Tell us about your book(s)!
My new series is set in the American frontier--think gunslingers, riverboats, gambling, saloons, and adventure! Here’s a little about the first book, HER WICKED CAPTAIN:
She played right into his hands.
Possessing uncanny people-reading skills like her mama, Philadelphia “Dell” Samuels has spent thirteen years in her aunt’s rustic Ozarks home, telling fortunes over playing cards and trying to pass as white. But the treacherous Mississippi River childhood her mama dragged her away from finally catches up to her on a steamboat captained by her old friend Rory Campbell.
Known to his crew as the Devil’s Henchman, Rory is a gambler in need of a miracle. Following the cold trail of his boss’s wife and bastard daughter, Dell, Rory has only one goal in mind: saving his crew from the boss’s cruelty by ruining him. The only one who can defeat the Monster of the Mississippi is the man trained to take his place. Rory’s convinced he can lure his boss into a high-stakes game against a rival, and with Dell’s people-reading skills, the monster will lose everything.
Under Rory’s tutelage and protection, Dell agrees to the tortured captain’s plan. Passion and peril quickly bring them together as lovers. But when Rory’s plan goes awry, the lives of the innocent depend on Dell’s ability to read the situation correctly—and hopefully save them all.
Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?
I’m in two amazing groups of writers. One is my state RWA chapter and the other is an online critique group. We’ve been together since about 2005 or so.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
The hero, Captain Rory Campbell, was inspired by Taylor Kitsch. I loved
him as Gambit in the X-men! The heroine, Philadelphia Samuels, would probably be Rashida Jones.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I never get it, but I think it’s because I’ve been writing for so many years that I know what sparks my stories. I like to go out and take a long drive down a country road. It works EVERY TIME. I always come back home with plenty to write!
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Any review is better than no review. I like to know what worked and what didn’t for my readers. We all love books and we like to share our experiences with each other. I’ve used reviews to help me make my buying decisions, so I appreciate the honesty. :)
I like spending time watching the river roll by, watching birds, deer at the feeder. I’m blessed to have a wonderful home surrounded by nature.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
The only writers who don’t make it are the ones who quit
What is your favorite book?
The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll. It’s set in Cornwall, England, and it’s a deliciously gothic historical romance.
The food you couldn’t live without?
SHRIMP! And chocolate, of course! I’ll take them any which way…except together!
The BEST thing about you?
I’m a great listener. Being an introvert, I don’t dominate conversations. LOL. But yeah, I love to listen if you ever want someone to chat with!
One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?
The Grand Tetons. Since I was little, I’ve always wanted to go on a mule pack trip in Wyoming. I love the mountains and wildernes
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I never learned to ride a bike! I’m totally uncoordinated.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Being from Arkansas myself, I have to say Johnny Cash. I think he was pretty amazing, and I wish I’d attended one of his concerts.
If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?
I’ve been a librarian in the past, and it was fabulous. I would love to do that again sometime. I love the smell of old books!
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
Any trip when I can visit a museum is always memorable for me, but recently I went to Vicksburg Battlefield. I was very impressed with the facility and the collection…and I didn’t even care for the Civil War much before I visited. You really get a good impression of how life was for the people of that time.
Lightning Round:
White wine or red?
Red. I like both, but I’m partial to cabernet.
Coffee or tea?
Both. I drink coffee in the morning and then switch to black tea for the rest of the day.
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery?
I cook, but I’m not very good. I like good Southern meals and comfort foods. Beans, cornbread, & taters!
Outdoorsman or homebody?
Um, both? I like to stay home and be outside on the deck. Or at least by a window. I enjoy traveling a lot, but I prefer staying home.
City Life or Country Life?
Live in the country, visit the city. Obviously I’m a country/rural kind of girl.
Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather?
Hot!!! That’s the only way I can enjoy my Deep South summers!
Dog Lover or Cat Fan?
Cats—I have two.
Pancakes or eggs?
pancakes
Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early. That’s when I write. J
Laptop or desktop for writing?
laptop