Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. 

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee..

1. How did you come up with the idea for Undaunted Hope?
 
For this third book in my Michigan lighthouse series, I wanted to pick a location that was different than the other books. The first two books, Love Unexpected and Hearts Made Whole, are set in the "Mitten" of Michigan. So to add variety to the series, I decided to place Undaunted Hope in the Upper Peninsula on Lake Superior.
 
In doing my research of Michigan lighthouses, I learned that there are lighthouses dotted all over the coast of Lake Superior since it was such a treacherous lake to traverse and an important place for steamers due to the rich natural resources that were available. As I studied the various lighthouses, I finally landed upon Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the Keweenau Peninsula because not only was the area rich in resources, but it was rich in history and the makings of a really great story!
 
2. Each of your lighthouse books is set at a real lighthouse that once existed in Michigan or still does exist. Tell us a little about the lighthouse in this third book.
Yes, my first lighthouse book (Love Unexpected) is set at Presque Isle which is on Lake Huron on the north eastern side of the state. The second book (Hearts Made Whole) is set at Windmill Point Lighthouse that once existed on Lake St. Clair near Detroit.
 
Undaunted Hope is set at Eagle Harbor Lighthouse which is in the far north of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In fact, it's about as far north as you can go in Michigan. During the mining boom in the Upper Peninsula, Eagle Harbor saw a rapid increase in the commerce in the area with ships arriving to supply miners as well as load up the valuable copper that was being mined. Due to the dangers of a rocky ledge in the harbor, the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was established in 1851 to guide ships safely to and from the docks in the harbor.
 
3. What special research did you do in writing Undaunted Hope?
 
As I wrote this third book in the Beacon's of Hope Lighthouse Series, I had the wonderful privilege of visiting Eagle Harbor and the lighthouse that serves as the setting for this book. In fact, I was able to stay for a whole week in the assistant keeper's cottage that now sits next to the lighthouse.
 
The large covered front porch of the assistant keeper's house overlooked Eagle Harbor and Lake Superior, so it was a gorgeous view! Every morning I woke up to the sound of the crashing waves and every evening I watched the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I've ever stayed.
 
Not only did I get to do in-depth research on the lighthouse (and walk around inside it as many times as I wanted!), but I also was able to research the entire area taking lots of pictures of the lake, flowers, wildlife, and the numerous waterfalls throughout the peninsula. It's a remote wilderness area of Michigan, sparsely populated, and cold! I visited at the end of June and brought short sleeve shirts. I had to wear sweatshirts almost every day instead.
 
4. The heroines in the first two books actually live in lighthouses. In Undaunted Hope, the heroine is a school teacher. Why did you decide for her to be a school teacher instead of a light keeper?
 
As I researched the area and the Keweenau Peninsula, I came across the diary of a real school teacher, Henry Hobart, who lived and taught in Clifton which was just a few miles down the road from Eagle Harbor. He wrote a detailed account of his life as a school teacher to the mining children.
 
I loved reading his diary and learning about all he experienced, especially those unique things that came with being in such a remote area of Michigan and living among the mining community.
 
I used many of Hobart's experiences in Undaunted Hope. For example, he boarded with a Cornish family, the Rawlings, and Mr. Rawlings was a prominent mine engineer and mechanic. So I had Tessa board with this particular family. Hobart faced many hardships like bedbugs, lice, scarlet fever, the harsh winter, and much more. So again, I had Tessa experience many of those same things.
 
Eagle Harbor itself has an old one-room school house now known as the Rathbone School House. While it's no longer in use and serves as a museum, during my research trip I was able to visit it. I used it as the inspiration for the school house in this book.

5. What do you hope readers take away from Undaunted Hope?
 
I pray that this story will encourage readers with renewed hope. Just like Tessa, I hope that readers will find the strength to face their fears. We all have things that frighten us, and many times we find it easier to run away from those things that scare us. Sometimes, however, God calls us to walk directly into that thing we fear most. He wants us to know that during those times, he's there walking right beside us and that he'll help us come out on the other side stronger as a result. 

