Your Move - Book Tour and Giveaway

Your Move
Willow Falls Book 1
by Ravyn Salvador
Genre: Contemporary Mystery Romance 

Their past is the key to everything, but the move to the future has yet to be made.

Years ago, Detective Melisandre Watson made a decision to walk away from the love of her life, but she never stopped thinking about him. Now, embroiled in the biggest case of her life, she suddenly realizes how alone she really is and wonders about her life choices. It doesn’t matter, though. Vaughn Romano is gone, and no other man has ever made her feel the way he did.

When Mel’s case suddenly takes an interesting turn, she starts to doubt everything in her life. She can’t catch the perp, she has another mystery she can’t seem to solve, and her love life is non-existent. But then fate intervenes, making her face something that she never thought to confront again, and bringing up things and feelings from her past she thought long forgotten.

The onus is on her. The question is, will she make the right move and choose love?


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Saturday dawned bright and full of possibility, despite the craziness of the last few days. Mel snuggled Dorian for a minute, the kitten rolling over and putting a paw on her face without even opening his eyes, before she got out of bed. Wrapping herself in her robe, she walked to the window. It was sunny and vivid outside, the colors of the leaves still remaining on the trees a shocking contrast to the clear sky. Everything looked high-definition. A flush of happiness rushed through Mel. Yeah, today would be just what she needed.
Glancing at the clock, she saw that she had about two hours before the vinyasa yoga class she liked at Zentangle on the strip. She’d have some breakfast, then change, grab her stuff, and head on over. If she planned it right, she could go straight to Willow River afterwards and enjoy the afternoon by the waterfall. It may get chilly, but if she bundled up, she’d be fine, and the brisk, fresh air and nature would do her some good. She’d been cooped up way too much lately.
As her tea steeped, she let her mind wander and couldn’t stop the guilt that suddenly swarmed her, making her stomach quiver. She should be in the office, trying to track down the psychopath wreaking havoc on her town and those beyond. But she was on call. She’d have her phone, and if anyone needed her, she could be available in a heartbeat. There were no new leads to run down, and they were waiting for information from several outside resources before they could take the next steps.
Next steps made her once again think of Vaughn. He didn’t seem far from her thoughts these days, and she wondered why. Maybe the stress of everything had lowered her guard and made her yearn for the happiness he’d brought her. Yet, in her heart of hearts, she still wasn’t sure that they could have worked. She had been entirely focused on her job and getting ahead as selfish as that may sound, and he was always traveling for work, following this story or that. Despite the inferno between them, and the true affection that came with it, Mel had never felt longevity there. Though, lately, she’d begun to wonder if it was just her self-doubt and assumptions of her shortcomings that had created that. Or maybe her need to overthink things and find fault where there really wasn’t any.
Mel shook her head to get herself out of her reverie. She obviously needed to get laid. Too bad that wasn’t who she was. She wished she were the type of person who could just use a guy for what they both needed and appreciate both it and him, but emotions came into play in a big way for her. Obviously too much, since it seemingly made her overthink everything. And then run.
Enough, Mel. Just stop and enjoy your day.
Dressed in a cute, gothic pair of leggings and a mesh tank and sports bra, Mel grabbed her stuff, petted Dorian goodbye as he ate, and headed out.
Just as she got into the Jeep, her cell rang. Her heart sank. No, no, no, not now! Rooting around in her purse, she found the phone at the bottom and lifted it out just as the ringing stopped. She glanced at the screen, her hands shaking a bit with apprehension and anger before she saw the readout. Kingsley. Mel let out a breath. Not work, then. Thank the stars.
Once situated in the car with her Bluetooth connected, Mel rang Kingsley back as she drove to Quarter and Main.
“Hey, Mel,” Kingsley said upon answering. “Did I disturb you? I know it’s early on a Saturday, but you’re usually up at the crack of dawn every day.”
“Not at all. I’m actually on my way to yoga. What’s up?” Mel checked her blind spot and merged onto the highway, thinking it’d be faster than taking back roads all the way to Zentangle.
“Nothing. Just missed you. Making sure we’re still on for tomorrow.”
“Aw, I miss you, too. We’re definitely on. As I told Rhynn, the only thing that will keep me away is if something happens with the case. But for now, we’re just waiting on things, so we’re good to go.”
Mel heard Kingsley giving her husky, Denali, some breakfast and opening and closing the fridge. “Um, hey, are you dating anyone right now?”
Mel raised an eyebrow, even though Kingsley couldn’t see it, and sucked in her lips before answering. “No-o-o-o, why do you ask?”
“So, here’s the thing,” Kingsley started, her high school teacher-voice in full effect, “Rhynn has this buddy from U of M. He’s a great guy. He hasn’t been around in years because he’s been off doing his thing, trying to become the next Edgar Award winner or something, but he’s back in town. I think you two might like each other. How do you feel about tomorrow kind of being a blind date of sorts?”
Mel sighed. She knew Kingsley was coming from a good place, a place where the woman cared about her friend and just wanted her to be happy, but Mel had no desire to be set up with anyone. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Kingsley’s judgment, and if this guy and Rhynn were still friends after all of these years, he was probably a great dude, but that just wasn’t Mel’s thing.
“Kingsley, I love you. I really do. But I’m not looking for anything right now. I am thrilled to meet him. Rhynn couldn’t hide his happiness the other day about having his buddy back in town, but I’m not looking to date. Especially not right now. This case is taking up all of my time and energy.”
Kingsley sighed on the other end of the line. “I get it, Mel. But I had to try. We’ll still have a great time, and I really think you will like him. He’s awesome. Okay, I gotta run. Landry’s up, and I think Rhynn’s making cranberry-orange pancakes. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, chica. Have a good one. I’ll be there just as soon as I can tomorrow after I take care of a couple of things.”
Just as she disconnected, Mel pulled into the Zentangle parking lot and headed in for the class she’d been looking forward to since yesterday morning.


