Frequently Asked Questions
FOR THE KIDS:
Q: What is your favorite story?
A: Well, there are so many, but I'll tell you, "Where the Red Fern Grows" still makes me cry. I love stories where we can connect to the main character, where we can hope with them on their adventures, and where their journeys tug on our heartstrings. That's my kind of book. And if you throw in a dog, all the better! I also like books of diversity so I can learn about other cultures. That's a big part of why I love to travel. "Q and A," though not a children's book was great too (made into a movie called Slumdog Millionaire).
For MG authors, I like James Ponti (loved City Spies), Katherine Applegate (loved The One and Only Ivan) Barbara O'Connor, Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Joan Bauer, McCall Hoyle; the last ones mostly because they write dog books and love a good dog book.
For adult authors, it's pretty varied - I like John Grisham, Dan Brown, Catherine Walsh, Debbie Macomber, Khaled Hosseini to name a few.
Q: How do you come up with your ideas for stories?
A: All different places. Sometimes from an article I've read, or something someone said when paired with "what if...", or well, anything. There is a tug in my heart that has to come out and after some tweaking, words grow and become a story.
My first book, Hope Lives Here, came about after several trips to Guatemala, when we went to build houses with an organization called Casas por Cristo. On our first build, we saw these kids looking at us curiously, as we passed them with our supplies to build a house for their neighbor. We were probably the first foreigners they'd ever seen. They were shy, quiet, and happy. We asked the pastor who assisted us what they thought of watching their neighbors receiving this great gift (and not them). His response was that our team offered hope. Hope that someday maybe they could be next. The look in their eyes reflected what he said, (as can be seen in the book's cover) and is why the book is entitled, "Hope Lives Here."
Q: What is an interesting fact no one knows about you?
A: I still have a baby tooth! I also like to travel. Did you know I was picked up by the trunk of an elephant? And I passed the pyramids on my way to work in Egypt? I like to do interesting things when I travel. My most recent interesting thing was I met a mermaid in Hawaii, and she loaned me her fins!
So far, I've been to 44 different countries. My dream is to do an around the world cruise. That should tick a few more countries off the countries-traveled list! My goal is to travel to 100 countries by the age of 100.
Maybe another fact is that I got to dance with rainmakers in Morocco (and it actually rained!).
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I love to hike, read, and of course write! And travel! My latest interest is stargazing and astrophotography. What an amazing world we live in!
FOR THE ADULTS:
Q: How do I reach you for interviews, author signings, school visits...those kind of things?
A: Use the contact form and I will be glad to talk with you!
Q: How do I find your books?
A: All of my books are available for purchase on my website and Amazon.
Q. Is there any way I can read your books for free?
A. Yes! I'm always looking for beta readers to be part of my author team and to help with book promotion and book reviews. If you think you would like to be a beta reader or part of my author team, let me know on the contact form. (Thanks!)