1. You are a busy Mom of five children. What are their ages and what are they up to these days?
 
My oldest son is a freshmen in college, attending Cedarville University in Ohio. He enjoyed playing JV basketball there this past fall. My twin daughters are sixteen and driving now. Need I say more! :-)
 
My youngest son is in junior high and usually has a new hobby that he's attempting to master. After learning origami, he moved on to yo-yo's. And now he's currently becoming a Rubik's Cube pro.
 
My darling baby daughter is in fifth grade and loves ballet. Since I don't have a graceful bone in my body, she amazes me with her beautiful and poised dancing.
 
2. What about your husband? What does he think about your writing career?
 
My husband and I will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this year! Can you believe it?! He continues to be a Christian counselor with his own private practice. He supports me one hundred and ten percent in my career, the same way I support him in his. We tag team most of our family responsibilities, each of us working together to ensure that our family runs smoothly! Of course, we have plenty of roadblocks and crashes upon the path we travel with our family, but we trust that God uses every bump and bruise to his glory.
 
3. What do kinds of activities do you do to keep yourself energized and refreshed?
 
One of the most important activities that I've taken up over the past couple of years is running. Not only is it a great way to stay healthy (yes, I've reduced my blood pressure and cholesterol since I started running), but I also use my running time to pray, praise, and listen to books.
 
Of course, I LOVE reading! I always have a couple of books going at once. And most nights I read in bed before going to sleep.
 
4. As a Christian writer, how do you keep yourself spiritually revived so that you have fresh messages to share in your stories?
 
At the same time I have a fiction book that I'm reading, I usually also have a non-fiction spiritual growth book going. For example, I recently read the book Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. It was an excellent book to jump-start my prayer life.
 
I also really love the preaching of the new pastor at our church. I try to take really good notes every Sunday so that I can mull over the messages at home. And I also enjoy a women's Bible study where I learn and grow a lot.
 
5. How do you find time to write so many books?! Are you a really fast writer or super woman?
 
Haha! I'm definitely not super woman! And I have no super powers! But I am very organized which helps me budget my limited time wisely. I also am very goal-oriented, which allows me to plan out my writing schedule into bite-sized, manageable chunks. And on a daily basis, I give myself word-count goals which pushes me to write my books in a specific time frame.
 
Am I a fast writer? Compared to a lot of other writers, I'm probably slow. But over the years of writing, I have honed my writing muscles so that the words and ideas do flow easier than when I first started writing.

Check out my reviews for the Beacons of Hope Series
LOVE UNEXPECTED
HEARTS MADE WHOLE
UNDAUNTED HOPE
FOREVER SAFE (coming June 2016)

​Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, with the second arriving in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in spring 2016

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1. How long does it typically take you to write a book?
Well this is an interesting question because the answer has drastically change since I've had deadlines added to my life :-) I have a very busy life apart from writing (work full-time as a speech-language path, mom of 5), so it usually took 6-12 months for me to finish a novel. I'd write when the muse hit and when I Had time. Historicals usually take a lot longer for me to write than contemporaries. Anyway, I had to write The Thorn Keeper, book 2 in the Penned in Time series, in 3 MONTHS! ahHHH!!! So - I guess I CAN write a book in 3 months, but I prefer 6.
 
2. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I've been writing my whole life, but I still have the copy of my first 'book' that I wrote when I was 10 years old. A mystery about two kids. I have my next long story too...a mystery too. I was a BIG Nancy Drew fan at the time :-)
 
3. What suggestions would you give potential author to help them become a better writer?
WRITE. It's easy to have a great plan but no follow-through - writing is the only way to get a story written :-) I also strongly encourage getting involved with a writing group to have support from other aspiring/published authors. It also adds inspiration and accountability...in that order.
 
4. How frequently do you hear from your fans?
Well, I'm fairly new to having fans :-) I hear more from fans on FB than any other way. I've only received personal emails or letters a handful of times. But I probably hear from a 'new' fan about once every few weeks or so on FB.
 
5. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Did becoming a writer ever cross your mind?
I'd never considered 'writing' as a profession until my granny bought me a typewriter when I was 11. She said "Because a writer needs one". That was the first time anyone ever called me a writer, but I still had other aspirations. I wanted to be a pediatrician so I could be called Dr. Pepper :-) As I grew older, my interests in literature, teaching, and medicine converged in the profession - speech-language pathologist. It's a good match, AND I can be a writer too :-)
 
6. What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
I love walking in the mountains, reading, playing the piano, and hanging out with my kids. They're some of my favorite people in the whole world!!!