***

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Thirty minutes after class, Mel was headed down her favorite wooded trail. The air was crisp in her lungs, but not too cold, and she felt invigorated with her workout clothes and a medium-weight zip-up hoodie. The birdsong surrounding her felt like a private symphony. With the rustle of the trees, the rushing of the water in the distance, and the gentle tumble of the leaves in the breeze as they cascaded to the ground around her, Mel felt as if she were witnessing a show put on just for her. The smell of dirt and wet sand and subtle tree rot was like a perfume to her senses. Yeah, she loved it out here. Hence why she’d bought her house so close. This was her sanctuary, and she came here as often as she could before the snowmobilers took over the larger trails and ruined the serenity.
When she came upon the clearing that opened to the river and the waterfall, the mist in the air made her catch her breath, but not as much as the beauty surrounding her. The water rushed and frothed over the rocks, tumbling to the rapids below. The hills and trees on either side created the perfect frame for the gorgeous sight. Finding her favorite huge, flat rock, Mel jog-hopped over to it and set down the towel she’d brought with her. Sitting lotus-style on the flat, cold surface, she took a deep breath and took in the quiet of the moment. The serene energy of the environment and the bliss she’d already cultivated within herself mingled to make her feel wholly at ease. Her worries about her job and her disappointment in herself for her relationship failures faded away for a moment, making room for a calming buzz that utterly encapsulated her.
Deep into her meditation, she almost didn’t hear someone approach. She wasn’t in a secluded spot, it was actually well-traveled, but it was still earlier than most hikers were out and about. Opening her eyes, Mel looked up and turned around, and her heart dropped. Her stomach fluttered as if a kaleidoscope of butterflies had taken flight. There, standing about fifteen feet away from her, was none other than Vaughn Romano.
The one that got away.

Rayvn Salvador is a lifelong bibliophile who left her eighteen-year IT career in Software Quality Assurance to live her dream: getting paid to read as a full-time editor (done as her alter ego), and to write when the mood strikes. She lives in Florida with three crazy cats and her incredibly supportive beau, dreaming about the Midwest’s changing leaves as she perfects her yoga poses on the beach.


