What’s the first story you remember writing?

I’ve always been a letter writer, so growing up I had many pen pals and I think part of that was telling my story. With each letter, I’d tell a bit about what was going on around me and so I suppose that was my early storytelling and really it became blogging practice, in a way. Sometimes I miss snail mail. (Now you all know how old I am)

When did you begin to pursue writing seriously?

It’s a funny story really. Quite a long time back, I was attending a party with some important people and one of which had published a cookbook. I said I’d love to do that one day, or write a book, and they brushed me off as if to say, “Haha, let me know when you do.” I took that as a challenge! In June 2010, I started draining the libraries in a five-mile radius of all the books on writing. I read Letters of E.B. White and I realized I wanted to write about real and true stories (non-fiction) so I pursued a journalism and freelance writing career, which I still do and love. I joined a writer’s group and together we co-wrote, As the Ink Flows, Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers. (Judson Press)

I never abandoned my love for fiction and reviewed books on my website and interviewed authors, and still do. I wrote my first NANOWRIMO novel in 2010 and it is awful! Well, not the story, per se, but the execution was horrific. (I can see that now)

It wasn’t until 2017 that I made a decision to pursue fiction and began being more intentional about my writing. The funny thing is, now that I understand what goes into writing and publishing, I understand why that person so long ago figured I’d never do it. I’m glad I accepted the challenge.

Who or what has influenced you most as a writer? 

That is a difficult question to narrow down. I have had so many amazing mentors. But I think if I had to pick just one, which clearly I do, given your question, then I’d say Brandy Vallance. When I was floundering and didn’t know what direction to take my writing in, Brandy helped me understand what my strengths were and what my unique voice was. Having her read over my early manuscripts and advise me was a real turning point in my writing. She is one talented writer, and a wonderful person through and through. I’ll stop fangirling now. But if you haven’t read her books, go get them now!

What genre do you write, and what is it that draws you to this genre?

I write Contemporary Romance. I like happy endings and I’m a hopeless romantic at heart.

What would you say has been your steepest learning curve on your path to publication?

I’d have to say querying and pitching. I was most afraid of that. I’m comfortable with other aspects of writing, but the querying thing scared me out of my wits. It took a long time before I felt like I was ready to take the leap.

What is the most daunting thing about being a debut author?

I have to say being on the other end of *cough author interviews and reviews. I have blogged, and reviewed for years. But being on this end of that is scary for me. I’m not used to being the one answering the questions. And, well, I suppose I can’t control the reviews either, so I’ll have to learn to leave it all in God’s hands and let go of my control issues.

What has been the most encouraging thing you’ve experienced as a debut author?

I’d have to say the encouragement and support of my author friends, fellow bloggers and readers. I’m blown away at how welcoming everyone has been. With so many cheering me on, how can I lose?

Briefly share your book’s life story. When was the story conceived, and how long as its journey been to release day?

Since I am a freelance writer, I’m used to writing from spec. So I took some hooks that are popular (reunion, second chance, widower) and wrote a synopsis that I thought would fit that model. What I didn’t expect, was to fall in love with my characters so hard and fast.  I began pitching the first three chapters and synopsis in 2018.  (I was testing the waters, so only submitted to one publisher) I didn’t pitch to too many people, anyway, the first publisher asked to read the full manuscript! Ack! I was not expecting that, so I wrote the rest of the story in eight months. That publisher ultimately said no. Therefore, I tweaked the manuscript, changed the title and pitched it on #FaithPitch on Twitter in the summer (on a whim) gaining the interest of an agent and publisher. The publisher requested a full, and the rest is about to become reality, with A Promise to Keep coming out in Jan, 2020. I’m still pinching myself. I’m delighted that Anaiah Press loved my story.

What will you be doing to celebrate release day?

(On the other hand, How did you celebrate, if the book has already released) The book releases on Jan 21, 2020. The day before my 26^th Wedding Anniversary. Since some of the scenes in the book take us to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, I plan to spend release day and our anniversary in Niagara Falls with my husband. Being born in South Africa, and now a Canadian, Niagara Falls still feels like an exotic destination to me. I love Niagara-on-the-Lake the most. We stayed at a hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake last just before my daughter was born, and she is 17 years old now. So we are long overdue to go back.