Check out my review of
​THE THORN BEARER

Rebecca Jepson is a homebody who loves a good book, a cup of freshly ground coffee, and all things autumn. In addition to her debut novella, she has been published in Clubhouse Magazine and currently writes sports articles for The Dalles Chronicle. She has traveled extensively, to places that inspire her stories. Her favorite destinations included Russia, New England, and the Alaskan wilderness. She lives in sunny Reno, Nevada with her software engineer husband, Mike. ​

1. How did you get started as an author?  What or whom inspired you?I had a big imagination when I was a kid, and always made up stories to act out with my siblings and friends. People started saying they thought I would be a good writer. A school librarian from our church must have thought so too, because she gave me a brochure about a writing contest for students. I took that brochure home and looked at it over and over, thrilling every time I opened the cover. I wrote my first book and sent it to the contest. My book didn’t win, but my dream continued to grow. When I was a teenager, I poured over the works of Christian fiction pioneers such as Janette Oke, Gilbert Morris, Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. They created characters that were real people to me, and stories that transported me to another time and place. I wanted to write like that.

2. How many books have you written and in what genres?In addition to my novella, I’ve written two books, one of them contemporary romance and the other historical.  

3. What writing projects are you currently working on?  What can you tell us about these projects?I’m working on a historical romance novel set in the 1880s about a fisherman’s-daughter-turned-nurse. She flees a painful entanglement with the wealthy family who summered near her childhood home, only to encounter them again six years later. The tagline is: She faces caring for the expectant wife of the man she never stopped loving—at the request of the man who’d kept them apart.
 
4. What does your writing process look like?I often look through books of paintings, especially paintings of landscapes or cityscapes, to get ideas. Once a story has formed in my mind, I do just enough research to find the right historical setting for it, then write a detailed chapter outline. Next I do more research, and finally write the draft.
 
​5. Where is your favorite place to write? (Can I get a picture of this?)I think it would be cool to be able to say I write under my favorite tree in the city park, or take my laptop to the cutest little coffee shop downtown. But my concentration would go out the window if I tried either of those! I write in my office at home, and I think it’s pretty nice, even if it’s not the most artsy venue. 

6. How important are the names in your novels? How do you choose names for your characters?  Do you have any name resources you would suggest?I don’t agonize over names, but I do like to find a name that suits the personality of my character and fits the setting of my story. I often choose names by looking through popular baby names of whatever era I’m writing about. The following website has been helpful: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/. 
7. What authors/novels that you enjoy would you recommend?I’ve read and reread Stealing Home by Allison Pittman, Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen, and all of Liz Curtis Higgs’s books set in Scotland. My favorite author is L.M. Montgomery—I literally laugh and cry when I read the Anne of Green Gables series.
 
8. Where is your favorite place to read and why? (Can I get a picture of this?)I’m a winter-by-the-fireplace girl. I love to flip on the gas fireplace in our living room, curl up in my trusty rocking chair, and immerse myself in a good book. Recently I had the cozy experience of watching it snow outside while I sat inside reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

9. What period of history interests you the most?That’s a tough one! I like most any era in the 19th century.
 
10. What other hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?I enjoy reading, watching old movies—or newer TV series that have notes of the old-fashioned in them—and playing board games with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, especially to places rich in history. My favorite activity is taking walks with my husband, a steaming cup of coffee in my hand. We walk and talk downtown along the river, or on pathways through the park. When we return home, I feel refreshed for another day of writing. :)

Check out my review for
HIGHBROW HOODWINK

Sarah Monzon is a pastor's wife and a stay at home mom of two small children. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Adventist University. Sarah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). The Isaac Project is her debut novel.

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1. How long does it typically take you to write a book?
 Well, my first manuscript (which will never see the light of day) took me 5 years to write. I started it when I was 21 and a student missionary in China. I kept writing while finishing my degree in elementary education, through graduation, getting married, my first teaching position, and, finally, my first child. You could say life happened during those pages! The Isaac Project didn't take quite so long--about 2 years--although morning sickness and taking care of a toddler kept me busy. I've been working on my current work-in-progress for about a year and hope to finish in a few months. My family comes first, but I do try to spend about an hour a day writing. My goal is to be able to write and publish a book a year.
 
