Book: Lethal Woman
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a part-time author and full-time caregiver at a retirement community. I have two dogs and a rabbit.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ book?
Some challenges that I faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ were, I was young. I was in high school when I wrote it, so my experience was limited. But I had an idea and many loved it, so I had to keep faith in myself. But I also lost my need to write the book for a while. Not writer’s block, particularly, but maybe… writer’s confusion. After a year I picked up the book idea again and then finished it.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Honestly, I just have favorite writers. Some like Jodi Meadows, Cassandra Clare, Veronica Roth, and Nora Roberts have taught me wording skills and the simple act of ‘Don’t overdo it’ when it comes to writing. What I read doesn’t influence what I write. I wish it would. But all the books I’ve read throughout my years, they have all taught me one thing; enjoy the process of your own work and don’t force a story that doesn’t come.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in California but I haven’t traveled much within it. I went to Fort Bragg when I was young, and the crispness of the air and the sound of the water was very relaxing. It wasn’t a mind blowing experience, but it brought me peace for a few hours.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
It all depends. With each book I have a different process. Lethal Woman was the first book I wrote that I was proud of, and I didn’t plan or outline until I went back through and did edits. But lately I do draft and format where the story will be going as I write. Many of my ideas come to me while writing, so I will write everything out and then change a chapter or so later. I tend to go with the flow of the words as I write.
But before I can even think about writing I have to have the right type of music and I have to be in the right mood. It’s tricky, but I attempt to get inside the head of whatever character the chapter is in the point of view of. I also lack focus at times and writing helps me stay in tune with my own life. Writing gives me control of life when I have no real grasp of what’s in front of me.
Q6. How long did it take you to write a ‘Lethal Woman’ book?
Lethal Woman was a long process, I started it at the end of my freshman year of high school and finished it my Junior year. But edits weren’t done until I had graduated and started submitting it for publishing. So in total… about five years. But I learned a lot and bettered myself for the next books in the series.
Q7. On what platforms readers can find your book to buy?
My book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on the Wild Rose Press catalog page.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title?
The title was probably the easiest part of the book. She was labeled as the Lethal Woman, so I decided to have that be the title of the book. The cover, that was tricky for me. I had preferences and wants, and the cover artist, Kim Mendoza, did what I asked. For the cover I filled out a form about what I want, what elements would be good for a cover, and the main character. Everything was pieced together, and once the cover was done, I saw it and I loved it.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
To keep things fresh for myself and my readers, I take a break. When I feel like everything is being repeated or dragging more than it needs to be, I seperate myself from my work. I walk my dogs. I read. I go for a run. Anything to make me think but not allow me to write. When I’m separated from the keyboard, my mind is forced to think and remember. But ultimately to keep things fresh I just take a step back. Forcing what’s not right, it just causes more issues down the line.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
My publishers would say no… but as a rebel, all I can say is that nothing is as it seems. Trust must be earned and not everyone keeps their word. Do what you will with that information, but above all else, I hope those that read Lethal Woman enjoy it and stick around for the sequel!
Book Is Available On Amazon
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