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From all the
books you have written, do you have a favorite?
I think the mystery I am working on now is my
favorite at the moment, but that may change.
At what point in time did you
realize that writing was "the thing for you"?
I started telling stories from an early age,
but I did not decide to be a writer until age ten.
What advice
would you give to someone interested in becoming a writer?
I would tell them to
write and rewrite and to keep sending out their work until they
found an agent or
publisher who shared their vision. Also most
importantly, write for yourself, write what pleases you.
What is the
name of your favorite mystery movie?
The Usual Suspects.
What other authors do you enjoy
reading?
I love to read a
variety of authors but some of my favorites are: Ruth Rendell,
Walter Mosley, Anne Perry,
Tony Hillerman, Toni Morrison, Isabel
Allende, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, and Paulo Coleho, just to name
a few.
Do you normally do a lot of research when writing a book?
It depends. I am helped
greatly in that I write mysteries now and my husband is a retired
NYPD Sergeant
of Detectives.
What other types of jobs have you had?
I have had different
types of jobs while I went to college and so on. I even sold flowers
on the street. However,
for over twenty years until 2000, I
taught as a adjunct English instructor at various collegies
throughout New York City.
Do you attend conventions and signings?
I have been to several
signings and readings and a few book fairs.
Is there anyone, in particular,
who influenced you?
Several people influenced me. Do you mean writers?
I
think over the years good writers and thinkers such as St Augustine,
Aristotle, Jane Austin, the Brontes, Toni Morrison, Allende, and
others have helped me to be a better writer.
What led you to write mysteries?
I always loved to read
mysteries from childhood and living many years with a husband who
was on the NYC
police force, it was almost inevitable that I
would begin to write mysteries.
Do you read reviews of your books?
Yes, I do.
How would
you like to be remembered?
As a good person, a good friend and a good writer.
What do you
believe is the highlight of your writing career so far?
The people I get to meet
and become friends with. Also having my first novel assigned to a
class as a literature textbook.
Do you write on a fixed schedule or do you
wait until thoughts come to you?
A bit of both. I do try to write everyday for at least four
hours, but I also jot down things when an idea gets up and kicks me.
I keep a pad and pen next to my bed. The early mornings are usually
when ideas present themselves.
How did you get started in writing?
My mother told me to.
When I was little and would tell her stories she would say, "That's
lovely dear. Why don't you write it down so I can read it later."
How do you
come up with plots?
I
don't really have a way to come up with plots. I will hear something
or something will happen to germinate ideas. Most of the times
stories just begin to jog around in my mind until I notice them.
Did you take
any classes on how to write?
Not really. I took English in high school and college.
But I learned by practicing writing and by paying attention to how
authors wrote whenever I read a book.
Do you ever get writer's block?
Yes. I draw when I do.
What are
your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with my family and friends, to read, to
garden, to draw and paint landscapes, to hike and to watch good
movies.
How
do you spend your free time?
Doing the things I mentioned above. Lately my husband and
I have been landscaping our property and going on hikes.
Do you have
a message you would like to give to all the readers out there?
Yes, I want to encourage
them to read good books and I hope they find my books among them.
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