2.When did you write your first book and how old were you?
 I started it when I was 21 and finished when I was 26. And that was only the first--and only--draft.
 
3. What suggestions would you give potential author to help them become a better writer?
 Read! Read! Read! It's my favorite way to learn the craft of writing. I just love to soak up a good book. Another thing that really helped my was joining ACFW and participating in their critique program. Getting feedback from other authors really helped to point out my weaknesses and things I could do to polish and tighten my manuscript.
 
4. How frequently do you hear from your fans?
I love to hear from readers! It's so fun to talk books and characters. I've been able to connect with some readers of Facebook and hope to hear from even more.
 
5. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Did becoming a writer ever cross your mind?
I'm a pretty practical person, more logical than dreamer, so I never thought of becoming a writer because, well, you know, starving artist and all. I did always love to read and write and spent a great deal of time doing both. As far as a career goes, though, I always wanted to be a teacher. I'm a stay-at-home mom now and have the tow cutest "students" ever.
 
6. What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
Reading of course! In the summer time I really like going camping and hiking with the family. I'd love to be able to travel more as well. There's a great big world out there, and I want to see it all

Check out my review of
​THE ISAAC PROJECT

​J​C Morrows - Bestselling author of YA Christian speculative fiction, drinker of coffee and avid reader - is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. JC has been telling stories in one form or another her entire life and once her mother convinced her to write them down, she couldn't stop.
 
She finished her first speculative fiction novel purely for the enjoyment of her mother - also known as her biggest fan.

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1. When did you begin writing?
 I have dabbled in writing since before I can remember, but I really got serious about writing a novel in 2009 - when I started writing the Andarii Chronicles (which I still hope to publish some day).

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
 Since high school. I had this amazing English teacher who encouraged me. For a time I actually considered majoring in journalism and giving that a try, but I'm really no good at writing short articles - novels are more my thing.

3. How has your environment/upbringing effected your writing?
 I was never popular in school so I hid in books. With reading, I had the ultimate escape. I could defend Narnia with the Pevensie children, explore the past, ride dragons, fall in love again and again and again. However, I can never be entirely certain if my desire to write came from my love of reading or if I was simply born a storyteller.

4. How do you come up with the titles for your novels?
 This is a tricky one to answer because each novel comes from a different place. The Andarii Chronicles is from a dream, but the Order of the MoonStone series was purely divine inspiration - and I have another series that was inspired by brainstorming for NaNoWriMo during a cold snap... 
I'm not even sure I really do "come up with" the titles. I just kind of know them when the story comes to me. 

5. How many other novels do you plan to have in the Moonstone series and approximately when will these release?
 OOH... sneaky... Actually, I'm not at liberty to say at the moment. I wish I could tell you because keeping secrets drives me nuts, but it's out of my hands. Sorry. At least I can tell you that the series does not end with A Treacherous Decision.

6. How did you deal with rejection letters?  Do you have any advice on how to deal with these for potential future writers?
 Oh my word. Not my finest hour, let me tell you. Back when I was querying for the Andarii Chronicles, I sent out letters/e-mails to more than thirty different agencies. At the time, I did not even know there was a market for Christian Speculative so I was querying ABA agencies/publishers. It's really no wonder all I got back were "No, thank you."s. I became so discouraged, I shelved the whole series - of which I have almost 3 books completed already. But I did not quit writing, and that would be the best advice I can give any aspiring writer. NEVER STOP WRITING! Try another book. Try another genre. Try short stories... but Don't stop. If you're meant to be a writer, the stories within you most likely won't let you anyway.

7. Approximately how long does it take you to write a novel and what does your work schedule look like when you are writing?
 Like my inspiration, this one is different for every story. The first novel I completed took almost two years, but it's sequel was finished in four months. (to be fair - they are both mammoth books - well over 100,000 words each). The novel I spoke of above inspired by a cold snap I completed the first draft (76,000 words) in 30 days. The first draft for A Reluctant Assassin I completed in 6 days. Granted it is a shorter novel in just under 40,000 words, but I wrote it so quickly because of the divine inspiration. My fingers could not keep up with the words that were quite simply gushing. 

