What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always lived with the idea that when I’m dying, I never want to say, “I wish I would have . . .” One day I woke up and decided I would write a book. When I was done I liked it so much that I decided to write a whole series.
How did you come up with the title?
The theme of the series is all about two people being brought together by Destiny. The title of the first book, Meeting Destiny, just seemed to fit. Destiny’s Revenge and Destiny’s Wrath also seemed to fit the circumstances of the book
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The main character, Lauren, makes some unconventional choices when faced with tough situations. She has an exceptional moral compass, and always does the right thing for the right reason.
How much of the book is realistic?
The story is very believable. The paranormal parts are sprinkled in, not overwhelming.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
In a very small way, yes. I met my husband in Virginia in 1991, saw him in Hawaii in 1993, Orange County California in 1994 and San Diego California in 1995. It wasn’t until 1996 that we went on our first date. I believe some people are just meant to be together and those people will keep crossing paths until it’s the right time in their life to “meet” the other. The story and characters are all fictitious, but my belief in destiny is what inspired the story.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I read for enjoyment, so I can’t think of any books that have influenced me. Authors are another story: Shelly Crane, Charlotte Abel, Susan Firtik, Nicole Williams, Addison Moore and Charity Parkerson are all authors that I admire.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Shelly Crane. She has gone out of her way to give me advice and to help my series be successful. She is a wonderful author and all of her books rock!
What book are you reading now?
I just bought Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott
What are your current projects? I just released the last book in the Destiny Series, Destiny’s Wrath on 1/23/12. I am starting a new series, but for now most of it is still in my head screaming to get out.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My friend, Rebecca. She has been an endless bucket of encouragement since she first found out I was writing a book.
Do you see writing as a career? That’s entirely up to the fans. I think I am a better writer than I am a marketer. So far book sales are going better than I had expected. This is due entirely to the people that have read the series and spread the word to others. If I could make a living at it, yes, I would love to write as a career.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always enjoyed writing. I read an interview with Stephanie Meyers and she described waking up one morning and deciding to write a book. I think reading that interview is probably the catalyst that made me want to write.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding time and a quiet place is the most difficult. I have a pretty full life and squeezing in more than eight hours a week is difficult.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? No, that’s the joy of being an Indie. A computer and a connection to the internet are all that is required.
Who designed the covers? Dreamscape Covers did the design and I love them! They offer custom and pre-made covers. All three of mine were custom.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I think my writing has improved with each book I’ve written. I imagine it’s like anything, the more practice, the better you become. I’m far from an English major but I am fortunate to have an exceptional editor.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Edit, edit, edit and edit some more. Get a twitter account and make friends. Don’t take criticism of your work as an attack on you – someone willing to take the time to point out opportunities for improvement, cares enough about you to help make your work better.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. I wrote the Destiny Series because I wanted to write. I never dreamed others would want to read them. All the wonderful messages, comments, tweets and reviews have swelled my heart and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you.
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Logistics were the most challenging. I work full time, I have two amazing kids and a husband that I adore. My writing happens when all other commitments are complete. I think this is a challenge nearly every writer faces.
Also – the verb "to lay" was a huge challenge: lie, lay, laid, lain. I think I was sick that day in fourth grade because at every opportunity I use the wrong tense. Thank goodness I have a patient editor. She had to make a cheat sheet for me so I didn’t screw them up! J
My Review
"Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities."
Meeting Destiny was phenomenal. It was full of romance, mystery and spunk. Lauren was definitely the hero type and was a very strong and independent woman. I have said this before and I will say it again, I am so happy that the books out there are starting to have more kick butt women. Instead of the damsel in distress types. Which can get very boring. I am by no means a feminist, but there is something about seeing a girl kick butt and being independent that makes me want to be just like them. Lauren, the main character is just that, a kick butt hero.
Throughout the book we learn that Lauren is a clairvoyant. She senses when bad things are about to happen and she can also sense "bad" people.
Lauren is working at a restaurant when a man walks in andgets a bad feeling about him. Sure enough he is there to rob the place. To makes matters worse, he has a gun and in a matter of life and death, Lauren jumps over the counter when a little boys life is in jeopardy. In return, Lauren about ends her own life by getting shot in the leg and losing a bunch of blood. But in the end she becomes the town hero.
Lauren's life will never the same...
She then meets Max, the paramedic, and also the man of her dreams. Literally! They have that instant connection and life is good. Or is it? Turns out Lauren has a boyfriend who she has basically been betrothed to since before she was even born. Her boyfriend, Seth, is the son of her mother's best friend. Did you catch all that? Ha Ha Ha. So of course Max doesn't want to get in between the two who have been "together" their whole lives. I mean who can blame the guy? As fate would have it though, Lauren has pretty much never felt anything for Seth and wants Max. Its Max, Max, Max in her head.
Max is great! Although I really did not like his jealous side. While it was realistic the way he was acting, I still did not like seeing his jealous side when Lauren would talk to guys that he did not approve of her talking to. Aside from that little pet peeve of mine, Max was a great guy. Who was just as in love with Lauren as she was with him. If I had to ever picture the perfect man, Max would be at the top of the list. Plus he is a paramedic! How more amazing could anyone get?
The story ended so AWESOME! It had so many surprises that I will not tell you about, but were so good that it even had me fooled. Meeting Destiny has mystery in it, and everyone can appreciate a well written mystery. I have so many questions now that I finished the book, but I believe it will all be solved in the sequel, Destiny's Revenge.Which is apparently better than the first. And the first was great, so I am very excited to sink my teeth into the second installment.
This is a book for people who believe in love and destinies. I believe in both. I wanted to thank Nancy for taking the time to be interviewed and for being so sweet to give away a free book of Meeting Destiny. Click on the link below to sign up. The giveaway ends tomorrow. If you do not win the book, it is okay, go buy it. I promise you will not regret it.
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My beautiful son, Tyler.
