What can you tell us about your new release, Moscow Mules & Murder? Like pretty much everyone else, I was feeling defeated with all that’s happening in the world and had reached my limit of doom and gloom. After spending a significant amount of time in Florida last winter, I came up with the idea of a young heroine living a carefree life on the beach and solving an old crime. Zoey’s adventure is intended to be light and playful…something you can read on the beach with a strong drink in hand as it doesn’t require a lot of brain power. What or who inspired you to become an author? I remember announcing in the 3rd grade that I was going to be a writer after creating a story about My Little Ponies. I’ve enjoyed creating stories ever since, and have a hard time shutting my mind off. If I didn’t write, I’d probably go completely insane. What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read? I honestly don’t think I can narrow my all-time favorites down to just five, mostly because not a lot of books have really stuck with me enough to earn that title above other great books I’ve read. I was most moved by J.K. Rowling’s storytelling abilities in the Harry Potter series, and I love Stephen King’s older work. Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask? I would probably invite Charlaine Harris. I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with her at a writer’s convention in Atlanta a few years back, and she was both charming and hilarious. Viewers would be entertained by her stories of visiting the True Blood set, and of how she first met Nora Roberts. What’s your favorite thing about writing? I love having the ability to escape to absolutely anywhere as anyone. I live in a rural area and don’t always have the opportunity to travel as much as I’d like, so this is a cheap way around it. What is a typical day like for you? “Typical” isn’t in my vocabulary. When I’m in a productive writing zone, I’ll often sit behind my computer for 12-14 hour days. When I’m blocked, I’ll focus on other crafts/hobbies while blasting my favorite music or watching my favorite movies. Some days are 100% devoted to marketing, and others are focused on graphic design (I also create book covers/graphics and create engraved signs). Now that we’re empty-nesting, there are days my husband will decide we’re going to hop in the car or jump on the Harley and escape to somewhere fun. What scene from Moscow Mules & Murder was your favorite to write? The first one that comes to mind involves a really big spoiler, so I’ll say the first scene in which we meet Teenie. I had a lot of fun creating the zany landlord, mostly because I created her as a vision of myself in 30 years. Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by? I truly believe in living each day to the fullest, and trying to spread as much kindness as possible. We’re only here a short while, so I want to make each day count!
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