Broken Promises Blog Tour
1. How do you come up with your
characters?
Most times I
come up with the book’s storyline from a dream or something that sparked my
imagination. Once I have a general idea of what’s happening I start thinking
about who it involves. I pay attention to how I’m feeling—looking for the
traits that connect me to the character. I do the same when I’m trying to find
out their names. I look through lists of my favorite names and see which one
sticks. This may seem strange but then I ask the character, “Is this you?”
2. How long does it take to think up
the characters?
It doesn’t take me too long, it’s probably one of the
quickest parts of the process. Once I have the storyline, characters present
themselves and it’s like a snowball rolling down a hill—it picks up pace until
they’re like real people inside my head. It’s one of my favorite parts of
writing!
3. What inspired the series?
Broke Promises came from a dream I had! I woke up in the
morning with three distinct images—blue eyes, violence, and blood. I couldn’t
shake it so after sharing it with my BFF, she suggested I write it down. The
ideas turned into an outline and by the end of the day I’d developed a three
story synopsis. It was exciting because Broken Promises was my first attempt at
seriously writing.
4. Are your characters based on real
life people?
Hmmm, well for anyone who knows me when they read how
clumsy Bri is knows that’s me! I couldn’t resist putting small elements of
myself into her character … I’ve actually done that with all the heroines I
write. Lacey and James are real people—my BFF and her hubby, but other than
that, I imagined the snarky sexiness of Ian Somerhalder/Damon Salvatore when
writing converted Quinn.
5. What was your favorite chapter to
write and why?
I don’t know if I have just one favorite chapter BUT
there are two that stand out. The first is the memory Bri had when she first
met Quinn. I’m an avid romance reader so I could imagine the fun banter between
them as he read from her book and blushed. I loved seeing that side of Quinn
and I’m not going to lie … he made my stomach dip with how flirty he was.
The second chapter was toward the end of the book where
Bri is alone with Quinn in the alleyway … making out! He is just so sexy and
even though he’s converted, I could understand the appeal. Of course, it
includes Liam interrupting them and I LOVE the dynamics between the two guys.
It was definitely a fun scene to write!
6. What do you do when you are not
writing?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I love
reading … LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading and watching some of my favorite shows. I
enjoy going for drives and talking—the longer the road trip the better! I also
LOVE going to watch my local high school varsity football team play every
Friday night. It’s amazing therapy once a week to jump up and down and cheer
until I lose my voice. #GoLOBOS
7. When did you first start writing
and when did you finish your first book?
It’s funny. When I was first encouraged to write, I was
adamant I’d never published. The idea of someone reading it terrified me. Then
I met my BFF and she suggested it as well. At that point I’d written some fan
fiction and when I had a story idea from a dream … one thing led to another.
That was about two years ago and that first book was Broken Promises. Another
dream interrupted me finishing it (those sexy Mystic Wolves demanded my
attention) but it feels so amazing to finally have Broken Promises released.
I’m so proud of it!
8. Do you work with an outline, or
just write?
I do a little of both. I like having a general idea about
the story and what direction I’m heading but also love the flexibility to let the
characters dictate. The deeper I get into writing, the chattier they are and I
love some of the twists that surface. I learned real fast to listen to them—they’ve
never steered me wrong.
9. What do you think makes a good
story?
For me as a reader and writer, aside from the obvious
great characters and well developed storyline, I think emotion is important.
The ability to connect with what’s happening and invest into the lives of the
characters takes the words off the page and whisks you away. And without a
doubt … swoon. I love romance—the anticipation, the passion, those toe curling
moments!
10. Do you have any advice to give
to aspiring writers?
Don’t be afraid to make connections
with readers. The experience doesn’t just stop when they purchase the book …
it’s so much more. Some of my best memories this past year has been chatting
with people—whether on Facebook, emailing, messaging, or at conventions.
Readers don’t just want to know about the book, they want to know about YOU,
the author. Be yourself and have fun. It’s worth it!
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