Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live on the east coast with my husband and three kids. However, it’s my 90 pound Sheepadoodle that that really runs our home (they’re not supposed to get that big but my dog is unusual). I’m a book lover - obviously. Writing started as a way to relax years ago. I ended up with a collection of stories and decided it was time to publish them. Writing is my therapy.
Describe the plot of your new book, “A Promise Kept,” in a few sentences.
Quinn McGuire is called home to settle her mother’s affairs. Instead, she finds herself defending her brother who has been accused of a horrible crime. She discovers a circle of deceit that goes back decades. The more she digs; the worse things look for her brother and the closer Quinn moves to danger.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
This book is a great read for someone who loves to read a mystery with a little humor in the midst of a blossoming romance.
Tell us about your protagonist, Quinn McGuire.
Quinn McGuire was once a successful defense attorney. She made some bad decisions that had horrible consequences for several people including Quinn. She’s emotionally damaged and she doesn’t trust herself anymore but the circumstances that face her in this novel force Quinn to come out of her shell.
Quinn has a lot of negative history with Hayden County. Can you tell us about her history there?
Quinn grew up in poverty. Her family has a colorful and notorious history in the county. That history marked Quinn and anyone carrying the McGuire name in Hayden County. No matter what she does, Quinn can’t get past those negative impressions.
Quinn loses her mother and must return to Hayden County. What was Quinn’s relationship like with her mother?
She didn’t have a very good relationship with her mother. Quinn’s mother was a bitter woman who disliked her social condition. She also struggled with a bad marriage and it was hard trying to raise children on her own. However, Quinn’s mom also worked very hard to give the children a better life. It wasn’t until she was dead that Quinn learns that her mom was actually proud of her.
On a similar note, how does Quinn feel about her father who has a history of crime?
Quinn loves her dad dearly but sees him almost as a victim of his social condition. She doesn’t condone his actions but believes that he was desperate and lost.
Without giving too much away, what is Quinn’s initial reaction to the accusations against her brother?
She’s, of course, shocked. She doesn’t believe that her brother is capable of that sort of crime. She more surprised to hear about the named victim.
What drew you to the genre of romantic suspense?
Wow, there is nothing that amps a story up like the backdrop of a steamy romance; two people pushed together in a race against time while passion blooms. Romance added to any fiction genre just makes the story better.
Is there an author that had a major influence on your writing style?
No, I can’t say there is a single writer that’s influenced my style. I am found of Mary Kay Andrews, Lori Armstrong and Ann Charles. Their stories are clean, crisp easy reads. I like that.
How long have you been writing?
I published my first novel in 2015, but I’ve been writing for years.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Quinn was my favorite character. I worked hard to create depth and complexity in her character. I also enjoyed seeing her character transition. I think readers will as well.
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I’m learning to remove the extraneous stuff that just bogs down a story. At the same time, I’m learning how to use dialogue to move a story forward rather than depending exhaustive descriptions or POV narratives.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
I have a few more romantic series that I’d like to pursue, but I’m also looking to move into new genres. I’ve also outlined two novels that will shift me into Science Fiction and historical romance. We’ll see how that goes.
How have your readers responded to the book so far?
I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses to 'A Promise Kept.' Readers really connected to the emotional shift that Quinn experiences and, if I may say so myself, some of the intimate scenes leave readers breathless.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
The editing process is painful. I go over the story multiple times making hundreds of changes. I pick over a single word, re-writing and revising over-and-over. So, releasing the novel to publish sometimes feels like an exhaustive process but I’m satisfied that when I let it go, I’ve created a good novel.
Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
Sure, I think every writer experiences a block. Usually, I will set the story I’m actively work on aside for a few days. I still force myself to write. I may work on a different story or start the outline for a new novel – anything to keep the juices flowing.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m working on a stand-alone romantic suspense set in Texas; more suspense, steamier romance.
More Information
Buy the book on Amazon.
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