First off, what an incredible novel. It has been such a pleasure reading it. Yes, there could be potential triggers for some but the way you developed the storyline was incredible. If life didn’t happen that book would have been read sooner. Having said this, I will move on to the questions.
Thank you so much.
Q. Can you share the inspiration behind the Desert Hills Trilogy and specifically how you came up the storylines?
A. Being totally green in writing fiction, In 2013 I attended the Emerald City Romance Writers conference here in WA state. It was the catalyst I needed to pursue writing fiction. At the conference a well-known national author posed the challenge to attendees to write a novel in nine months. I took that challenge. I had no idea what I was going to write about other than I knew I wanted it to be a Western with suspense, mystery, and romance. And definitely not like your Grandma’s romance novels. I wanted to add a twist not normally seen in Westerns and this is how the time travel portion came into play. I love the desert and thought what a great place to place the story line.
Q. The series can be read as stand alone but having read book 2 now, I loved how you brought the third book into the ending. For readers who haven’t read the first, would they understand the second novel better if they read the first book?
A. I would recommend reading book one first since the reader would get a sense of what Emily and Caleb went through to be together.
Now for sure I will get the first one!
Q. Authors often draw from personal experiences or interests in their work. Is there a particular aspect of your life or passion that influenced the themes or characters in your novel? It was so incredible how I could see myself in that time watching the story unfold!
A. Thank you! I spent over 45 years in healthcare as an RN and Advanced Nurse Practitioner and I wanted to included the protagonist as a strong, confident woman and a physician who could use her 21st century skills in the 19th century albeit minus the medicines she was used to having readily available. In the story she had to become familiar with the herbs and medicines available in the 19th century.
Q. How do you maintain creativity and avoid mixing up the series as well as the potential burnout, or writer’s block/fatigue?
A. The creative side of my brain is always in motion. The stories I write come to me like a video running inside my head. Often when I’m writing my hands sometimes can’t keep up with the internal video.
I’ve been fortunate not to have writer’s block. When my body and mind is tired I’ve started listening to its signals to step away. If I don’t, that’s when my writing slumps. It’s very unusual for me to write 6-8 hrs. a day like some authors do. I wish I could, but I have other creative avenues that I have going. I’m an avid quilter, voracious reader, and love to travel and get out in the country and forest with my photography.
Q. Without giving too much detail, how hard was it to bring past and present into the storyline? Is this something you write about all the time?
A. At first I found it difficult. Early on in writing Till My Last Breath, Book One in the Desert Hills Trilogy, I had my manuscript professionally reviewed and was told that I was “head popping” with my characters. (I had more than one character’s POV in a scene or chapter). This is when I researched how to write in first person and decided to give it a try. I find that I really like this method. Its almost like having a one-on-one conversation with each character.
I wouldn’t say that this is the way I’ll always write but it certainly has been fun with the Trilogy.
General Questions
Q. Many authors have unique writing rituals or habits. Could you describe your writing process? How do you get into the right mindset to bring your stories to life?
A. I have to be well rested before I can put in several hours of writing. I write best early in the morning starting around 6 am. I’ll go for a few hours, take a short break then get back at it. It may sound funny, but I listen to my characters. If they stop cooperating on paper, I stop writing for the day.
I like to write in the quiet. That means no music. I’m fortunate to have a water and mountain view from my office window which definitely lends to the solitude.
I’m a panster. I don’t work from an outline. I form the story in my head, it’s ARC and how I want it to end. Then sit down and begin. Sometimes I’ll use a Post-it note on my office wall as a reminder or if I need to go back and change a scene.
Q. Writing styles can evolve over time. How do you think your writing has changed or developed since your first novel, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A. I think my writing has definitely transformed since my first book. I’ve decreased the amount of distracting backstory that can pull the reader away from the actual story line. And I’ve added more of a WOW factor earlier in the first chapter. Plus, I believe I have devolved deeper into each characters emotions making the scenes more believable and intense.
Q. Writing a novel requires consistency and dedication. What keeps you motivated to stay on track with your writing goals, especially during challenging moments?
A. Like we all know, life happens, and we have to prioritize our goals and immediate needs. It took me seven years to write book one. It probably would have taken me longer if it wasn’t for a dear friend who went to a Women Writing the West Conference in Walla Walla, WA in 2018. My writing was re-charged after that and on the way home my friend told me “Will you just finish the damn book.” Thank heavens for friends like her.
And, I am fortunate to have family that are extremely supportive of my writing.
Q. The publishing industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Can you share your experience navigating the process of getting your novel published and any advice for aspiring authors in today’s market?
A. My book was ready to be published when COVID struck. It was a good time for writing but a not-so-good time to be looking to be published. Before COVID I had received rejection letters which was not new being a newbie author. When a publisher was interested I was told it could be 3-5 years before I could see my book in print.
Publishing houses at that time were going through big changes with closures and layoffs.
After speaking with my publicist (Blue Cottage Agency) I chose to self-publish and used The Story Laboratory and BookBaby. I was fortunate to have the funds to be able to self-publish and the recommendation for a credible self-publishing company.
Q. What advice can you give upcoming writers when they start to doubt themselves and their abilities.
A. Attend conferences and workshops. Always keep learning.
Advice: Write. Write. Write & Edit. Edit. Edit. Write what you love. Don’t give up. Do your research and keep sending out those query letters.
Carry a notebook with you for when an idea or scene pops in your head.
Find a writing critique/support group that you’re comfortable with. Be open to constructive criticism.
Q. What strategies do you use to keep the momentum and creative flow moving?
A. Read lots of books in the genre in which you wish to write. Know what you like or dislike about that read, so you know what to avoid in your own writing.
Step back when your creativity wanes. All writers have times when their creative gas hovers on empty. That when you need to stop and step away and do something fun.
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