Dark Romantic Suspense Author

Tell us a little about yourself! What part of the world do you live in? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I live in a suburb near Tulsa, Oklahoma with my husband and our two very spoiled cats. When I’m not writing I like to cook, crochet, read, play music on my lever harp, and hang out at home.

What kinds of books or shows do you enjoy? Do you have a favorite film/TV show/podcast you’d like to share?

My favorite books and shows usually have adventure or action in them. Anything historical with epic battles, political intrigue, with a dash of mysticism is right up my ally. A lot of epic fantasy falls into this category, too. Bonus points if it follows a character over multiple years. Coming of age stories can really make you invest in a character because you get to know them from the start of their journey. One that comes to mind is the Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin. I’m a little more partial to sword over sorcery, though. I like some magic in a world, but not too much. I’d prefer to see a protagonist overcome tough obstacles on their own, like we do in the real world.

What inspired you to start writing fiction? And how did you end up choosing your specific genre(s)?

There are so many things that inspire me. When I’m moved by a story, I want to experience that feeling again. I think there was a lull when I couldn’t find something I liked, and it forced me to just start creating. It became my escape, especially when I got sick. At some point in my late twenties, I struggled with my health so much that all I really could do was write. It felt like a darkness had consumed me and the only was to combat it was by having my characters fight their own battles, and be able to make it through them. I’m much better now, but the lessons I’ve learned from being chronically ill, and the experiences I’ve had will never leave me, and I’m practicing being vulnerable and incorporating them more in my stories going forward. As far as genre goes, I don’t really decide for myself. If the story is there, I will pursue it, if not, then I just move on. I’ve written dark romance, romantic suspense, fantasy, and a paranormal murder mystery. I guess I tend to lean into bizarre, mysterious, and dark subject matter because I find those the most fascinating.

What’s your most recent published book? What genre is it, and what’s it about? Is it part of a series?

My most recently published book is Harpist for the Beast. It sort of toes the line between dark romance, and romantic suspense. The story follows a harp player who’s tired of chasing gigs and flees to her grandmother’s cottage in the highlands, and a Scottish laird who’s being tortured by an ancient brotherhood. The cook of the castle hires the harpist to come play for the ailing laird one night, which leads to their meeting after her string breaks. From there, they must band together to prevent the cult from destroying them both, all the while contending with the feelings they develop for each other. Right now, it’s the first part of a duology. The second book will continue the story with the laird’s brother, Jamie. I’ve had some ideas for a final book, but haven’t fleshed them out yet.

 

What has been the most challenging part of being an indie (self-pubbed) author? How have you tackled that challenge?

I think the most challenging part of being an Indie author is finding your audience. I’m horrible at promoting myself, which makes it difficult to find the right readers. I’m still learning how to manage that, but I’m still learning how to write, too. Creating characters and stories will never get old to me, so I’m focusing on the process. If I can write a good book, then I think I’ll reach readers one way or another.

What has been the most fulfilling part of being an author?

The most fulfilling part of being an author is having people tell me how much they enjoyed reading my story! It makes all the hard work worth it. When I needed escape from my own life, books provided that. Being able to do that for others is such an immense privilege.

What tips do you have for other authors working on their books? Things you’ve learned that you like to share with newer authors?

I think I would just tell them to finish. This is a long process, and it’s better to take things one step at a time. If you make progress each time you sit down to write, then you’re already on your way. The thing that separates creatives from everyone else, is that we love the work. Listen to your instincts. If you fail, keep going. If you get stuck, pivot and move on.

What was it like working with Two Birds?

Working with Two Birds has been a wonderful experience! I’ve said this before, but I learned more by working with Andrea and Michele in the few months it took to edit my book, than the last couple of years I’ve been writing and revising alone. I’m so grateful to have found them and to be able to continue learning from them.

How did you end up choosing to work with us? What is the most helpful tip you can offer to authors who, like you, want to find the right editor for their books?

A very good friend of mine recommended Two Birds. I got lucky! The most helpful tip I would give other writers when looking for an editor is to go with your gut. I paid for other services in the past, which forced me to scrap entire projects, but I needed the professional feedback to learn and grow. If you think an editor will help you, then I say go for it, even if the outcome is starting all over. Andrea and Michele will help you no matter what stage you are as a writer, which is invaluable, in my opinion. I knew they had the skills and knowledge to shape my story and challenge me as a writer at this stage in my career. I can’t recommend them enough.

Where can authors and readers connect with you, and find your books?

I’m mostly on Instagram. The more personal things I share through my newsletter. You can subscribe to it on my website, and find updates to my upcoming books there.

Is there anything we haven’t asked but that you’d like to add?

Something I’d like to say to all readers and writers out there, just enjoy it! Stories should be fun and entertaining. If it is, then the art will follow.

Have questions about the editing process? We’d love to chat with you and help you figure out your next steps. Contact us to set up a free sample edit.

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