Book 3 is tentatively titled "Yesterday’s Embers." Some days I have to remind myself that Clayburn isn’t a real place!

Do you prefer to write contemporary fiction?
Definitely! I wrote a historical novella a few years ago and was very pleased with the way it turned out, but oh! The research involved! Besides, I just seem to have a better voice for contemporary stories, and I find the social and emotional issues people face today fascinating to explore.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
I am the world’s worst procrastinator. Some days it’s late afternoon before I write the first word! It’s not that I’m not doing worthwhile, writing-related things, but I seem to have trouble just getting in gear and putting my nose to the manuscript grindstone. Along with that, it’s a huge challenge to work from home. There are so many distractions vying for my attention, and always a doorbell or telephone ringing.

Are there any other new projects on the horizon?
Next month I’ll begin work on a novella for an anthology called "Missouri Memories," about the families that inhabit a wonderful old house through the generations.  My story will be set in the Vietnam era, the latter years of which I grew up during.  It should be an interesting project and will be out in December of this year.

Who was the person who influenced you the most with your writing?
I’d have to say it was my mother. She instilled a love for story and a respect for all things literary – poetry, books, libraries – and she read to me nearly every day of my life. To this day, she and my dad are two of my greatest encouragers and read and give input on every manuscript – usually before it ever goes to my editors.

What advice would you give to a person trying to become a fiction writer?
The most important thing I could say is to read and read and read some more. Read in the genre you would like to write.  Then, read books on the craft of writing.  How I wish I’d done that in the beginning!  I honestly wasn’t even aware there were such books available when I began!  But I’d have saved myself so much time and so many mistakes had I heeded that one simple word of advice.

What message would you like your readers to take away from "Remember to Forget"?
We have all been given the amazing opportunity for a fresh start and a new life in Christ. No matter what we’ve done or what we’ve been, Jesus came to give us a brand new life, to make us a brand new creation. All we have to do is accept His gift.

What is your goal or mission as a writer?
My goal is first to entertain. I want to tell a story that will draw the reader into a fascinating world of new possibilities. And once they’re there, I want them to be strengthened to face the difficulties in their own lives, I want them to learn more about the nature of a loving God, and I want them to know hope for the future through Him.

 
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