1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
It chose me.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
My college major was history. I attended the University of New Mexico, College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande and Western States University College of Law. I have worked in the banking and insurance industries and as a motel manager.
3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?
I think I’ve always known. Before I could write I made up stories for my amusement.
4. How would you describe your style of writing?
I wouldn’t.
5. What is your writing process?
I write.
6. What was your path to publication?
I wrote for years sending in manuscripts and getting rejections. I joined South West Writers and RWA. I kept writing.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I have none.
8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
That the publishers do little if any promoting and the writer needs to do promotion.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
I have no idea. I just write.
10. What is your proudest writer moment?
I think having my first book accepted. Also, first fan letter from a reader who enjoyed my work,and my book Memory and Desire winning a FAR-Award: Book of the Year 2005 from Wings.
11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?
Never pay anyone to read your manuscript.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
This is yet to come. But perhaps when I e-mailed the book editor of the Albuquerque Journal and asked him if he’d mention my boob signing. I hit the send button just as I noticed my typo.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Promoting myself.
14. What is your writer life philosophy?
Some people will like my work and others may not.
15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?
My husband and I like to travel, I enjoy the penny slots once in a while, used to do a lot of downhill skiing, naturally I love to read and I like needlework. I enjoy playing Euchre with my friends.
16. Who do you like to read?
Nelson De Mille, Jane Smiley, Sandra Dallas, Robert Crais, my long-time favorites: Nora Lofts, Anya Seton, Ayn Rand, Kenneth Follett, Thomas Costain. Colleen McCullough, Susan Howatch and Kenneth Roberts.
17. What’s your advice for new writers?
Write, write, edit and write again.
18. What are you currently working on?
I’m just putting the finishing touches on a novel that goes back and forth between the present and 1484-1487 that I’ve named Wydecombe Manor. I’ve also started a contemporary, actually two contemporaries, working titles: Ties That Bind and A Pleasant Diversion, and I expect the galleys for my historical Daughter of Spain any day.
