I was interviewed by the WINE RELAXATION AND MY KINDLE BLOG along the Red Dirt Road blog tour hosted by the Book Enthusiast. I loved the questions and decided to post them on the blog.
1. Tell your readers something about you that is not in your profile.
There is a lot of crazy bottled up in me. (Doesn’t everyone say that, though?) In my case, though, it’s very true. (Yes, I know, they say that, too.)
2. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I never planned on becoming an author. In fact, if someone would have told me that’s what I’d be doing today, I would have laughed and said, “You are insane!” And I had. One of my college English teachers had encouraged the idea more than once. Looking back, he was right on the mark. Isn’t it funny how other people can see things so clearly about your life and you can’t? Then, one day, the story came to me. Eva and Gabriel came to me. And the rest, as they say, is history.
3. They say an author always puts a part of them into their characters. With Red Dirt Road, which character or part of the book is most like you?
I would have to say Layla. I found her thoughts and mine to coexist almost harmoniously. But even so, she is much different than me. She was more like a good friend—one who is different, but at the same time, I share a connection with her.
4. Was it written from any personal experience if so can you tell us about it
I would have to say the characters, more than the story line, were written from personal experience. It always amazes me how people I know creep their way into my characters. After I’ve edited (to the point where the story, hopefully, shines), I always re-read my stories as a reader. I take a step back and reevaluate. And it’s then that it hits me—he or she reminds me of someone I know, or a person I had a passing conversation with. But I love that, because it makes them real. The spark from that person comes alive on the page. But I’ll say this… I do believe anyone can understand the story line in RDR. We all experience times in our lives where we are forced to come face to face with our demons. And we are forced to look them in the eye and say No, not this time! I refuse to allow you to consume me. I refuse to allow you to take me out of the game. Even if it means I have to hit rock bottom before life gets better.
5. If you were given the opportunity to change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?
I’m not sure I would change anything. I mean, there are terrible things that have happened to me, and yes, some of those things I desperately wish I could change. I wish I could go back in time and take back the moment and change the outcome. But I refuse to dwell on it. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason—I just try my best to have faith that my life is going in the direction it was meant to.
6. How did you come up with the characters for Red Dirt Road?
I don’t believe I came up with the characters. As crazy as this is going to sound (refer back to question 1… I did warn you), I feel my characters find me. It’s their story. I’m just willing to tell it.
7. If you had to sum up Red Dirt Road in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Real, truthful, full of love and hope, love at first sight, but truly, a slow-burning romance.
8. List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend to readers?
I don’t have much time to read, but I do try. I wasn’t feeling well last night, so as much as I wanted to edit my own books, I knew editing in that state would only lead me to delete, delete, delete (to which my editor would probably say, “You go, girl!”), but to avoid kicking myself the next day, I decided to take a break and read. I readMy Big Fake Irish Life, by Caitlin McKenna. It was fabulous—a fun and light read. And yes, I do realize this was an extremely long answer to a simple question.
9. Are you currently working on any upcoming projects?
I’m currently working on edits for the Saving Angels Series. But I’ve just completed a stand-alone book, Pistol Fanny’s Hank & Delilah. It’s much different than anything I’ve ever done.
10. Where is your favorite place to escape to read?
In my bed.
11. What is your favorite drink while reading?
Diet iced tea—I’m southern. Don’t judge.
