I began writing books when I was in first grade and my teacher, Rita Thrasher, recognized my gift early on. In fact, she pulled me out of class and gave me the time and space to write all the books I wanted to write. Her motive was to keep me interested in school work that didn’t challenge me. But that early recognition of my talent and my passion to write left a lasting impression. Later, when I handed in my final exam in an English literature college course, my professor looked at me and said, “Someday we’ll be reading you.” I wonder if that professor knew what a boost that was to a young woman struggling between the choice of a mainstream occupation and to follow her dreams of becoming a writer. My life has been filled with personal struggle beside so many other strong women who can say the same. We seem to always rise above. My writing allows me to capture the spirit of strong women and share that undying determination with my readers so they can be inspired to deal with life’s challenges with grit and fortitude. That’s my joy- that I might influence my readers to be all they can be, follow the example of the strong female characters in my novels, and live the life of their dreams.

I’m returning to my Midwest roots by setting my next book, Close Quarters, in the rural town of Kidron, Ohio. The female protagonist is a bit biographical, an unsettled young woman who is trying to find new roots away from home, but is slowly discovering that home might be the best fit for her after all. Add some quirky relatives, an old flame, and some local colorful details and you’ve got a funny fast read. Look for it later this fall.

I’ve been leaning toward western authors for a while now as I make my home in Colorado. Pam Houston and Rick Bass are two writers that really speak to me, as they capture the independent spirit of the West so beautifully. Plus, I’m a fan of short stories, and both Pam and Rick deliver.
Then there’s the Phillipa Gregory series of historical romances that I just can’t put down. Thank goodness Phillipa is such a prolific author! There’s always one more to savor. When I pick up one of her novels, everything else goes to the back burner. Reading PG is dangerous when I’m facing deadlines.
Joan Johnston was an early inspiration to begin writing romance. Her big breakout novel, The Cowboy, remains my favorite.

I’m lucky enough to live in the mountains and as the sign in a local restaurant says, “if you’re lucky enough to live in the mountains, you’re lucky enough.” So unless the weather is unbearable, my dogs and I are out in the woods.

Goodreads is a great source for recommendations from friends who know you. Plus, I’m a librarian and books are our business. When I see a title that intrigues me, I immediately check on its ebook status.

The Elephant and the Lady Bug was my first short story completed during first grade- literally during. My imagination was always running free and school bored me, so I would construct little stories on the sly.

I jot down little phrases I hear on the country music station (I swear those short lyrics are full of gold!) or imagine characters and conversations, then usually when the sun goes down and there are no visual distractions like beautiful mountains beckoning me outside, I dissolve into my little private world and construct scenes. I start with dialogue, because isn’t that what really reveals everything? Then I work in details that acts as the web that holds it all together. I can write for 8 hours or 1 hour, but I try to write something every day. When I’m writing, I’m happy. When I’m not, I’m grumpy as hell.

I work in a sunroom with a large light colored wood Ikea desk that takes up most of the space. The desk faces a beautiful view of mountain peaks and I watch red tailed hawks swooping over the surrounding woods from here. I have a thesaurus strategically placed next to my laptop for quick reference when I need just the right word. The Virgin of Quito (Ecuador) stands directly in the middle of my desk, watching over me with a serpent at her feet. There are live green plants all over this room, filling the room with oxygen and beautiful color. Right now, I have an empty glass of rice milk and a couple crackers plus a dozen little pieces of paper reminding me of a phrase I heard, a fun character detail, or a good name for the next hero.

I grew up in Massillon, a dirty, poor steel town in northeast Ohio. The town has seen ups and downs over the years and every time I go back, I feel its struggle. The people there inform my characters- hard working, honest, always striving to do better. My next book is set quite close to my hometown, in the nearby rolling farmland.

I received many rejections from agents who told me my writing was wonderful but my work didn’t fit any particular genre. There isn’t much room for variance from the formula for romance novels. But I’ve always been headstrong, and I wanted to write what I felt were great novels, even if they didn’t fit a mold. So I decided to publish them myself. I continue to get rave reviews from readers, and that’s very gratifying.

I believe we all have a calling. Like Oprah said years ago, it’s our job to find out what that calling is. If you have a talent, it’s your obligation to the world to use it. So I start each day looking for ways to contribute to the human experience in a positive way. That may be through my library work, through personal relationships, or by writing books that inspire women to believe in themselves and live their dreams. Each day is a gift. I try hard to remember that and be grateful for every moment.