I will release another novella featuring Sterling Wolf’s brother Stanton. Starting next year, I will release full-length novels featuring Stanton’s five sons Manning, Montana, Magnum, Maddox, and Mason. I hope readers will enjoy getting to know more members of the Wolf Pack!
Q. Will there be a sequel to Whatever You Like?
A. I have been thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to Whatever You Like! I’m glad that so many readers loved the book and are interested in seeing more of the Brand clan. I am planning to write a sequel featuring Remy and Zandra, as well as Morgan Morrison. I will have more details in the coming months, so please stay tuned.
Q. Do you let anyone read your work before you send it to your editor?
A. No, because then I’d have to kill them. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
Q. What is the hardest part of writing a book?
A. Everything is hard, but for me, starting a book is always the most challenging part. I know how important it is to set the right tone and draw readers into the story right away, so I agonize over the beginning more than any other part of the book.
Q. What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
A. Be true to your own voice, and don’t ever give up on your dreams.
Q. What is the most important thing you’ve learned about the publishing industry?
A. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come overnight. There are many talented writers out there who may never land a publishing contract, or who may never “make it big.” It takes hard work, determination, and a true love for writing to persevere through all the ups and downs of the publishing industry.
Q. Do you listen to music while you write?
A. Depends. If I’m writing a tense, emotionally charged scene, background music can be a distraction. If I’m writing a steamy love scene, listening to slow jams can keep my creative, ah, juices flowing.
Q. Speaking of music, do you know that Sade has a song named “Maureen”?
A. Yep! I love that song. When I was in college, I used it for my voice mail recording. Very cool. Sometimes I even tell myself that Sade named the song after me. Hey, I can dream, right?
Q. Are you available to speak at book club meetings?
A. Sure! I love to meet with book clubs and participate in discussions about my work. I’m always grateful and excited to have my books chosen for monthly reading selections. At this time, however, I’m not able to travel very far to attend book club meetings. But I am available for teleconference discussions. If you’d like to invite me to be a guest author at your book club meeting, please contact me via email.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Spare time? What’s that??? Ha ha! Seriously though, I love to read, bake desserts, and hang out with my husband and our two children.
Q. How may I contact you?
A. The best way to reach me is via email. I love to hear from readers! Believe me, I read every single email I receive and strive to respond to every last one. However, due to my demanding writing schedule, I may not be able to respond to you. But please know that I always appreciate hearing from you, so keep in touch!