Check out my reviews for
A PERILOUS ASSIGNMENT
A RELUCTANT ASSASSIN
A CUNNING MASQUERADE
A TREACHEROUS DECISION

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1.Tell us about your writing - What genre do you prefer to write? What books, stories, other publications that you've written are your personal favorites? Anything new coming up?
I write romance, mostly Regency historical romance, which is the time period of Jane Austen. Asking me to choose a favorite publication is like asking me to choose a favorite child. I love them all. But I always seem to love my latest works the most, probably because I’m a bit more deeply attached to the recent ones. I have written book 1 for a new series which I have recently submitted to my editor. It’s sorta of Sabrina meets Pride and Prejudice.
 
2. What about you as a person? What do you do to relax? Hobbies?
I love to read—it’s relaxing and a great escape from stress. I enjoy long walks and short hikes and I really love to swim. I also sing and play the harp. Oh, and I adore dancing—especially ballroom dancing.
 
3. What gets your creative juices going? Do you write to a music, and do you want to share your playlist?
I don’t have a ritual to put me in the mood to write but I do like to listen to instrumental music when I write—no lyrics or drum beat. I prefer harp and piano music and chamber music. If I’m having trouble getting through a scene or a round of edits, I indulge in chocolate. Dove works well because it comes in little bite-sized pieces that I can pop in my mouth if I get really stuck or stressed. It’s hard to be stressed with a mouth full of chocolate. 

​Tarrah Montgomery has loved writing stories since she was a child.  She earned her associates degree from Ricks College and her bachelor of science in education from Utah State University.  Tarrah currently lives in Snowflake, Arizona, with her husband and young children.  She loves to travel with her husband, and many of her story ideas come from seeing the ancient castles and architecture around the world.  Some of her adventures have taken her to Paris, London, Rome, German, Austira, Switerland, Czech Republic, South Korea, and Thailand.  When not writing, Tarrah teaches preschool and enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her family, an playing the piano.  I’m Not Cinderella is her first novel, with several more to follow in The Princess Chronicles.  Check out the upcoming sequals on her blog (link below).  Tarrah loves to hear from her readers, and you can contact her at tarrahmont[at]gmail[dot]com.

1. How did you get started as an author?  What or whom inspired you?
It’s cliché to say I’ve written since I was young, but it’s true. My first muse was writing ‘I Dream of Genie’ plays. My mom saved dozens of them in my scrapbook. I think many authors have the desire to write when they are young. It’s almost something we’re born with. When I got to be an adult, I was inspired again after reading Stephenie Meyers’ books and also Marcia Lynn McClure’s. Both of these authors made me love reading again (after enduring boring years in college and being forced to read what was on the syllabus in my classes) which in turn got me excited to write again. It’s lots more fun to read and write things you want to.

2. How many books have you written and in what genres?
Finding Sleeping Beauty is my 2nd book published, and is the 2nd book in The Princess Chronicles. My first one is I’m Not Cinderella. I have two other books I have written before the Princess Chronicles books, but they have never been published. All have been YA Fiction.


3. What writing projects are you currently working on?  What can you tell us about these projects?
After Finding Sleeping Beauty, I want to explore the story of Snow White and Rapunzel. In my outline, they are cousins who both are in need of somewhere to hide, which leads to them finding a magic door to Idaho (similar to the first two books in The Princess Chronicles).

4. What does your writing process look like?
First, I spend a good portion of time outlining my story. I even write down ideas of how I want each chapter to begin and end. Of course, the story evolves once I begin writing, but it sticks closely to the outline which is why I brainstorm so much before I start to write. Then, I write from page 1 to the end. I don’t like to skip around; I like to write straight through.

5. Where is your favorite place to write?
I write in different places, depending if I’m writing during the day where I’m interacting with my family or if I’m writing at night when everyone has gone to bed. My favorite place to write is on my rocking chair in the family room near the fireplace. It’s a central location to keep tabs on my kids, and in the winter I’m grateful for the heat.


6. How important are the names in your novels? How do you choose names for your characters?  Do you have any name resources you would suggest?
My names are closely related to fairy tale names since I write about princess books, but I also choose modern names for the new characters. I like to look up the meanings of names on babynames.com. For example, Channing is the last name of the royal family in my books and it means snow. Therefore, I incorporated the symbol of a snowflake to things related to the royal family.