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Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Rayvn is actually my alter ego, my nom de plume if you will. In real life (LOL!) I’m a full-time literary editor. Over a decade ago, I started a book blog, LITERAL ADDICTION, because of my absolute love of books. I was working full-time in Information Technology and when my company got bought out, and I got laid off, I decided to get certified in editing and give editing a try full-time (I was already doing a bit of it pro bono). Things went really well. Eight years later, I’m working for St. Martin’s Press and have worked with over ninety amazing authors. One of those asked me to write for a boxed set she was sponsoring, and the rest, as they say, is history. I wrote YOUR MOVE, had three horror shorts published in Sirens Call eZine, and have contracts signed for a contemporary sports romance coming out with Lady Boss Press on September 14, 2020 and a full-length paranormal romance thriller that will be released next year with them, as well. I also hope to give my fans more Willow Falls, because everybody wants to know what’s up with Drake and Teagan, the hero and heroine of book #2 (spoiler!)

What is something unique/quirky about you?
Hmmm, I’m always unique and quirky, but I was in several bands back in the day, vocals and bass. A metal band called Insidious Affliction, a blues band called The Black River Band, and an alternative group called Merge.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
One of the most interesting things that has ever happened to me took place when I still lived in Minnesota. I was at a Twins baseball game with some friends, watching the White Sox (my favorite team) and an usher came down to the third row right next to first base where my season tickets were and handed me a note. It was on Twins letterhead and signed by Marty Cordova, the left fielder at the time. I thought it was a joke and waited over a week to call the number on the note. As it turns out, it actually was from Marty. He had seen me sitting there from the field and asked me out. We dated for about six months.

What are some of your pet peeves?
I have a weird thing with things that shouldn’t smell like they do. Like why in the world would you make toilet bowl cleaner smell like mint? LOL

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in raised in central Wisconsin. I’m a Cheesehead through and through, and bleed green and gold. I moved to Florida in 2000 but my heart will always be with the changing leaves and autumn in the Midwest. Wisconsin and its beauty play a huge role in YOUR MOVE and the entire Willow Falls world.

If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Dang, as a cancer survivor and someone who struggles with autoimmune issues, this one hits close to home. I think I’d want to be somewhere beautiful in nature with a good book surrounded by people I love for my last day.

Who is your hero and why?
I have many. Right now, my hero is Rachel Caine. She’s one of my absolute all-time favorite authors. She is going through a massive health battle at present and is doing it with a grace and strength that I find mind-boggling. She’s open and honest with her fans and I while I admired the heck out of her before, now, she’s my absolute hero. And if you have not read her, I STRONGLY suggest you devour everything she has ever written. There has never been a Rachel Caine book I have not adored.

What are you passionate about these days?
I have many, many passions. My jobs are a huge passion of mine and I hope they will be for a very long time to come. I’m also incredibly creative outside of that. I crochet projects for family and friends and for donation, I make jewelry, I sew and make clothing, I cosplay…

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love yoga. I tackle creative projects like making gemstone malas or crocheting wraps and shawls for retirement homes.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Great number, 5 is actually my lucky digit. Um…Focused, friendly, independent, accomplished, and creative.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always dabbled. I won awards for some of my dark poetry in high school, and even before that, used to write short horror stories that I’d leave for people to find. Still, to this day, though, I have a hard time considering myself a writer—even with a book out in the world, several other published works, and more coming soon. I think any author will tell you, especially now, that there’s doubt. But there’s also incredible pride. I wouldn’t release a book if I wasn’t proud of it, and if I can touch even one life, or make someone feel something, I’ve done my job.

