I find great joy in strategically concocting plots.

Fans are a phenomenal support system. They provide validation and add humility. And I recognize that a reader’s opinion may be different from mine, but that’s okay.

I’m in the beginning ‘outline phase’ at the moment. Just jotting down some ideas. I have also begun working on the audiobook version of “Presidential Mercy”. This is the first book of the ‘Mercy Trilogy’ that was released in 2020. I am hoping to be able to release it early next year.

I’ve just completed the audiobook version of my latest, “Quantum Mercy: Reanimating the Dead”, which was released on August 18, 2023.

There are so many talented writers, but these are my favorites: James Patterson, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Colleen Hoover, J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Viola Shipman, Brenda Novak, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Piers Anthony, Andy Weir, and Michael Connelly.

Sharing my gifts with others makes me happy. Whether it’s homemade treats, hand-stitched creations, or books; connecting with others is important.

Early morning Nordic walking, yoga, and martial arts activities help me to keep in shape. Creating culinary delights in the kitchen is a delicious way to break up the day. I love hanging out with family and friends. Most evenings after dinner, I’ll enjoy a good book. Occasionally, I’ll cross-stitch while watching television. Playing rock and roll songs on my keyboard is another great way to unwind. I take my downtime seriously because, when I’m in writing mode, I completely detach from the world.

I’ve discovered many wonderful ebooks through social media. Sometimes, it’s because I’ve read a post from a new and upcoming author. Then I’ll add the books to my ‘to read’ pile. I especially like Smashwords website because there are a variety of well-organized digital reads at reasonable prices.

Yes, “Lovers Fall in Arcticville”. It’s a fictitious town in Alaska, located near Talkeetna. The story begins with the discovery of a body, but then evolves into a love story between a neurotypical female (Betsy) and a male engineer (Jasper) who is on the spectrum. This neuro-diverse couple’s relationship goes through stressful moments, but when Betsy overhears a private conversation, she must rely on Jasper’s intellect to help find evidence to capture a killer.

I start the day off with a good workout and a hearty breakfast with a large cup of coffee. Then I will go into my office and stay there for at least 8 to 10 hours, typing away or reworking my outlines.

I vaguely remember the books I’d read during my childhood years. One book still sticks in my mind. It was one we were given to read in high school - “Flowers for Algernon”. It was also the first time that a book had ever made me cry.

I think of the book’s content during the outlining phase. Then I visualize some key components related to the story, going through multiple drafts and tweaks. Everything from font size to back cover design must reflect my introspection.

“Firestarter” - because I was so fascinated with mental telepathy and telekinesis.
“The Firm” - because I loved the drama, corruption and greed.
“Twilight” - I was immediately drawn into the worlds of Edward and Jacob.
“On a Pale Horse” - a dear friend lent this to me and I fell in love with the concept of “Death” falling in love. I couldn’t put it down.
“Surrender: 40 Songs One Story” - Bono’s memoir about his life was amazing. He immediately drew me in with his humor and candidness.

Cereal boxes, just kidding. I love a great who-done-it mystery with twists and turns. Colleen Hoover’s novel, Verity, was especially intense.

I used to own a Nook, but I find that the iPad is much more versatile.

At the moment, the best advertising is via friends of friends and word-of-mouth.

Right now, it looks pretty organized with only a few handwritten notes on the left side of my desk. To the right is an old-fashioned calendar to keep me on track. In the center is my audio recording equipment because that’s what I’ve been working with.

I grew up in New England and then we moved to Florida in the late 70s. When we had snow storms, we spent a lot of time indoors. My sister and I played with our dolls, but I was the one who was always changing the narrative and adding new dramatic scenes. Instead of writing books, my dolls played in all the acting parts.

I learned how to read and write music when I was a little girl. In high school, I wrote music lyrics and tucked them in between the instrumental music that I’d written.

Quantum Mercy is the third book in the ‘Mercy Trilogy’ which takes a political thriller and mixes it with some science fiction. I’d learned about dead humans who were actually being kept in cryogenic dewars for future reanimation. So I found a way to work this scenario into the storyline.