How do you work?
- I write at least four hours a day, five days a week. I spend a lot of time on the structure of the story before I
even start writing. If I'm on a roll I have been known to stay up all night. I have also been known to take a month or
two off between projects. |
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- Yes. It depends on the project. If it's based on a true story I find the story, find the people it happened to, get them to sign
contracts for their life rights, and I do extensive interviews.
- If the story is historical I research the times, political atmosphere, social attitudes, possible careers, inventions
of the time, phrasing of the time, popular philosophies, art and books of the date... I feel research is very valuable
and I've even been known to take a job just so I can learn what my character(s) had to do. |
How do you get your ideas?
- It depends. I write about things that interest me. Sometimes it comes from news articles; sometimes it's a
historical figure or just an idea that sparks my imagination.
- The best seller Deadly Deception came about because I sat next to Brenda Brumbaugh at a writer's conference. A motivational speaker instructed the members of the audience to turn to the person next to them and tell them something they
would never forget. Brenda turned to me and said, "I married a man who was planning to murder me." I was hooked.
- Blood Moon came about because of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally. I worked as a Division of Gaming Officer
and I wanted to write a book about a casino heist. I felt the rally was a perfect venue.
- The Yellow Rose of Texas was written because (as a feminist) I felt this woman (who was so integral to the
victory at San Jacinto) had never been given the credit she deserved. I grew up in Texas and had never even
heard of Emily West until I was a grown woman. It's a shame since she gave us California, Oklahoma, Arizona,
Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
- Rewrite Right was written because I couldn't find an all-inclusive book to use to teach my screenwriting classes.
Also as a director-of-development I realized that new screenwriters made the same mistakes over and over.
Who are your favorite authors?
- My favorite author is Jeffery Deaver. I like how he takes a different subject in each book and explores the world
around it. I feel I learn something new while I'm being entertained.
- I love Stephen King and aspire to be as good as he is someday.
- I also liked Tony Hillerman because I'm fascinated with the Indian culture.
- I like Janet Evonovich's Stephanie Plum series. I love her sense of humor and the way she develops the characters. They are so-o-o real.
- Patricia Cornwell I like her forensics in her Scarpetta series.
- James Patterson I like his pacing.
What advice would you give young writers?
- Write something every day. Don't worry about making it perfect. That's what re-writing is all about. Just get your
ideas down on paper.
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FAQ
