FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

When is your next book coming out? Good question. Although there was a huge time gap between my first two novels, I'm hoping to have the next one released sooner. Hopefully, following the new one, 10 months or so, give or take.

Where do you get your ideas? Simply put, life and arithmetic. More in-depth, a form of writer's syndrome. I see things, overhear things, experience things, etc. and then zoom in on them, collaborate them, then focus and sharpen and twist them until they can't be twisted any further. And then the math. I add to them, play the what-if game. What-if I add this to that, then add that to this? The idea process can be likened to having a baby. First it must be conceived, then it has to grow and mature until it's ripe, and then--voila, it's born.

Where do you get your titles? My first two I borrowed from old family adages, mostly my elders from Arkansas. Momma's Baby, Daddy's Maybe is a term they'd use when a woman was pregnant and no one was sure who fathered the child; Pushing up Daisies is another way to say death. For example: Before she knew it, he was pushing up daisies. I.e. Before she knew it, he was dead.

How much of your books are true? It depends on whose truth you're asking about. Okay, okay, I know you want to know are they based on my life. Well, sorry, here's an emphatic NO. Truth is, I'm not that interesting of a person to write a whole book about, nor do I have 1/4 of the drama in my life that my characters have. So who'd want to read about me? However, there is a bit of truth in all of my books. Because I take bits and pieces of real life and mix them with fiction, there's no way around it.

I noticed quite a few typos in your book. Want me to contact you? No, but thank you for asking.

Are the places you write about real? The cities, yes. The places, sometimes.

What are you working on now? What am I not working on? Seriously, I'm always working on something--usually some things. Right now I'm in the middle of novel 6--yes, that's right, I said 6--but I'm not sure which I'll release next. I'll post it to the site as soon as I figure it out, and send out an excerpt to those who have joined Coma Sutra, my newsletter. Maybe I'll let the readers vote on my next one.

When do you write? In the daytime, nighttime, and in-between time. Usually 8:30am-1:45pm, then again at 8pm.

Who are your favorite writers? No. No. No. I refuse to get caught in that trap! Mainly because I have a lot of author associates. But, I will tell you this: I read everything, good and bad and great. Bad is to learn what not to do, good is just to pass time, and great--to learn, sharpen, and grow.

How long does it take you to write a book? If my focus is on just one book and not classes, other forms of writing, etc. I can usually finish a book in a couple of month's time, drafts included. However, I'm changing my routine. I'll let you know how it goes when I figure it out.

Do you write under a pseudonym? If I answered yes, what'd be the point of having one?

Are you ever going to write a sequel to any of your books? No. I like to give my readers something new with each novel. Plus, I'm pretty tired of my characters and/or story by the time I've finished.

I wrote a novel, too. Can I send it to you for you to read?

Unfortunately, for legal reasons, I'm prohibited from reading unpublished and/or unsolicited material.

I wrote a novel, too. Can you recommend me to your agent?

Unfortunately, no. Because I can't read your novel there's no way for me to recommend it. However, there's a great listing of agents in Writer's Market.

I wrote a novel, too. Can I send it to you for a quote/blurb? Again, unfortunately, I don't take blurb requests directly.

I have a great idea for a novel, but haven't started working on it/completed it. Can you advise me on the next step, or read it? As stated above, I can't read it. However, I can advise you on the next step. Finish it, have it professionally edited, then query an agent or submit it. Check Writer's Market for a list of agents and editors who specialize in your genre.

Will you come do a reading in my city? If I'm in the area, yes. If not, contact me and/or my publicist. I'll see what I can do.

Will you visit, or have a conference call, with my bookclub? Yes to the conference call, see above regarding visiting the bookclub.

Will you come speak to my group? Contact me.