7. What authors/novels that you enjoy would you recommend?
Anything by Marcia Lynn McClure. Love Jenny B. Jones & Jenni James – 2 different authors but both amazing writers. Deeanne Gist is another great author. 

8. Where is your favorite place to read and why?
I read everywhere. I like to use my kindle on my phone, so if my kids are watching a movie I can read a little bit on my phone. Technology is so convenient.

9. What period of history interests you the most?
Anything historical. Especially Jane Austen period. Mr. Darcy…swoon. Ladies, am I right? 

10. If you could choose someone famous to star in one of your books made to a movie, who would you choose and for which character? 

​​Peyton List would be a perfect Sleeping Beauty.

​Lucas Adams would be her love interest, Nate (but picture him with brown hair).

11. What inspired the idea for I’m Not Cinderella? Finding Sleeping Beauty?
I’ve always loved fairy tales…and wished I could be in them. What better way than to write one…or two. That way I could be in the stories and manipulate them any way I could. I’ve always been told to write what you love, and I love fairytales. 

12. What other hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
I like to bake, but I’m not very good…but I still like to do it because I love to eat the batter, and I like to read cookbooks. I love to play the piano. I teach preschool twice a week and love it. I like to travel around the world with my hubby. But I especially love to spend time with my family, doing anything. I’ve always wanted to be a mother, and it’s the best blessing ever!

Novelist Tanya Stowe has had eclectic career. Working as a freelance writer, her profiles have featured celebrities such as Fabio and New York Times Bestselling authors LaVyrle Spencer, Shirlee Busbee, and Heather Graham. Tanya wrote grants, participated in a collection of women’s survival stories and collaborated on a full length Christmas musical.  She also worked as a marketing assistant, and an event coordinator doing a stint with the American Cancer Society. 

Website, Facebook, Blog

​1-How long does it typically take you to write a book?
That depends a lot on what I’m writing. I have done the actual writing of 40,000+ word in a month. But…and that’s a big exception. I’m a plotter so I have a story in my head for a long time before I actual start to write. Sometimes for years. I also do a lot of character development and editing so start to finish a book can take anywhere from a month to six months.
 
2-When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book when I was 11 years old. My favorite television program ended and I hated the ending so I wrote my own story with a “Happy Ever After” ending.
 
3-What suggestions would you give potential author to help them become a better writer?
Learn your craft. Educate yourself. I joined Romance Writer’s of America and discovered what I learned in 7 years on my own could have been learned in 1 with a reputable organization like RWA or American Christian Fiction Writers. The second thing I would recommend,  by every means available and don’t be afraid to show your work to others. The best growth comes when you toughen up and accept the positive criticism. But again learn your craft so you know the difference between the good feedback and the bad.
 
4-How frequently do you hear from your fans?
I don’t get a lot “fan” letters per say. But I’m in contact with readers on my Facebook page pretty frequently. I also have a newsletter where I pass on my latest news. My husband and I have traveled quite a bit. We lived in the Middle East for two years so I also write a blog about travel. But mostly, I keep in touch with readers through my FB page.
 
5-As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  Did becoming a writer ever cross your mind?
Well…since I wrote my first book at 11 years old, I’d say being a writer was my pretty much my first choice. I did have a period where I wanted to be an Egyptologist. But then I decided if I just wrote about ancient Egypt, I wouldn’t have to get dirty.
 
6-What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
My husband and I love to travel. In fact, we are preparing to sell our house, buy a motorhome and become permanent RV’ers so we can travel the U.S. We enjoy hiking. My husband is planning to hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in the spring and he’s trying to convince me to go. But you know, I have this "aversion to dirt thing" I mentioned before. I’m sure he will win the argument because I just can’t stand to miss out on any adventures. I also love to play tennis because it was one of the few sports where I could actually beat my husband and my sons…occasionally. Those days are growing few and far between though. But my most favorite thing to do is spend time with my 20 grandchildren. Usually we pile one or two…or six in the car with us and head out. Those are the best times.

Check out my review for
SEDONA SUNSET (coming soon)
​SANTA FE SUNRISE