How long have you been writing and what inspired you to start?

This is always so hard to answer. People like to answer with the period of time that they started writing poems or short stories…maybe even ones assigned by teachers in school. I can list those dates too, but I really think it’s important to note the date of your first official sale or publication.

In 2007, I had my first sale. Which was published in 2008. So, I mark those dates as the beginning of my career.

I was inspired to become a professional author when I met Jonathan Maberry and he was releasing his first novel GHOST ROAD BLUES in 2006. He invited me to join his writer’s group and then began mentoring me. It was with his help, that I learned the business and found my first sales.

It is wonderful that you had someone take you under their wing, so to speak. I believe that finding someone like that is rare and a real treasure.

What is the most difficult part of writing for you?

I’m a creature of habit, so I tend to make the same mistakes over and over. I know “towards” is wrong, but I use that word in spoken language and it comes right out when I type. So, I have to search for it when I am done and editing. I like to edit. But it’s the hardest part. It takes a long time and can make your eyes cross and your back break. It’s important to have true professional editors on your team and a good proofreader too. New eyes on your work always helps.

Sometimes, the most difficult part is just waiting for the book to be released so the readers can get it in their hands and enjoy it. Other times, I would say it’s waiting for reviews. That can be a truly painful struggle. 🙂

I have to agree about the editor and proofreader. I want to mention that when a proofreader works with an author more than once, they get a feel for what type of things to look for. I know that happened with me and those I have worked with. It isn’t about making the author feel bad, we are all human. Your brain just knows what you want to say so that is what you see. Like you said, “New eyes on your work always helps.” Just a friendly reminder, a reader who reviews is an author’s best friend!

Do you have a favorite character you have written? If so, who and what makes them so special?

I tend to enjoy writing female characters most. Out of all of them, there are a few I really enjoy. I love Sabrina London from ONE SMOKING HOT FAIRY TAIL and the rest of my Water Kingdom series. I also really enjoy the main character from my novella DARK WATER: BEAMING SMILE. There’s another character in my fantasy novels, one that has yet to be published, that I find very special.

I think what I enjoy about them most is their personalities. I write flawed characters. So, I enjoy their flaws. But I primarily create characters with special abilities: fairies, vampires, mages, mummies etc… Then, it becomes a combo. I love Sabrina London because of her abilities and her flaws. All the things that make her…her. She’s a foul-mouthed fairy princess with addictions. But as the story flows she grows and evolves. She learns how to become the best version of herself, but still may not choose to be. We all know how that can feel.

Relatable characters are key to a good story. They can be powerful or beautiful, but they need to have the same problems, desires, and setbacks we all do.

Can you relate to Superman? I know can’t.

If you want to read about flawed characters, try SIN CITY or POWERS graphic novels. Those are the kind of characters I enjoy. And if you ask me, Marv or Dwight? Dwight 4 Ever!

I completely agree with you about flawed characters. By the way, I love Sabrina too! She is flawed but I can connect with her and understand her struggles. I think those are the memorable ones, the ones we develop bonds with and empathize for throughout the story.

What comes first for you…plot or characters?

Characters. Then the plots flows. I never need to breakdown my stories before I write them. I just start writing and they go where they go. Don’t get me wrong, I know where the story ends. But I let the characters define the action on the way there.

Ahh…so you are a pantser, not a planner. I think I might be a mix of both.

You are approached by a filmmaker…which book would you want to see adapted to a major motion picture? Why?

I was approached a few years ago for One Smoking Hot Fairy Tail. But the movie company went with a different author and book. I could tell you which one if you wanted to know. It failed….so maybe they should have picked me instead.

That being said, I would still go with One Smoking Hot Fairy Tail. I think it has the perfect balance of action and adventure and romance (sex). 🙂

I think the characters would be embraced by fans of Buffy and True Blood. I’d want it to be made like a sexy-dark action thriller.

Oh my goodness…I would love to see One Smoking Hot Fairy Tail as a movie. I think it would become a great hit. I think the movie company made their mistake and paid for it.