1. Why did you start this website?
To motivate myself to keep going this time, and to not stop writing until I have a completed manuscript. Also, I want to help others by gathering helpful writing tips and tools into one place for easy access.
2. Have you written anything besides the novel you’re working on now?
I have written newspaper columns and articles, personal essays, two short stories I gave as Christmas gifts to my family (one was a sequel to John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas, which many know from the film, Christmas with the Kranks), poetry, and have done a lot of ghostwriting for other writers.
3. What type of book are you writing?
I am working on a concept for a YA novel that I’m excited about. I’d love to see some of my young-reader family members get to enjoy it when they’re old enough.
4. Who are your favorite writers?
Celeste Ng. And Celeste Ng. Oh! And Celeste Ng. Seriously though, I also love Matt Haig, Stephen King, Nicola Yoon, Shari Lapena, E.B. White, Jonathan Evison, and so many more! Just like you, I have quite an eclectic taste in books!
5. Do you read/write nonfiction?
Why, yes I do! Thanks for asking! I love nonfiction so much that I would almost say I prefer it. I love learning, so reading nonfiction is a no-brainer for me. However, some nonfiction, such as Nora Ephron’s personal essays are just fantastic fun! Check out my Personal Essays page for a sampling of my work.
6. Do you have any writer quirks?
I’d have to write consistently to find out!
7. What are your favorite resources for writing how-to information?
Books such as Stephen King’s On Writing and Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel are really helpful. Also, I doubt you’ll find a better fountain of information on writing your story than Abbie Emmons’s YouTube channel.
8. Why don’t you use your full name in your work?
It’s a short answer, really. I have always admired writers who use their initials instead of their first name.
9. Do you read your followers’ comments?
Yep! I manage my own website and try to reply to every comment when possible.