Events:
Sarasota Reading
Festival
Books:
Firestorm
Secret of the Night Ponies
Blown Away
Midnight Rider
Make Invisible Ink
Thunder From
the Sea
Shadows on the
Sea
Joshua's Song
Star in the Storm
The Wishing Sky
The Creatures of
Sand Castle Key
The Dark Side of
the Creek
The Mysterious
Dr. Chen
ShadowBear
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
A: When I was able to read – around the age of 4.
Q: Who or what inspired you?
A: My mother, with her amazing tales (both true and mythological) of Newfoundland. My grandmother recognized my interest in words and plots. When I was nine she gave me the “Complete Works of O. Henry” and she explained the nuances of the surprise ending. Teachers also acknowledged my early talent and encouraged me. Librarians were always willing to answer my questions
Q: Where do you get your ideas for your stories?
A: Mostly from unusual historical events – and from stories about animals who were brave and heroic.
Q: Where do you find characters? Are they real?
A. Some characters are based upon real people. Some are a conglomerate of several people. Some are totally fictional.
Q: Do you have pets?
A: I’ve had pets throughout my life. My first dog was a pure white Eskimo Spitz and I loved him dearly. In fact, sometimes I’d hug him and cry, because I knew at some point I would lose him. I had him for 14 years from the time I was born, when he slept under my carriage. My next pet was a calico cat named Patches. She was another dear friend.
Now I have two Persian cats, Ali-Baba, whom we call “Bubba”, and Amber who is feminine and sweet.
I’ve never had a Newfoundland dog, but several of my relatives did.
Q: How long does it take to write a historical novel?
A: It takes me about six months of research, six months of writing. Then, after the first draft is accepted by the editor and publisher, it takes another year or more for editing, the cover illustration, and proof reading, etc. Add all this together and it takes two years or more for the book to be published and in the bookstores.