Do you have a favorite movie?
I’m a Tim Burton groupie. I will watch and re-watch anything by Burton. But I also adore The Crow and The Princess Bride.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I can see both YOUR MOVE and BLUE FORTY-TWO, my upcoming Sports Romance, being a show on TV. But the one I think would make a great movie is the full-length novel I’m working on for next year. It’s about a jaded female private investigator with a tragic past who is forced to team up with a Cajun ghost hunter as a series of murders are happening.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
Oh boy, as an editor I have had some amazing opportunities. I’m a massive Edgar Allan Poe fan and did the whole Poe experience in Baltimore last year. I also went to Boonsboro, MD to stay at Nora Roberts’ Boonsboro Inn and attend her Halloween signing. I did Halloween and the Day of the Dead in New Orleans for research, and I went to Paris for one of their signings and took in all of the gorgeous parks there for research, as well.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Well, given that my pseudonym is a mashup of my love of Edgar Allan Poe (and my late-black cat, Poe Rayvn) and Salvador Dali (and my late-Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Dali’s Picture Perfect), that’s a no brainer. Raven all day.  My independent author publishing house LLC is Madness Nevermore, and my logo is a raven with Alice in Wonderland font.

What inspired you to write this book?
I had started writing a paranormal thriller and Melisandre, my heroine, really needed a happily ever after. I had a dream about her hero, Vaughn, and the book almost wrote itself. I was surprised at how well the words flowed, and I’m happy with the final product. I think I did the couple and their friends justice.

What can we expect from you in the future?
I have at least two more books planned for the Willow Falls series. SEASONS CHANGE, a romantic suspense that takes place in winter. It’s Teagan and Drake’s book and has plenty of twists and turns. And then at least one more for the spring and/or summer seasons (YOUR MOVE is my fall book), hero and heroine yet to be determined. I’ve also been working on the thriller that spawned these characters, THE RELIC, that I hope will come out in the not-too-distant future. I need to get it right though, and a true thriller is not easy to write. ;-) For sure on the docket, however, is a contemporary sports romance called BLUE FORTY-TWO, a Quick Snap novella through Lady Boss Press set in Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle universe. It will (or has, depending on when you’re reading this!) come out on 9/14/20. It’s about a 42-year-old star quarterback who gets injured on his road to the big game, and the gorgeous and successful female injury management doctor who sets him straight and steals his heart. Next year, I hope to put out at least one of the Willow Falls books I mentioned above. I also have another as yet unannounced project I’m SUPER excited about. A paranormal romance thriller about a jaded female private investigator, a Cajun ghost hunter, and a deadly serial killer in New Orleans.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
My Willow Falls novellas are all “side stories” that spiraled off from my in-progress thriller THE RELIC. Rhynn (who works with Melisandre, the heroine of YOUR MOVE) and his wife Kingsley are the main characters of THE RELIC—aside from the sadistic serial murderer antagonist, anyway. ;-)

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in YOUR MOVE?
So, Melisandre Watson is the heroine. She’s a detective with the Hudson WI police department. Many years ago, she let the love of her life go to concentrate on her career. Vaughn Romano, my hero, is an investigative journalist turned crime writer who never got over Melisandre, and despite having his heart broken, is determined to win her back. Theirs is a feel-good second chance romance amidst the case of the Valley Voyeur and a strange mystery of an object that ends up in Mel’s purse at the bar.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Mel needed a happily ever after. In my mind, she spent all her time trying to catch the Dollhouse Killer (the antagonist in my WIP thriller, THE RELIC). She needed someone who was like her but also her opposite, and Vaughn is that perfect guy.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I have a thing for interesting and unique names. YOUR MOVE’s heroine, Melisandre, was inspired by the red witch in Game of Thrones. I met an author with the first name Vaughn once, and have loved the name ever since, so that’s where my hero got his name. Kingsley and Rhynn popped into my imagination on a whim—I even told one of my besties to name her daughter that, though she went with Kensley instead. Brigid is named after my patron goddess, Jaxon in an alternate spelling was inspired by my BFFs boyfriend. Drake was named after an old baseball player. I adore the name Teagan for a girl… I could go on and on. I keep a list of names in my Notes app on my phone and just see what speaks to me. A lot of my names are unisex, but unless it’s a very small, very inconsequential character, you will likely never ever see a character named Bob or Jim or Jane, etc. in my books. LOL

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed the challenge of trying to make the side mystery (the item that Mel finds in her purse, which was the writing prompt I was given to tailor a story around) work with the rest of the story that I knew I needed to tell.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
YOUR MOVE came about because Mel needs to make a very important decision in this book. The naming convention is two words because I wanted to have it match the other books in the universe, THE RELIC, SEASONS CHANGE, etc.

