Why should I read your books?
You shouldn’t if you don’t like love stories with fully described love scenes and characters who really need some love in their life. They also contain swearing, sexy characters and hot love scenes that’ll make you squirm in your seat. If any of that appeals to you, give one a try. You know you want to.
For those of us who haven’t read your books yet, how would you describe them?
In the spectrum of sexy to smokin’ hot. Romantic. Emotional.
Are your books written as connected stories which would mean I need to read them in a certain order?
The Annie Rayburn books center around a race of people (Crainesians) who are able to communicate telepathically and have intense pheromone reactions to their life-mates. However, they are all stand alone books. If I do write interconnected stories, I’ll be sure to indicate such on my Books page.
Do all your books have a HEA (Happily-Ever-After)?
I won’t guarantee a Happily-Ever-After because as a writer, I have to follow the story where it takes me. However, all my stories to date (April, 2011) have ended quite happily.
What are your heroes and heroines like?
Pretty much like people you might know, even Annie’s Crainesians. They’re very human-like and have integrated into Earth’s society like any other immigrant.
About Writing
Where do you get your ideas?
From my mind. Okay, that’s a bit flippant, but it’s also true. Some I woke up with in my head, the opening scene playing out so fast I had to run to the computer. One came about because of a song I heard. Sometimes it’s a TV show nugget that I take in a different direction, or a twist on a news story. I try to be open to any idea that starts to take root.
What do you like most about being a writer?
Several things: Working in my pajamas if I feel like it, creating whatever comes to my mind, and interacting with other writers who are some of the most generous and helpful people I’ve ever met.
What do you least like about being a writer?
Editing and promo. This may change as I gain more experience and confidence with those processes, but I much prefer the creative stage of writing.
How much research do you do and how do you do it?
It depends on the book and what’s needed. I’m fortunate enough to have lived in a lot of different places, and have done a bit of traveling in the U.S. and abroad, so I have a cache of memories to draw on for settings. I’m not crazy about research, but I’ll do what’s needed to make the story accurate and anything that catches my attention, in a good or bad way, tends to show up in a story somewhere.
There are many sub-genres of romance. In what sub-genre do you write?
I write in the sub-genres of contemporary, sci-fi, paranormal, and historical (American frontier), but all my stories are either sensual or erotic.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
The road to publication can be long and frustrating and requires a thick skin. Learn the craft and try to remember that your work product is being rejected, not you. Make it a habit to write regularly. An author’s voice gets stronger by practicing their craft.
Career
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
I can’t say that I did. As my CB bio indicates, I’ve always made up stories in my head. But I think most kids do when playing make believe. The thing is, I never quit. I’d find myself doing the some mundane chore, but my mind was in another place, with imaginary characters talking to each other.
Perseverance and believe in yourself and your abilities are necessary to becoming published. This profession is not for the faint of heart.
What was your first story published and when?
INSIGHT as a stand alone short story from (alas!)the now defunct publisher, HeatWave. It was released May 27, 2005.
