I am not one of those write every day writers. When I'm working on a first draft, I write 5-6 days per week for 1-2 hours, more if I'm in a really good flow. I schedule writing sessions on my calendar, and I often employ a sprint strategy, breaking the allotted time down into smaller chunks, to … [Read more...] about How many hours a day do you write?
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
How didn't publishing my first book change my process of writing? Ha! Before I started publishing, I wrote on a very laissez-faire schedule. If I wanted to write, I did. If I didn't, I didn't. That meant not much writing outside of November (NaNoWriMo season), honestly. I started a weekly … [Read more...] about How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Do you use sensitivity readers?
I do not. But as worried as I get about offending people, maybe I should! I try to be respectful when writing about races, genders, and cultures beyond my personal experience, and do the best I can when it comes to research. I think I would probably consider a sensitivity reader or two if I wrote … [Read more...] about Do you use sensitivity readers?
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don't quit writing. In fact, write more. Keep going until you finish the story; don't let it languish unfinished on your hard drive. Don't be afraid to let others read what you've written—no one improves in a vacuum. … [Read more...] about If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
What was your hardest scene to write?
They're not all a piece of cake, that's for sure. But I think the one that stands out for me on an emotional level was a eulogy I had to write for Grant Wolves #4. (No spoilers here!) I'm blessed in that I have yet to experience the loss of someone incredibly close to me, so the scene was hard … [Read more...] about What was your hardest scene to write?
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Counting works in progress for current series (as of April 2020)... four. One is the first novel I ever wrote, which may never see the light of day. It's about a man searching for his missing wife. The fact that she's a vampire and he's not just makes things all the more complicated. The other … [Read more...] about How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
How long does it take you to write a book?
On average, it takes me about 2 months for the first draft. With that said, every book is a little bit different, and some take more or less time than others. The Grant Wolves books often take a little more time because they trend longer, with most clocking in the 80-90k range, and because they … [Read more...] about How long does it take you to write a book?
When will Secondhand Magic #2 be out?
Short answer: I'm not sure. August-ish? Long answer: I'm currently working on Grant Wolves #6, which will be the last book in that series (though I wouldn't rule out more adventures for Dean). Secondhand Magic #2 is the next project on my list. I hope to start it in May/June. … [Read more...] about When will Secondhand Magic #2 be out?
Why ballroom dancing werewolves?
I've been a big fan of stories involving dance, ballroom in particular, for a long time. I guess I can date myself and reveal that it all started with "Dirty Dancing," but I'm a sucker for dancing movies and dance competition shows in general. (Yes, I watch "Dancing With The Stars." #TeamWitney) A … [Read more...] about Why ballroom dancing werewolves?