What literary pilgrimages have you gone on? None What is the first book that made you cry? The Outsiders, when I was a kid What is your writing Kryptonite? Lack of confidence. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? I wrote one book that is definitely a stand alone book. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? I cant say it did but publishing it changed how I would approach sales. I would do more pre-marketing next time. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal? Eagle. What did you edit out of your books? (keep it family-friendly, please) Passages that I was told seemed judgmental or preachy. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer? I was really happy with the outcome, I wish I was a better marketer. What is your favorite childhood book? The Secret Garden. What is the most difficult part of your writing process? Editing was harder for me than writing. I had no lack of ideas or writer block, making my thoughts clearly understood was where I had challenges. What is the easiest part of your writing process? I had no confidence for years and wrote probably half of the book in my head; so for me, writing down the content was easy. The editing, marketing was/ is harder. A common misconception entwined with authors is that they are socially inept, how true is that? Not at all for me. I’ve spend 20 years in outside sales so I’m the opposite. When did it dawn on you that you wanted to be an author? When I realized that I had an important message that really needed to be heard and could potentially change lives. Who are your biggest literary influences? John Steinbeck. What’s your favorite movie which was based on a book? Why? The Help. I loved the story and love a story about strong women. How did it feel when your first book got published? How did you celebrate? I was relieved I finally got to the finish line. I wasn’t sure if I would ever finish. I didn’t celebrate but I finally told my family about it. I didn’t want to tell anyone in case I dIdn’t finish. What is that one thing you think readers generally don’t know about authors? Some of us didn’t dream of writing a book but just felt compelled to tell their story. When it comes to research for your books, are you a hunter or a gatherer? Talk about your research process. More of a hunter. Could you be housemates with your characters? Why or why not? Yes- they all remind me of my 20 something year old self in some way. All 13. What’s your typical writing routine or schedule? I work full time and have kids so I take a notebook and write at small intervals typically while I’m waiting for them. Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. How do you recharge? Unfortunately, I was recharging by taking week long breaks which is not a good idea. It slowed me down tremendously. Do you prefer music or silence when you write? Do you have a writing playlist? What’s on it? I need silence. Which celebrity would you choose to narrate your audiobook? Emmy Rossum What well-known author, living or dead, do you wish could be your mentor? Why? Allice Hoffman, I am amazed by her writing style. What is your favorite of the six senses (touch, taste, smell, sound, sight, intuition) to write about, why? I'd say based on my book, touch. The book is about what happens when kids touch and have regrets. What is a favorite location you’ve written about? Have you visited that place? How did you choose which details to include? Not really applicable but I’m from NJ my whole life so I feel like my story would be based on NJ girls. Travel back in time (without negative effects for you or the timeline) what year do you visit? Why? I’d say 1969. I was alive, barely, and would like to see in person what life was like. What is something about your hero or villain that drove their character, but you didn’t specifically tell your reader? I have 13 characters and what drives them all, and me, is the desire to inform others, to prevent people making the same mistakes they made. Have you ever resuscitated a project you'd shelved? What helped it work better the second time around? Nope. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to write a novel and it didn’t go anywhere. What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it? I picture thousands of young people reading my book and passing it along to others. Success would mean people read the book, learned something, and decided educate themselves more before making a decision. Can you tell us about your current projects? For now, I’m focused on marketing this book. I have ideas for other books but I can’t spread myself that thin with a career and family. Any advice you would like to give to aspiring authors? Don't’ spend years talking yourself out of it. Put pen to paper and see what happens. Please provide links and/or instructions about how readers can purchase signed copies of your books. My book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and BookBaby.com I’d be happy to sign any book requests People l can find me on Linkedin. 
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