What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
My most recent book is called Catalina’s Tide. It’s a steamy thriller that really plays upon the issue of groupthink and paranoia. The novel takes place in the late 1990s on Santa Catalina Island during the week of Fourth of July.
Tell us something about yourself.
I was born and raised in California and absolutely love the beach. My published writing experience stretches back over a decade, but I only recently started to write full novels. If you can’t find me on the beach then you can most likely find me in a coffee shop instead.
What inspired you to write this book?
A school trip from a few years ago ended up sparking the idea to write about Santa Catalina Island. I fell in love with the island when adventuring and had the privilege to see bison roaming freely as the sun slowly set into the water. The memory always stuck with me and made it very easy for me to choose a location for my most recent book.
How did you celebrate when you finished writing the book? When it was published?
Oddly enough, I don’t really celebrate writing my books. I’m elated and super excited for a good month after I finish writing, but only celebrate after the first sale has been made. It’s a little strange, but for me it doesn’t feel real until I know that someone has chosen to read my work. Catalina’s Tide was published at the end of 2019 in both Ebook and paperback.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked at a law firm. It wasn’t long until I realized that I craved something different. I had always assumed that I wanted to be a lawyer, but my experience was always within the writing field until then. I wrote for multiple magazines and business journals and always felt like there was something I was missing. I assumed that it was becoming a lawyer, but it turns out what I was craving was actually total creative freedom over my work. It’s the exact opposite of where I thought my life was headed, but I would not have it any other way.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? (i.e., Do you outline and plan your story or do you just sit down and write?)
Most definitely a pantser! I start with a very rough idea of where I want my book to go and really let the characters and their choices dictate the outcome of the book. I don’t like to plot everything out because I find that it makes my writing less organic and free.
Do you have a daily or weekly writing schedule, or do you write only when you are inspired? How many words or pages do you complete in a typical day?
I really try to write a little bit everyday. The trick is to try and let it come naturally. Some days are more productive than others and that’s okay. In a typical day I try to write about 1,000 words.
How many drafts did you write before publishing your most recent book?
Honestly, I am not even sure. It’s a very meticulous process to go over your own work and pick it apart. I try not to get hung up on the amount of times that I look it over and try to focus more on the final quality.
What software do you use to write? Or do you prefer to write longhand or dictate your work? What made you choose the method you use?
All of my books start out as longhand. I love to sit on the beach or in the middle of a park and just write what comes to mind. My best friend besides a piece of paper and a pen is most definitely sunscreen.
If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?
Yes, I would tell myself to pursue writing books first instead of law. I really am happier creating my own work. I would also tell my younger self not to be so critical since everyone has to start somewhere.
Do you read reviews?
Absolutely! I want to know what my readers think.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
I would say keep reading and writing! The best way to improve is to learn from the best writers. Keep learning about the world and be curious about your craft. It’s always important to keep growing and to realize that writing is a journey that never ends because who you are as a person and a writer today is not who you will be five years from now. A second piece of advice is to just start writing!
Who is the perfect reader for your book?
The perfect reader of Catalina’s Tide is someone who enjoys I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream, and Clueless. It’s perfect for lovers of mystery and suspense.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
Readers can go to my website, Kobo, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble to find out more about my book.
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