She has fourteen published novels, including historical fiction, western and paranormal romance, a contemporary novel, and her most recent, Lost and Broken Things, set in eastern Idaho’s backcountry in 1929.
She’s been the recipient of numerous awards, including Idaho Writer of the Year for her first book way back in 1985.
Do you have a writing routine? Where and when do you write?
I don’t have a particular routine. It depends on what’s going on from day to day. I prefer writing in my office on a desktop computer.
Do you have any patterns or rituals associated with your writing time?
None, other than settling in with a cup of tea or coffee. I like quiet, so I don’t listen to music. The fewer distractions the better.
What do you do when you hit a wall with your writing?
I stop and re-evaluate. The best thing to do is take a break. Perhaps even leave it for a few days and work on something else. Once away from it, you will most likely see what went wrong.
Do you plan your book in advance (plotting and outlining) or are you a “discovery writer” (AKA “writing into the dark”)? Or are you somewhere in between?
After the initial spark of inspiration, I get a notebook and start writing down ideas about the characters, the plot, even scenes or dialogue that might spring to mind. It’s always a good idea to determine early on how you want the book to end, even if it might change along the way, because that will influence everything you write in the story.
My notes are often “what if” scenarios, but I can gradually see what works and what won’t. I don’t outline, per se, because for me it’s all fluid. As E. L. Doctorow said about writing, “It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
What’s the last book you read that made you go “wow!”?
To name a few: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig, and Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. They are older books but left a lasting impression. They are very different but wonderful in their own way.
What book or author do you find yourself recommending and why?
I read a wide variety of books and don’t confine myself to a genre. There are too many good authors and books out there to say I have an absolute favorite.
What’s on your To Be Read pile?
As a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West, there is always an abundance of good books from their ranks whose subject matter appeals to me. At this time, I’m searching for the next good read.
What advice do you have for readers?
Authors are nothing without readers, so keep reading!
And if you enjoyed a book, let the author know on their social media or via a review on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.
What author, past or present, would you wish to have a long conversation with? Why?
I think it would be interesting to see into the mind of Edgar Allan Poe.
Do you have early memories of reading or writing you’d like to share?
We didn’t have many books at home when I was growing up, so I enjoyed the school library and later the public library. I started writing my own little stories and poems when I was in grade school. By the time I was twelve, I knew I wanted to write books.
What books and/or authors have most influenced you as an author?
I can’t pinpoint it. There have been many over the years. In some sense, I am still learning from writers whose works I admire and enjoy.
What do you most enjoy about being a writer? What do least enjoy about being a writer?
I love the creative aspect and the writing process no matter how challenging it can be, but I don’t enjoy promotion. The latter has become more difficult because most of it is left up to the author these days, whereas it used to be that the publisher and their marketing department did that for you so you could get to work on your next book.
I also don’t like the fact that a great deal of what we want to write is restricted by trends and marketing, at least at traditional publishing houses. There seems to be more originality and diversity of thought and content in small press and independently published books.
What would you tell a new writer?
Learn the craft. Study the genre you want to write, but being eclectic in your reading choices can help your overall learning curve. Learn the publishing business (both traditional publishing and independent). Go to conferences, workshops, find a writer’s group for camaraderie, critiques, and support. Be true to yourself (don’t write something just because it’s popular). Persevere. Keep driving even if you can’t see beyond the headlights!
