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| Bull Rider’s Brother. |
Welcome
to Romance Lives Forever. Tell us about your latest book, including its genre.
Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?
The Bull Rider’s Brother is a
series contemporary romance. It’s been called a modern western – but I think of
it as a book about home.
Shawnee, Idaho is known for two things. Amazing
salmon fishing and the first local rodeo of the summer. For four friends,
growing up in Shawnee,
meant one thing, making plans to get out. Five years later, that wish has been
granted for all but one. What happens when they all get together again changes
five lives.
When James Sullivan visits his hometown’s rodeo
weekend and learns that his high school sweetheart had his child – six years
ago – Lizzie’s world is thrown into turmoil. In The Bull Rider’s Brother, James
struggles with family and Lizzie questions the risk of love.
What is the most important thing you do for your
career?
Do things outside of writing.
I just went to Cincinnati
with my husband for a baseball weekend. We laughed, talked, and he listened
while I plotted through the new book in my minimalist way. And when I left, I
knew what the story was about. Finally.
But I have to say being part
of a writing community is important as well. People to cheer you, critique your
work, and pass on opportunities are vital. I love my RWA chapter, MORWA. I
think being part of your community marks you as a professional.
If you could give the younger version of yourself
advice what would it be?
How long do we have? Okay, I
won’t talk about the running screaming from the first husband, or taking the
plunge to do something crazy rather than always taking the safe road.
Or maybe that’s the answer. I’d
tell my teenage self to pack up your car the minute you graduate and head to California to live with
your big sister until you get a job or get into college. Then, get your advance
degree first, before having a child or getting married.
So in other words, put
yourself first for once, especially when it matters.
Is your muse demanding?
My muse isn’t demanding, she
lets me get away with murder most of the time. I can push off writing without
repercussion. The problem occurs when the story’s not working. I got about
10,000 words into my most recent WIP and knew it wasn’t right. Something was
missing. Since I’m not a plotter, I had to go back and figure out what in the
goals and motivations was hanging me up.
Once I found it, I rewrote
most of that story in my head before I went to sleep that night. The next day,
I was at the computer bright and early and pounded out the words.
Are your stories driven by plot
or character?
How do you balance a life outside of writing with
deadlines and writing muses?
I’m a true believer in goal
setting, time management, and baby steps. When you look at the enormity of
writing a book, the number of words and scenes, it can over whelm even the most
confident author. So I set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. I just
reviewed 2012 and planned out my intended writing projects for the rest of the
year.
What is the craziest thing
you did as a kid, and would it ever end up in a book?
What are some jobs you’ve done that would end up in a
book?
The first book I wrote (and
finished) was a romance about a training designer. I’ve worked in training for
over ten years with a state agency so the material was easy to access. I knew
Melinda and her daily routine. But Melinda got to develop and implement
training for a corporate accounting software division. I got to write about
welfare rules and regulations.
I’m thinking my stint waiting
tables during my divorce for food money may make it into a book or a story.
If money were not an object, where would you most like
to live?
I’d love to live in Seattle. A small condo
near the center of the city. If I had a yard, the maintenance is part of the
rent or condo fees. I like the energy of the city. I used to think NYC – but
money would really have to be not an object to live where I want to around 72nd
street.
What song would best describe
your life?
Rodney Atkins, If you’re
going through Hell – It’s a country song (naturally) and came out just about
the time I was doing chemo. I remember crossing the Mississippi
river on my way to get a shot to build up my blood count, the song
came on, and I just bawled. And then I followed the advice. I didn’t look back,
I just kept going.
Funny, the big decisions of
my life all have a soundtrack. My divorce? Please Remember Me by Tim McGraw.
Picture yourself as a store.
Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold
there?
I’d be a country craft store.
I loved quilts and yarn and projects and antiques. That’s me.
Please Fill in the Blanks
I love pizza with everything but olives.
I’m always ready for talking about books.
When I’m alone, I try to get a lot done.
You’d never be able to tell, but I was a flag corp member
in high school.
If I had a halo it would be
lopsided.
If I could go to school forever, I’d be happy.
I can never run for office because I can’t work a crowd
like the professionals.
Find Me Here
Shawnee, Idaho is known for two things. Amazing salmon fishing and
the first local rodeo of the summer. For four friends, growing up in Shawnee,
meant one thing, making plans to get out. Five years later, that wish has been
granted for all but one. What happens when they all get together again changes
five lives.
When James Sullivan visits his hometown’s rodeo weekend and learns
that his high school sweetheart had his child – six years ago – Lizzie’s world
is thrown into turmoil. In The Bull Rider’s Brother, James struggles with
family and Lizzie questions the risk of love.
