Q. Tell us about how you came up with the story for The Summit?

Though I have dreamed stories, seen stories on TV or read books that inspire me, this tale came straight out of my head.   A writer’s mind never ceases to amaze me.   I have no idea how I got the idea, but once the kernel was in there, it just kept growing until it became a book.

Q. What elements of this book were the most difficult to write? 

I think writing from Molly, the little girl’s point of view, was the hardest, though working through what her dad must have suffered in losing her was also very hard.

Q. What elements of this book were the most fun to write? 

This was exciting to write, not exactly fun.  But it was great to have such a high-action, fast-paced tale to tell, one with a ticking clock.

Q. The Summit was your second paranormal suspense novel, is there a 3rd one in the works? Tell us a little about it. 

I’ve actually written five stories with an element of paranormal, The Silent Rose, a ghost story, The Dream, The Secret, Scent of Roses, and now The Summit.  The final book in the current series is tentatively titled Season of Strangers.  It’s an eerie tale, the story of two sisters who discover they are missing a period of time and their search to discover what happened to them during that time.  

Q. Who was your favorite character in The Summit, and why?   

I liked both the hero and heroine in the tale, Autumn because she was strong enough to face her terrible nightmares and deal with them and because she was so determined, Ben because he was such a devoted father, and macho without being too domineering. 

Q. Tell us a little bit about the research you did for The Summit. 

I do a lot of my research on the internet.  When you Google Missing Children, for example, a lot of websites pop up.  One I refer to in the book is www.missingkids.com  I also spoke to law-enforcement officials.  

Q. Without giving the story away, what will readers love about this book? 

I think readers will like the fast pace and be able to empathize with Ben, a father who has desperately grieved for his daughter and now has a second chance that she might still be alive.

Q. What was your favorite scene in The Summit? 

Probably the climax, Ben and Autumn’s exhaustive race against time to save Molly.  I hope it will keep readers on the edge of their seats.  

Q. How do you stay motivated?  What drives you to keep writing? 

I enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together.  And I can't imagine just sitting around doing nothing all day.  And I am a terrible golfer!

Q. Which is your favorite time period to write about?  Why?  

I love writing contemporary, but also like Regency and Victorian England.  I like Medievals and westerns, though they are not as popular with readers so I don’t get to write them.  Heart of Fire, the second book in my Heart Trilogy, an historical, will be out the end of the year.  

Q. Your husband writes too.  What are the pros and cons to having a writer for your spouse? 

Mostly good, I think.  We know the same people.  He understands my problems and I understand his.  He is a great help to me in plotting and researching my novels.

Q. What do you attribute your success and longevity in the industry to? 

A positive attitude and a very strong drive to succeed.  I think a writer has to have a thick skin and a lot of determination. 

Q. What’s the best and worst advice you ever received? 

The best, “Keep after it.  Don't give up!” The worst, “Why would you want to quit your job and be a writer?  That's a really bad idea.”

Q. What are you dying to try next? 

My husband and I are currently dabbling with a TV cooking show.  That is exciting for both of us.  Should be interesting to see where it leads.

Q. What’s the best thing about being a writer? 

The challenge.  You get to manage your own time and meet interesting people. 

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