Who designed your book covers?
The very talented Michele Hauf of Swell Cat Designs did the cover for your move. The full flat for the print version gives me goosebumps every time I look at it!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Honestly, no. I made some pretty significant revisions when I got my rights back before it re-released in February and those changes made it all come together. Any newbie author will tell you that you grow with each book you write, and while I love YOUR MOVE, BLUE FORTY-TWO, the sports romance that just (or will soon, depending on when you’re reading this) release is even better in my honest opinion.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes! Writing tight is hard. LOL. I could have easily had another 20,000 words but was given a max and I had to adhere to that.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
That’s tough. There’s honestly nobody out there that really and truly fits the characters in YOUR MOVE. I have some pictures I found online that are them to a T, but I have no idea who they are, and I’ve never seen them on or in anything before. If I had to choose off the top of my head, I might go with Scarlett Johansen with a platinum pixie cut, tattoos, and brown eyes for Mel, and Brant Daugherty with green eyes for Vaughn.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Just…THANK YOU! Without you, authors like me would just be writing and saving stuff to our hard drives. The fact that you’re willing to take a chance on new stories and world and characters and wordsmiths is what makes our days!

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
So there’s a scene in YOUR MOVE where they all get together for a cookout and to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Minnesota Vikings. I’d want to join in on that!

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
I don’t think that any character is 100% fictional. You inevitably draw things from real life when you write, even if you don’t actually mean to. Mel reminds me a lot of the characters from James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club books, but she has some of my traits as well—something I didn’t realize until the book had been out for a while. Vaughn reminds me a tiny bit of my high school boyfriend. For the most part, they’re straight out of my imagination, though.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?
I had a pretty tight rein on my peeps. All except for Dorian. Dorian took over. That cat is a menace. LOL

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
So, if you like feel-good and a bit funny second chance romances with a strong heroine and a soft-hearted hero, all mixed up with some mystery and a cast of side characters you’d want to text the next day, then YOUR MOVE is a great move…for you!

Have you written any other books that are not published?
As mentioned, I have THE RELIC a thriller in the Willow Falls universe, SEASONS CHANGE the romantic suspense book #2 in the Willow Falls series, BLUE FORTY-TWO (which at the time of me writing this isn’t out yet, but it will be on 9/14!), book #3 of the Willow Falls series is in the works, and my paranormal romance thriller that will be released next fall, which I would LOVE to tell you the title for, but can’t. Yes, I’m a tease.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Hmmm, I’m going to go with Yankee Candle’s Crisp Fall Night. It is bergamot, grapefruit, and black peppercorn, with mid notes of lavender and maple leaf, and a base of vetiver and oak.

What did you edit out of this book?
I cut several amazing scenes. I actually have a video of me reading one of them, a scene with Mel and Vaughn stuck in a parking lot as she waits for a tow truck for her Jeep, flirting and talking about food. I adored the scene, but it just didn’t work to move the story forward so it got the ax. I think I’ll release some of those scenes as bonus material to my newsletter subscribers at some point.

Is there a writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
I would LOVE to sit down and talk with Dean Koontz. Aside from Poe, he’s my favorite author of all time and maybe if I could talk to him, I’d finish this stupid thriller and the horror I’ve been playing with for what seems like forever. LOL

Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?'-type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process of the book.
YOUR MOVE started as a friend and author saying… “So, what if you found something in your purse that wasn’t yours?”

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Ugh, 10 is hard! I’m a bibliophile and I never want to leave anybody out. Ever! Because there are so many I devour day in and day out. Okay, I’ll try, and I apologize in advance to all those I adore that didn’t make the top 10 (even if in no particular order) because that’s not okay. LOL
Edgar Allan Poe
Dean Koontz
Stephen King
Nora Roberts
JR Ward
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Larissa Ione
Rachel Caine
Gena Showalter
Darynda Jones

What book do you think everyone should read?
That’s really freaking hard! My most recent read and re-read and re-re-read was Jennifer L. Armentrout’s FROM BLOOD & ASH, published by Blue Box Press. It’s an adult fantasy romance and so dang good.

