A sense of place is important to me in my writing and I want
the locations I select to have the same weight and feel as a character. I’ve
traveled or lived in all of the places I write about and in that sense, there
is a great deal of me in the settings. As for the characters, I’ve spent a lifetime
watching and listening closely to other people and they still fascinate me daily!
Just yesterday, I overheard a hilarious conversation between a couple waiting in
line for a Valentine’s Day dinner and parts of it were immediately woven into a
scene I am writing.
I’m like that.
Everywhere I go and everything I see and hear are fodder for my books. What is
the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I’ve always loved to travel. When I was in my early
twenties, I opened up the Sunday paper and saw an excellent deal on a weekend
flight to Madrid .
I closed the paper, packed a small bag, and headed to O’Hare airport with my passport
and a credit card. It was summer, I was a teacher, and I jumped the first plane
I could book. Three days of museums, parks, and restaurant bars later and I was
on plane home. That experience has
framed my current sense of wonder and wanderlust—may it ever be so!
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
My earliest memories involve the written word. Reading was my first hobby—writing
in my diary my first act of each day. I loved the lockable diaries as a little
girl, and I still journal long hand nearly every morning. I received positive
feedback on my stories and creative writing from my elementary school days
onward—and I really think that helped shape my inner view of myself as a
writer. I loved how books could move me, and I wanted to be able to give that
feeling and sense of awe and wonder through the written word to others.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My reading tastes are very eclectic! At any given moment,
you will find sci-fi, murder mysteries, thrillers, C.S. Lewis, and the novel of
the day on my nightstand and in my Kindle.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
Exercise. Staying connected to great friends and family. And the love of a good horse.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Great question! I “collect” names. When I hear an
interesting name in my travels and interactions, they go straight into my
notes. I will also look for translations of names that have interesting meanings
in concert with an interesting sounding name. When selecting names for major
characters, I have to really like the name and feel like it “fits” the
character I’m crafting since I’ll be spending a lot of time with that character.
My editor helps by pointing out names that seem or sound similar, or when I’m
missing a trend I may have started by mistake. In one book I had started naming
my characters names beginning with the same letter—and I never noticed it until
my editor pointed it out!
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I’ve been very blessed in many areas professionally and
personally over the years. By far, my most precious accomplishments are people—endearing
relationships with women and men I love and respect. Being able to discern something
within a person they may not yet have noticed and helping them draw out and strengthen
that talent or ability. That’s what I’m best at in the lives of others, I think.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a shark—only because they have to keep moving to
stay vibrant and alive. I can identify with that!
What is your favorite
food?
So many possibilities! Dark chocolate. Fresh salads made by
someone else. Beautifully prepared and presented fresh fish.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I can easily fall into insecurities and the old “does my work
really matter?” mantra if I’m not careful, and I have to guard my thoughts to
keep from distorted thinking. My current “fix” for this tendency is a verse I felt
led to during a morning devotional that I am claiming for my writing in 2020: “And
they were praising God because of me.” Galatians 1:24. I write this verse at the
top of every chapter I’m writing in my current work to remind me that the work
belongs to the Lord, and He has plans for my writing. My writing does matter so
it is up to me to write well as often and as honestly as I can.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Capsized by Death is the fourth book in my Jo Oliver thriller
series. In this book, while Police Chief Jo Oliver finds herself on an island paradise
awaiting her dream wedding, she must keep a killer with ties to her past from derailing
her plans for the future.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
(coming soon)
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Thank you for sharing
this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book.
Capsized by Death (A Jo Oliver Thriller)
Capsized by Death (A Jo Oliver Thriller Book 4)
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America . (Comments containing links may be subject
to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the
number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of
eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any
pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on
this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You
will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook,
Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment
if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Oh wow! This sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
This sounds like it will be exciting. Count me in. Linda in SoCal
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
Interesting sounding. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(At)aol(dot)com
Well, I think I found a new series to read! I'm from Ohio.
ReplyDeleteJo sounds like a strong female character who I would love to read about. The book cover is great. Growing up I wrote in a diary like Catherine did.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteConway SC.
Sounds intriguing, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
I enjoyed the review and first page of the book. Sounds like a book I would love!
ReplyDeleteBeth from Iowa
Sounds like a great book please enter me Thank you SARAHTAYLOR601973(at)YAHOO(dot)COM From Ohio
ReplyDelete