When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I'm a university professor so when I'm not writing fiction, I'm writing academic articles and books. Most of my non-working hours are spent with my husband. We enjoy travelling, dancing and going to the movies. In the last year, we've taken road trips to Atlanta, New Orleans, Pensacola Beach, DC and Detroit. W recently started ballroom dance classes. My husband is an action-adventure fan, so we can usually be found at the early showing of the new action-adventure releases. We're fans of several series, including X-Men, Hunger Games and Fast & Furious.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The earliest story that I remember writing is "My Interview with the Jackson Five," which I wrote when I was in fifth grade. I remember that story because of the reaction that it got from my classmates and my teacher. My classmates all clapped for me and my teacher gave me A's for the rest of the school year. I was an obese child who struggled at sports and outdoor activities, so writing was a place for me to shine. I cherish what writing did for me during my early years as life can be difficult for a child who is different.
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