Like many (most) of my novels, the first draft of The Murder Prophet came into being one November during National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org). I had written the first drafts of several novels during previous Novembers, and this one year I wanted to do something different and didn't have a novel in mind to write. So I decided that, as an experiment, I would use online generators to guide many aspects of the book, and see what happened.

It started with the title. I had no story idea to start with, and the entire novel grew out of the title, The Murder Prophet, which came from an online generator. I used generators to come up with many of the character and place names, items in the novel, ideas, plot twists—you name it. Any time I was stuck for an idea, I went to the generators to see what they would come up with. Although I expanded and refined the story in the course of several revisions, the novel stayed very true to that first draft.

I like to let a story idea roll around in my head for a while before I actually sit down to begin writing it. I might make some notes of things I don't want to forget, but I generally don't make a detailed outline. I find that if I do that, I don't want to write the story any more. So in that way, I'm very much a discovery writer. However, I like to have some handwritten notes to use as a guide, too--which consist mostly of asking myself questions about the story, and then writing down possible answers and ideas. Then when I feel I've thought about it enough, I tend to just sit down and write the first draft as quickly as possible, to get the story down. My first drafts are pretty sparse; description and details will come in during rewriting.

I'm also traditionally published, but The Murder Prophet is a bit quirky--it's contemporary fantasy, and mystery, and humour, and romance, all rolled into one. I wondered if a traditional publisher would want to take a chance on it, but it's a fun book and I felt sure that it would find an audience. So the independent route seemed a perfect fit!

I love hearing feedback from readers who enjoy my stories. I think that's one of the greatest rewards of being an author. To know that you've brought someone pleasure and enjoyments--that's priceless.

My next big project will be another book in this series, which I've decided to call "Magica Incognita." The Murder Prophet is the first book in the series, and I have plans for several more.

The answer to this question is ever-changing, which is probably the case for all avid readers as we discover new voices. But some of my favorites are Terry Pratchett, Connie Willis, Lilith Saintcrow, Janet Evanovich, Jack McDevitt, Nancy Kress, and Elizabeth Peters. But there's always room for more on the list!

I'm a bit of creativity addict, so I have a lot of other creative pursuits. I make jewelry and like to dabble in art, and spend summer days in the garden. I also sew, edit projects with Third Person Press, and, of course, read. I don't really understand it when people say "I'm bored." :)

I follow deals, subscribe to newsletters, and use book recommendation sites to find new authors to try out--as well as share recommendations with friends. And sometimes just browse the types of genres that interest me. I'm almost always willing to take a chance on a new or independent author.

The first complete short story I remember writing was for an English assignment in the seventh or eight grade. It was a creepy, haunted-house tale, and I still have the scribbler it's in!

My favorite genres are science fiction and mystery, although I've been reading a lot of urban fantasy lately as well. I used to read a considerable amount of epic fantasy, but strayed more to the science fiction side as time went on. I still enjoy a good fantasy, but it has to be a bit out of the ordinary to catch my eye. I also like non-fiction books about nature, science, and technology. And I love humor mixed in with any of the other genres.