Tell us about your book(s)!
This October, the first book in my new Regency-set historical series Match Me If You Can will release. It’s called To Wed a Wild Laird and yes, there are copious amounts of gratuitous kilt shots included. Set in northern England during a late summer house party, the story features a smart American heiress with a secret, a delicious Scottish duke who’d rather die than marry, and what happens after the two quite literally collide—sans clothing, natch—in a hay field. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart. I so hope readers enjoy this new series as much as I adore writing it.
Who was your greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?
The lovely and uber-talented author Lois Faye-Dyer—who also happens to be my mom. She never had any doubts that I could write and write well. That show of confidence really has carried me through my career—both the goods times and the bad.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I’ve never experienced writer’s block, exactly. But I do let myself become frustrated at times, which then turns into not writing, and leads to me being out of practice—and that’s the worst. If I don’t write on a regular schedule I get lazy and my creativity dulls. So, for me, I give myself permission to write complete and utter drivel. As long as there are words being put on the page every day, I can count it as a victory. You can always go back and fix something. But nothing? Well, nothing is nothing, and that’s not going to do you or anybody else any good.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I don’t read reviews—not anymore. When everything is said and done, I cannot control how someone responds to my work. I write the best book I possibly can, hope that it resonates with my readers, and let it go.
This October, the first book in my new Regency-set historical series Match Me If You Can will release. It’s called To Wed a Wild Laird and yes, there are copious amounts of gratuitous kilt shots included. Set in northern England during a late summer house party, the story features a smart American heiress with a secret, a delicious Scottish duke who’d rather die than marry, and what happens after the two quite literally collide—sans clothing, natch—in a hay field. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart. I so hope readers enjoy this new series as much as I adore writing it.
Who was your greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?
The lovely and uber-talented author Lois Faye-Dyer—who also happens to be my mom. She never had any doubts that I could write and write well. That show of confidence really has carried me through my career—both the goods times and the bad.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I’ve never experienced writer’s block, exactly. But I do let myself become frustrated at times, which then turns into not writing, and leads to me being out of practice—and that’s the worst. If I don’t write on a regular schedule I get lazy and my creativity dulls. So, for me, I give myself permission to write complete and utter drivel. As long as there are words being put on the page every day, I can count it as a victory. You can always go back and fix something. But nothing? Well, nothing is nothing, and that’s not going to do you or anybody else any good.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I don’t read reviews—not anymore. When everything is said and done, I cannot control how someone responds to my work. I write the best book I possibly can, hope that it resonates with my readers, and let it go.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. –Theodore Roosevelt
What is your favorite book?
For me, books mean different things at different times. So it’s impossible to choose just one book as my favorite. I can say, though, that Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series helped me get through my father’s terminal illness. And David Sedaris always makes me laugh. Every time.
The food you couldn’t live without?
Cake. Any kind of cake. It has to have the right proportion of frosting to cake, though. Ok, that last part was a lie. Even with a less than perfect proportion of frosting to cake, I could never say no to cake.
The BEST thing about you?
I have a really good heart. I may make a mess of things from time to time, but I always do have the best of intentions.
One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?
Any of the French Polynesian islands. I want my own hut at the end of a bridge over the impossibly clear South Pacific Ocean. I mean, really, who doesn’t?
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m shy AND an introvert. Double whammy. Which is probably why I’m so well suited to sitting solo in front of a computer all day.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Dorothy Parker. She’d more than likely wickedly wound me to the quick. But good Lord, would it be an unforgettable experience!
If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?
I’d go into the Neurosciences. The idea that we only use a small percentage of our brain power is utterly fascinating to me. And, I’ll admit, a little frustrating. But still, fascinating!
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
I went on a two week Regency-themed trip to England last fall with my mom. We spent a week in London and a week in Bath. Wandering in the footsteps of Jane Austen was inspiring and, honestly, we yanks need to institute afternoon tea. It was wonderful in every way. And I would go back in a heartbeat!
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Well, there was that time I had a business lunch and chose French Onion soup thinking it would be easier to eat--what with no bits to get stuck in my teeth. I hadn’t factored in the layer of melted cheese lying in wait for me atop the steaming soup. But really, who doesn’t love ending up with a cheese beard while trying to look composed and competent?
Lightning Round:
White wine or red?
White. And more white.
Coffee or tea?
I’m a Seattle native, so I have to say coffee. They’d kick me out of the city if I didn’t.
