Answers from my 2025 Q&A Giveaway, a small sampling of the almost 400 questions – from you – my wonderful readers!
What’s your favorite series or book you’ve written?
It would be impossible to pick one. I love them all for different reasons. Having said that, the Garden Girls Cozy Mystery series, set in West Michigan is a place I still consider home so it will always have a special place in my heart.
Of all your characters which one is the most fun to write about?
Elvira from my Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series. She’s so far out there you never know what she’ll do next. She’s definitely a quirky wildcard which makes her fun to write about.
If I had to name a character I admired the most it would be Joanna Pepperdine from my Divine Series. Her caring, her heart, working through her own emotional tragedies while putting others, those in need, ahead of herself. She’s just a really special person to me.
How many books and series have you written?
I’ve written 128 books in eleven series. You can get a complete list of all my books here!
When did you start writing? How old were you?
I was almost 50 by the time I released my debut book. (It was a non-fiction book which is no longer in print.)
My first fiction story, Waves of Deception from the Samantha Rite series, released in 2014. Which proves the adage you are NEVER too old to learn or try your hand at something new. 😊
Does anyone else in your family write stories?
No, but my husband Mitchell keeps promising me he plans to someday write the story that’s been bouncing around in his head. I’m still waiting… 😊
What made you want to write/what motivated you?
Mitchell had found an online course. It was basically the nuts and bolts of self-publishing. The writing course piqued my interest, so I went through all of the information. As part of the program, I joined an online group of writers who shared success stories and I thought, if they can do it, so can I!
What’s the best advice you have for someone planning to write fiction/mysteries?
It would depend on the reason someone wants to write. If your main goal is to write a one-and-done story, I’m sure you can find helpful authors on YouTube who can walk you through the process of self-publishing a story.
If the goal is to turn writing into a career, I suggest joining a writer / author group. There are some very good ones out there and I would start by digging in and finding out what all is involved in the writing process. Two that come to the top of my mind are both Facebook groups: SIA – Successful Indie Author and 20booksto50k.
What did you do (career-wise) before you began writing stories?
I had a very high-pressure, stressful job working as a logistics coordinator for a Fortune 500 company. I worked for the company for almost 20 years and have never regretted leaving the job to focus on writing!
Where do you get your ideas and/or inspiration for a story, characters, series?
The Divine Cozy Mystery series was one that came to me in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. I was in the process of plotting a new series and going in a different direction. I believe God nudged me toward the inspirational series and still believe this is true.
The Garden Girls Cozy Mystery series is loosely based on the small town where I grew up. Millie’s Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery series was one Mitchell and I created together, a “labor of love” since we love cruising.
We also fell in love with charming and historic Savannah, Georgia. During a drive home after visiting one weekend, I began creating the Garlucci family from the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series.
Both Easton Island series and Wynn Harbor Inn series feature strong female characters who overcome extreme adversity and not only survive, but thrive. Although I enjoy writing my cozy mysteries, I found I love writing about family drama, saga, characters triumphing over tragedies. Women sagas has become my new favorite genre to write in.
#10. How do you keep track with all the characters, series, books, places?
This is one of the most asked questions I get and the answer is by keeping pages and pages of notes! Each continuing (and finished) series has a separate file. For each new book, I start a new section, adding the book title, character names and descriptions under the sub-heading. I even keep track of the weather/season, the mystery and the “whodunit” so I don’t repeat the same mystery.
When I finish a book, I jot down notes and ideas for the next book in the series – continuing the adventure and tying up any loose ends.
I also have files for names used in all of my books, Bible verses, and even recipes.
Millie’s Cruise Ship Series and the spinoff series, Cruise Director Millie are the most challenging to write. Not only do I have to keep track of the layout of the ship, but also the activities/timeline, the ports, the itinerary, the characters and throw in a mystery – all with a very limited arsenal of weapons since security on cruise ships is tight.
#11. How long does it typically take you to finish writing a book? What is the process?
I can write very fast. On an average day, I write between 5,000 and 7,000 words. The most I’ve ever done was 11,000. After drafting, I do 2 read throughs. After the second read through, I turn the book over to Mitchell for his feedback and suggestions. (He’s read every book I’ve ever written and knows the characters as well as I do.)
After he gives me his feedback, I make the changes, tackle what I call grammar fixes, to find pesky repeat words and phrases. Another round of edits, running it through a grammar software program is next and then I send it off to my editor and ARC group.
On average I can write a book every 4-6 weeks, if I’m able to work on it every single day.
#12. What do you do if you get stuck or need ideas?
I take a break, walk on my treadmill, take a shower, basically step away and clear my mind. If I’m really stuck, I’ll start working on another story and go back to it which works pretty well because I can look at it again with fresh eyes.
#13. How often do some of your series lead to new series/spinoff series?
I’ve had a few:
Wynn Harbor Inn is not necessarily a spinoff of Easton Island but is set in a similar world with minimal character crossover. (For example, Morgan and Brett Easton from Easton Island, are working on a project with David Wynn from my Wynn Harbor Inn Series.)
Garden Girls – The Golden Years and Lack of Luxury Cozy Mystery Series are a spinoffs of the Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series.
Cruise Director Millie is a spinoff of Millie’s Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series.
#14. What future projects will you be working on?
I plan to continue my Millie Cruise Ship Mystery Series, Made in Savannah, Easton Island and the (brand new!) Wynn Harbor Inn.
I do have another series percolating in my brain, a saga trilogy, which would be longer novel length that I plan to tinker with down the road.
