As a matter of fact, I do. I was in grade three. The teacher sent us home with an assignment - to write a story about our fondest animal memory. I wrote about my dog 'Lucky' and how we found him. My teacher gave me a 'D' on my paper. When I asked why, she told me I had a parent write it for me! When I denied it, she told me to sit and write a story about my best friend. I handed that story to her... and got an A+ on my original story. Lesson learned? You would have to ask my grade three teacher!

Easy to answer: my hubby, my dog, and Microsoft Word! Oh yes, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a must. Without coffee, staying up late to write doesn't work out so well. Actually, waking up to a view of the lake out our living room window is rather enticing. Unless, it's minus 30 degrees Celsius of course.

I have 14 different translations of Homer's 'The Iliad' that I will unwind with. I love the romance of the tale and have always wondered what it would be like to live in the Bronze Age. I read historical romances as well. When I put those two elements together ten years ago, I began researching and writing my own historical epic series about the Bronze Age Trojans. Long story short, I will have that series ready for release sometime in 2015.

My latest endeavor is the second installment in the ‘Angels Wear Lipstick’ series - 'Angels And Their Demons'. It follows a young woman who escaped the cruelty she suffered at home as a young child. As an adult, she becomes caregiver to one of her abusers. Her peaceful life is interrupted by shocking accusations of murder. During a whirlwind investigation, many doubt the accused woman's innocence, including the accused herself. My character, Katie, finds solace and support from an esteemed partner, but even he may not be able to prevent Katie's conviction. This is based on a true story.

A black hole where you lose everything, including your sanity. If you ever want to see it again, do not put it on my desk! Everything around me is perfectly tidy and organized, but my desk is a notebook/scrap paper wasteland. Has anyone seen my dog, Tucker?

A great cover catches the attention. If the cover exhibits quality, most times the author took the time to write a terrific novel as well. I have my favorite genres, of course, but am always open to high caliber stories. If the synopsis catches my interest, count me in!

Most of the time, the story ideas come out of conversation, or listening to music. I will run with the idea and first do any research I need to do on the subject. Most times, I will have my beginning and ending mapped out first, then fill in the 'meat' as it comes to me. We all have those days where we procrastinate by doing housework, reading, or anything else to avoid the computer. When I find I'm avoiding my laptop and desk, I simply get down to it. Before you know it, the words are flowing. Most of the time, those are my best writing days.

I do all of my own covers myself. When I'm designing them, I usually have an idea of what I want on the cover. I have collected thousands of pictures over the years, and will search through them until that special one just pops out at me. Naturally, Photoshop helps to blend and create just about anything you want it to. Most of the time, I will play with and change the cover for days at a time, until I feel it's just right.

I have a Kobo reader. (I'm Canadian), but I do read online.

Mainly the satisfaction I have when my readers enjoy my work. If they are asking for more, I am on top of the world. There is also an element of release of what I would call 'mind clutter'. If it's in there, it has to come out, plain and simple.