Many of my fondest memories of writing actually date back to grammar school. It seems I have always had a love for writing, as I often won awards for my creative writing stories from that era and continue to do so until this very day.

The Battle-Scar Free series is a project that is purpose-filled. As a domestic violence survivor, I have a passion to help other victims through the healing process. A significant part of that process is being able to "talk" about the experience without being overly-attached to the emotions associated with the abuse. It has often been said, "There is POWER in your words". Enter the Battle-Scar Free series! The co-authors who transparently share their stories - in all of their rawness - realize there is healing for both them AND the readers, as they become empowered through the testimonies of survival. No two stories are alike, yet there IS one commonality: We WERE victims, but now we ARE survivors!

My first project was a self-published book entitled "Three A's for Business Success: Attention & Retention Strategies". There's something to be said when it comes to writing about what you KNOW. For me, becoming a published author was an achievement I had not previously considered leading up to the first publication. Being able to share my expertise with others who can benefit and grow from the guidance shared is rewarding.

Writing is a release. No matter the mood I am in at any given moment, picking up a pen and paper or sitting in front of my computer gets the creative juices flowing. In addition, Holy Spirit-inspired writings and ideas have sprung forth when least expected. Being obedient to His voice, I am able to truly ENJOY writing - no matter the subject.

Books needs readers. They need someone who will embrace the hard work of authorship. With that being said, followers mean the world to me! Where would any author be without the support of a following? I appreciate them and enjoy being able to provide them with quality work at great prices, all the while encouraging them to READ MORE!

The Battle-Scar Free series is an ongoing annual project. I will continue to seek out and publish true-life stories by survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

I am fond of James Patterson, Danielle Steele, John Grisham, Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins, Joyce Meyer, and the multiple contributors to the Holy Bible.

Inspiration for me comes from being able to connect with the WORLD. I am happily married with a blended family - and too many grandchildren to count. They bring me joy. I spend time with my furbabies (a dog and a cat). They bring me joy. I feed the birds from my back porch every morning. They bring me joy. I appreciate LIFE. I work hard to ensure the individuals who are placed under my care are well taken care of - from family, to friends, to business associates. God is good ALL the time, and all the time, GOD IS GOOD! Amen?

At first, I was going to jokingly ask, "FREE TIME? WHAT'S THAT?" Then, I had to pause in my response and get serious. Free time for me includes going for walks with my dog, listening to music, reading, and cleaning. Since I work from home, there seems to be moments when duties are neglected. When I am FREE, I actually enjoy cleaning. How many people can say that?

For me, writing begins (as it does with most) with an idea. Once the idea springs forth, I find myself making notes anywhere I am. Grocery store? Yep! I will use the recorder on my cell phone. At the park? Yep! I keep pen and paper at the ready. Stirred from my sleep in the middle of the night? Yep! I have a notepad and pen on my nightstand. The list goes on and on. From there, I begin to formulate chapter ideas and draft images of the cover. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of putting it all together is a task all in itself. I strive for perfection - although the mark may be missed by a minute percentage point at times. That doesn't stop me from striving, though!

I cannot recall the FIRST story I've ever read; however, I can quickly recall one book series that had a huge impact on my life and greatly influenced who I am today as an author. That series is "Left Behind" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I found myself being enveloped by the characters. When I completed one book, oftentimes within a matter of a day or two, I longed for the next one...and the next one...and the next one. Being able to write a series of books that continually connect one to another is fulfilling.

My desk. Hmm... Well, I am surrounded by pens, sticky pads, other books, notepads, water or hot tea, my yearly organizer, and more notes than I can count. I wish I was able to take a picture to attach to this question only. During the course of the day when I am writing, everything is in total disarray. I make it all nice and neat at the end of the day - just to make it a mess again the next. I LOVE IT! Regarding my atmosphere, I need background noise. For many, noise is a distraction. It's the complete opposite for me. I find with total silence, I get sleepy - which takes away from my concentration. I somehow manage to remain completely focused on the task at hand.

I grew up in a relatively small country town in New Jersey. As such, we always found creative ways to stay entertained. I oftentimes found myself settling down reading a good book, doing word-find games, and things of that sort when I opted to remain indoors. My parents encouraged my siblings and I to read, read, and read some more. In our home, we had the classic "Encyclopedia Britannica" set, and I spent countless hours delving into all of the fun facts contained therein. My knowledge was continuously expanded, and I am very appreciative of being raised at a time when books held a high value and were the norm in most households.

I can't say that I have a PREFERENCE. I have an appreciation for both. I like eBooks because with the available apps on mobile devices, I can have my books with me on-the-go. I like print because I am a big-time note-taker. Being able to mark up the inside of a book with pens and different color highlighters brings me a joy a cannot describe.

This is an easy one: TRANSPARENT. Writing is a way to connect with people in a way that face-to-face opportunities may not present. I find that when I write - especially about my life - I can 'say' things that I likely wouldn't say upon first meeting someone, yet being an author is just that: meeting someone for the first time through the use of my words.