How long have you been writing?

I have been toying with a novel for over fifteen years.  But recently been able to write full-time.

How did you get started?

I think it's my creative juices that got me going.  Originally some of my first stories were my feelings of missing my husband.  My friends and I would jointly writing in front of my Mac LC with a glass wine.  Trashy but fun.

What's your ideal writing day like?

Well I wrote most of Sudden Deception: A Jill Oliver Thriller while floating around the Arabian Sea.  It was a thirty-six footer and while my husband took naps or was sunning, I with notebook and pen in hand would loose myself in my story.  I think the most interesting part of writing to me is when my hand moves fast as it colides with my thoughts.  When the words splash out on the paper it becomes a magical experience.

How long does it take you to write a book?

For the most part, each of my books has taken a year. I just begin with the story outlines and write the first draft.  This doesn't normally contain any of the back story or research that needs to be done.  This normally takes around four months.  Then I transcribe it into the computer and begin adding in the cool stuff. Normally, I do about ten drafts of the book.

Why do you write in the thriller genre?

I am very interested in current events and how they shape our global landscape.  I tackle some big issues that interest me. I hope that even though I am writing fiction, I can educate the readers and give them something to think about.  Since my favorite writers are in this genre, it interests me to create suspense.

Why do you write?

Quite simply, it's fun.  It's a glorious feeling to create something that I deem to be cool.  I particularly like when something comes together.  Whether a scene or a character discovers something that I never knew existed.

What's a typical day like for you?

I am not sure there is a typical day.  I would say that I, like pretty much everyone else, checks emails, social media accounts and my websites.  Then I do normal things like going to the grocery store or having coffee with friend.  In the afternoon is when I generally write.  I particularly like writing outsite if the weather permits.  

How do you know when a book is over?

The truth is, a book never really feels done. But when people keep asking me ... are you done yet?  That's usually when I focus on wrapping it up.  I sometimes work on the next story awaiting my editor's reviews and then it's back with the dreaded rewrites.

Do you always know the whole story, including the ending, when you begin?

Never.  I usually transform the character arc's as I write and when the plot is acheived I decide where to end it.

Do you have a favorite character in your own novels?

I love all my characters.  I would have to say Leila is one of them because she says what's on her mind.  Something that most people in real life struggle with.  Right now I am engrossed in Matthew McGregor as he is a psychopath and a serial killer.  I surprise myself that I can give him a voice and he scares the hell out of me.

How do you recommend new writers get started?

This is a question that I get asked a lot. I believe that everyone has a novel in them waiting.  I hope to inspire others by never giving up.  I know I have done this with a few people and inspiration is my quest in all aspects of my life.