How long have you been writing?
Pretty much all my life, but I just published for the first time in 2019.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Some pop up unexpectedly, but I’m a hybrid pantser and plotter so I know a lot of them and a lot about them before I even sit down to put words to paper.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
Depends on the book. I had to research the area surrounding the setting in YOUR MOVE. I’m from Wisconsin, but I’ve only been there once, and while I wanted it to be fictional, I also wanted it to be somewhat accurate. I had to research how promotions within small-town police departments went. I had to research some law things. I’ve had to look up how quickly you can die from certain injuries, what certain drugs can do to you, how being lost in the wilderness works for those with skills. I’ve done a ton of research on voodoo and witchcraft and the mafia and ghost hunting. My search history is eclectic and probably has put me on many a watchlist, but it’s exciting!

Do you see writing as a career?
I’m going to be honest here. No. Will I keep doing it. Yes! I LOVE editing. It’s my passion and it feeds my soul. Writing feeds my editing, editing feeds my writing, it’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship. So, I will continue doing both for as long as I’m blessed to do so.

What do you think about the current publishing market?
It’s scary. It changes daily, and there are so many options. But it’s also super exciting and I can’t wait to learn more.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read like there’s no tomorrow. I was weaned on horror and would pick up a thriller more often than other genres, followed by a fantasy or paranormal. However, I read romance every day for work and enjoy the heck out of it and all its various sub-genres.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I need absolute and complete silence. I’m weird that way. Noise-cancelling headphones are my friends.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
As I’ve mentioned, I’m always dabbling in several. I go in streaks where I concentrate and get laser-focused on one, but there are usually always at least two others in the works. However, I’m a very linear writer. I can’t skip around, and I can’t end in the middle of a chapter. If I’m writing, I need to get to the end of a chapter before I can stop.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
I mean, who wouldn’t say Twilight, right? I loved it when it came out, it made a HUGE impact on the book industry and paranormal romance and young adult in particular, had movies, a massive fandom, fan fiction… If you’re going to wish, it’s not a bad one to do it with. Outside of that, I’d probably have to go with any of Stephen King’s classics. They’re timeless.

Pen or type writer or computer?
I’m all electronic. I type 85 words per minute so it’s the most efficient, plus my hands hurt when I write long-hand, and I get sloppy. LOL

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.
So there is just something about Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’ series that will stick with me forever. I have wanted to be heroines in the past—The Queen of the Damned, anyone?—but Charley makes me laugh when she does nothing and even more when she does. You can’t help but love it.

What makes a good story?
Goal, motivation and conflict. You can sum up a good story in those 3 things. As long as you can make your readers feel something and tick those 3 boxes, you should have a winner.

What are they currently reading?
I am currently reading Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer, Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, and Kristen Proby’s upcoming contemporary romance.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
I come up with my characters, determine my conflict, discover their goals and what will motivate them based on their backstories, think about how I want them to end up, then define the big bad. I loosely outline and then I sit down and write, one chapter at a time and see what happens. 

What is your writing Kryptonite?
Nothing will derail me faster than not clearly understanding why my antagonist is doing what they are. If my villain’s motivation isn’t clear in my head, nothing is.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
That’s a great question!! As a reader, I’m a fan of the more original, the better. As a writer, at least right now, I’ve been writing what the readers want right now. Which is why some of my other WIPs are still sitting only partially written for now.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Just do it!

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
I struggle sometimes with making my heroes alpha enough. In my personal life, I prefer a softer guy, so my heroes tend to be like that.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I wrote YOUR MOVE in two months, give or take, only working a few evenings a week and a couple of weekends. BLUE FORTY-TWO I wrote even faster, those characters just spoke to me. The others are taking longer, but that’s more about me not finding the time with life and work than anything else. I work well on deadline and I didn’t set one for those stories yet.

Do you believe in writer’s block?
I believe in self-confidence block. LOL. Every single thing I’ve ever written I’ve thought was crap at some point until I looked at it again with a fresh perspective and realized it was pretty good. You just need to get over yourself. I still struggle with it, and I probably always will.

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