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery?
Take-out all the way!
Outdoorsman or homebody?
Ideally, I like to read about the outdoors while safely snuggled up in my favorite chair.
City Life or Country Life?
There’s much to love about both, actually. I live in the city and adore the conveniences. But if I had my way, there’d be a quiet country cottage somewhere with my name on the deed for long holidays.
Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather?
I prefer perfect weather. This is something I share with my fellow Seattleites. Right around 72 and you won’t hear a peep out of us. Anything on either side and we’re whining. A lot.
Dog Lover or Cat Fan?
I love both, but in the end, my heart belongs to dogs. My current sidekicks are Charlie the Chocolate Lab and Coco the Pit-mix. And please, please, please, adopt, people! There are so many deserving dogs, cats, and critters available at your local shelter just waiting for a loving home.
Pancakes or eggs?
Neither. I can’t bring myself to eat breakfast. I know, it’s the most important meal of the day. Does copious amounts of coffee count?
Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early. It’s painful, but I do think I manage to get more done that way.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
I write on my laptop wherever there’s room in the house. Or in the car. Or at a café or bus stop bench. When you have kids and dogs and a husband and laundry and all the other stuff, it’s really important to be flexible when it comes to your schedule. Also, while writing in a car, as it so happens.
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. –Theodore Roosevelt
What is your favorite book?
For me, books mean different things at different times. So it’s impossible to choose just one book as my favorite. I can say, though, that Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series helped me get through my father’s terminal illness. And David Sedaris always makes me laugh. Every time.
The food you couldn’t live without?
Cake. Any kind of cake. It has to have the right proportion of frosting to cake, though. Ok, that last part was a lie. Even with a less than perfect proportion of frosting to cake, I could never say no to cake.
The BEST thing about you?
I have a really good heart. I may make a mess of things from time to time, but I always do have the best of intentions.
One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?
Any of the French Polynesian islands. I want my own hut at the end of a bridge over the impossibly clear South Pacific Ocean. I mean, really, who doesn’t?
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m shy AND an introvert. Double whammy. Which is probably why I’m so well suited to sitting solo in front of a computer all day.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Dorothy Parker. She’d more than likely wickedly wound me to the quick. But good Lord, would it be an unforgettable experience!
If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?
I’d go into the Neurosciences. The idea that we only use a small percentage of our brain power is utterly fascinating to me. And, I’ll admit, a little frustrating. But still, fascinating!
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
I went on a two week Regency-themed trip to England last fall with my mom. We spent a week in London and a week in Bath. Wandering in the footsteps of Jane Austen was inspiring and, honestly, we yanks need to institute afternoon tea. It was wonderful in every way. And I would go back in a heartbeat!
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Well, there was that time I had a business lunch and chose French Onion soup thinking it would be easier to eat--what with no bits to get stuck in my teeth. I hadn’t factored in the layer of melted cheese lying in wait for me atop the steaming soup. But really, who doesn’t love ending up with a cheese beard while trying to look composed and competent?
Lightning Round:
White wine or red?
White. And more white.
Coffee or tea?
I’m a Seattle native, so I have to say coffee. They’d kick me out of the city if I didn’t.
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery?
Take-out all the way!
Outdoorsman or homebody?
Ideally, I like to read about the outdoors while safely snuggled up in my favorite chair.
City Life or Country Life?
There’s much to love about both, actually. I live in the city and adore the conveniences. But if I had my way, there’d be a quiet country cottage somewhere with my name on the deed for long holidays.
Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather?
I prefer perfect weather. This is something I share with my fellow Seattleites. Right around 72 and you won’t hear a peep out of us. Anything on either side and we’re whining. A lot.
Dog Lover or Cat Fan?
I love both, but in the end, my heart belongs to dogs. My current sidekicks are Charlie the Chocolate Lab and Coco the Pit-mix. And please, please, please, adopt, people! There are so many deserving dogs, cats, and critters available at your local shelter just waiting for a loving home.
Pancakes or eggs?
Neither. I can’t bring myself to eat breakfast. I know, it’s the most important meal of the day. Does copious amounts of coffee count?
Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early. It’s painful, but I do think I manage to get more done that way.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
I write on my laptop wherever there’s room in the house. Or in the car. Or at a café or bus stop bench. When you have kids and dogs and a husband and laundry and all the other stuff, it’s really important to be flexible when it comes to your schedule. Also, while writing in a car, as it so happens.
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