Frequently Asked Questions
F A Q – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS with answers!
1. Inspiration and Story Origin
That depends on the book.
For the Stanhope Legacy series, I wanted to write something that I would read, and that would be an escape. At the time I wrote the first book, my partner was dying. So my writing became my respite. I could sit in the office and write while still monitoring his condition. That gave us both space. I also wanted to create a world where I had control. In real life, we seldom can control what happens. When I write, I create a world. In this case, it took two books to tell the story.
VENDETTA This book started as a retelling of my growing up in Pocatello. I quickly realized that that story was not enough. The first part of the book is based on many of my experiences growing up. Like Barrett, the main character, I was a drama major at Idaho State University. And like him, I was offered a job in New York with a national touring company. However, I was paralyzed by the fear of moving to New York, so I turned it down. So in many ways, this book is my life not lived.
THEM This book started as a short story that I wrote that was never published. My concept was how the USA could defend itself if the Pentagon, the White House, and most of the leadership were killed? I also felt the idea that Roswell was more than what we have been told could fit nicely into this. I also wanted to explore the idea of what would happen if a human and a computer merged. I am big SciFi fan. This book also looks at gender issues, but not in the way it is in the news.
A HOUSE TO DIE FOR This book is one of my favorites. I lived in Las Vegas for 40 years. I saw the town go from 50k to 2 million people. I was also a REALTOR® in Nevada for 29 years. The idea had been rattling around in my head for some time before I sat down and started writing. What if an agent helped solve a murder? Or, in this case, several murders.
2. Character and Plot Development
Which character do you like the most/least and why?
Again, that depends on the book. Dick Gallagher in Stanope Legacy is one of my favorite characters. He is a simple, honest man with great values. His drinking cost him a lot, but he would give you the shirt off his back. He is also very loyal. His flaws do not define him, his courage, loyalty, and honesty do. At the same time, Mrs. Fairchild in Stanhope is a despicable woman. No morals, no conscience, only greed and avarice. That kind of character needs to get the justice they deserve. And she does.
Are any of the characters based on real people?
Yes and no. Most of my characters are amalgamated versions of people I have known. I try to write characters who fit the plot, are interesting, and are sometimes unpredictable. There are at least two who are named after great friends who are no longer here. But I will not tell which ones they are. 😊
What was the most challenging scene to write?
Death scenes are the hardest. If it is a good person, I want to make sure it's appropriate for the character. And it has to move the plot forward without getting maudlin. If it is a villain, the scene has to be realistic and believable. Usually, this is near the end of the story. So the scene must be dramatic without being predictable.
Did you have a different ending in mind at any point?
Some writers start with a full outline, including the ending. Other writers are different and start with the ending in mind. I start with the main characters and the general idea of where I want to go. So the ending can change. In STANHOPE LEGACY – THE WAR YEARS, the story kept evolving. As I write, the story and the characters tell me what they want to do.
What happens to the characters after the book ends?
They live rent-free in my mind…. Sometimes I feel that their story is not over. That is where sequels come from. Otherwise, I enjoy the memory.
3. The Writing Process
How many drafts did you go through?
That is hard to answer. As Stephen King said, “To write is human, to edit is divine.” Each book needs at least four drafts. Sometimes that will be enough; other times, I catch an error or a misplaced thought, and it may take one or two more drafts before I publish. I always welcome readers' feedback. I have been known to reedit and reissue books.
What is your favorite/least favorite part of writing?
I enjoy the act of writing. Creating characters, plots, and subplots, and seeing how I can make them work, is very enjoyable. My least favorite yet necessary part is the marketing.
4. Personal Connection and Advice
How has writing changed you?
I have written all my life. Now I am doing it for a living. The more I write, the more I learn about myself, life, the craft of writing, and letting people help. Writing is by its nature a solitary task. But editing, proofreading, and evaluation require others to look at your work. That has made me a more confident writer as I let others into my writing world; it also makes me a better person. No one knows all the answers, but there are those who can help.
What is the best piece of advice you can offer to other writers?
Start writing every day. Find your voice, your niche, and explore the art and craft of writing. Find the resources out there to help you. You can always contact me through this site, and I will be happy to help you in any way I can.
5. Future Projects and Specifics
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on a sequel to A House to Die For. The working title is REAL ESTATE IS MURDER.
Stanhope Legacy has an adapted screenplay that we are shopping with a couple of different studios. I am also exploring ways to adapt A House To Die For into a television series.
If you have a question that wasn't answered here, please use the "Contact Me " section and let me know. While you are here, sign up for my newsletter, THE QUILL.