Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’m writing a book.  Can you look at it or tell me how to get it published?

Answer:  I’m sorry, but I can’t look at any book ideas or manuscript pages.  I can give you advice, though.

First-- Study the craft of writing and practice a lot.  You may not get your first book published. You may not get your tenth book published.  But you will improve over time.  Try to discover you own unique voice.

Secondly-- Read a lot.  Read great books from all genres.  Soak it in so you can acquire good instincts for things like pacing.

Thirdly-- Study the business of writing.  Learn about publishers and agents. Learn how to format your manuscript correctly.  Learn how to write a dynamite query letter.  And make sure you can finish the book!

Fourthly--  Join a writers’ group like Romance Writers of America.  There are local chapters and online chapters.  They hold workshops, both physical and online, where you can learn all kinds of things.  They hold conferences where you can meet editors and agents.  They run contests where the final entries are seen by editors and agents.  If you don’t write romance, find another writers’ group.  They are out there, and they are the best way for you to educate yourself about craft and the industry.

And finally-- Never give up!

 

2. Where do your ideas come from?

Answer:  Anywhere and everywhere.  I love to people watch.  I like to look at ordinary things and play What if?

3. Which comes first—the characters or the plot?

Answer:  Each author will be different, but for me, the characters come first and they run the show.

4. When will Connor/ Gregori/ Robby/ Phil/ Phineas/ Giacomo/ or Zoltan find their true loves?  Will they ever get a book of their own?

Answer:  I have definite plans for Connor and Gregori, but it will be awhile before they get their books.  As for the rest of the guys, I hope they each get a turn!  I love playing matchmaker for them!

5. How long will the Love at Stake series go on?

Answer:  I am currently under contract for books 6, 7, and 8.  If you keep buying them, it could last longer than that!

6. Will you ever write another historical?

Answer: I would love to someday, but I’m kinda busy right now!  I really appreciate those who enjoyed For Love or Country.  Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that I’ll manage to sell another historical set in America.  The publishers aren’t buying them right now.  Of course, things change over time, so who knows?

7. How can I ask you other questions?

Answer:  Come to the Forum in the Vampire World.  There, you can chat with me and other readers.

8. How can I get my book signed?

Answer:  You can mail your book to me, enclosing a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) that’s big enough for me to mail the book back to you.  Or you can mail me a smaller SASE, and I will send you a signed bookplate plus some bookmarks.  My address is P.O Box 5512, Katy, TX  77491-5512.