Interview

Hi Missy, and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

 

I've just finished the sequel to my current release, THEY CALL ME DEATH, but haven't heard back from the publisher yet. Other than that I'm working on two other books in the same world. I fell in love with a few of my minor characters (Lance, Emily, Kotori, Sandulf) and just have to tell their sides of the story.

 

When first beginning a new project, how do you begin? Do you know the names of your characters right away? Have the ending worked out in the beginning of the first draft?

 

I'm very picky about names, so I usually do some research before naming my characters. When I first begin to write the story I know almost nothing. My characters usually lead the way and I dutifully follow.

 

Do you have the ending worked out when you begin, or does it evolve along the way?

 

I definitely don't know the ending until it happens.

 

When did you know you first wanted to be an author?

 

About six years ago I felt inspired to write. At the time I was only writing for the pleasure of creating my own story. Not until a couple of years ago did I seriously consider trying to get published. Once I began to meet other writers, published and unpublished, I truly considered writing as a career.

 

What is the one "bell and whistle" feature on your computer that you couldn't live without? What about the one that you never, ever use?

 

Spell check is definitely a must. I'm a decent speller on my own but a terrible typist, so my nails hit the wrong keys regularly. I stick to the basics, there are many features I never use.

 

What would you tell a new writer just starting out?

 

You have to be able to take constructive criticism to become a better writer. No one is perfect, and anyone who blows off technical advice about their writing should just keep it to themselves. The one thing I hate to see on writers' social websites is when a writer tells readers to ignore the misspellings and grammatical errors. What's the point of sharing the writing if it's not your best effort?

 

What are some of your future goals?

 

I would love for all four books that I have planned in my world of shifters to be published. Whether in e-book form or in print, I think it would be great to share the whole story.

 

If you could change one room in your home, which one would it be?

 

My bathroom! Right now I only have a standing shower and no tub. I miss being able to relax in a bubble bath :(

 

How did you and your husband meet? Was it “love-at-first-sight”?

 

I was the manager of the food court at a local grocery store where his best friend worked. We were attracted to each other at first sight and he asked me to help him get a job there too. Shortly after he was hired he asked me out, but I said no because I was his manager. He quit the next day and I was mad, but went out with him anyway.

 

What is your idea of the perfect romantic vacation?

 

I'm not much of a beach person so I'd have to say a lakeside resort or something in the mountains. I love scenic views especially if there are exotic animals for me to take pictures of. We have four kids, so any vacation where it can be just the two of us would be romantic.

 

How do you describe Missy Jane? How does Missy Jane’s husband describe her?

 

Missy Jane is definitely an alter ego. She is a take charge woman who can whip out unforgettable characters that will make the reader laugh, cry and wish they could shift into animals, brave a firefight and handle a short sword like a pro.

 

Missy's hubby says, "Missy is a loving wife and mother, a dedicated writer and sometimes a pain in my a-". Enough from him...what does he know?

 

MORE FUN…

 

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life? Whom will you pass this “influence” on to?

 

My maternal grandmother. Nana is the one person who's opinion still matters even thought she's been gone for years (WWND?). I think my oldest daughter will be the one who receives her influence.

 

Gotta ask: did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Have you broken any yet? Ever keep any that you made in previous years?

 

I made four resolutions: Write for at least one hour everyday, eat less chocolate, go to the gym at least three times a week and arrive at work at least five minutes early every day. I broke the last one within a week and the others are off and on. However, I've done a lot better with them this year than any other.

 

What is the best appliance ever invented; the one that you will defend its worth to one and all?

 

Refrigerator, as I discovered during hurricane season last year when the power was out for ten consecutive days.

 

 

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

 

CHOCOLATE in any shape, size, brand and quantity. Though the more there is the better.

 

Thank you so much for spending time with us at RomanceJunkies.  Best of luck with your writing career.

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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