Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up on a small farm in western Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. degree in Medical Technology. I had six brothers and two sisters, so there was never a dull moment at my house. I loved reading books and have fond memories of pulling a wagon half a mile to my church where the bookmobile stopped every month. I moved to Virginia after I married and focused full-time on my husband and raising four children, gravitating towards music as the kids entered elementary school. When my husband was transferred to West Virginia, I began writing children’s books—which I still write. After my first children’s book, I wanted to write a novel to see how the writing differed. I’ve found that there is quite a difference between the two levels of writing. In my free time, I freelance as a musician. I am also a music director and I substitute teach at public schools where I live. I love chocolate, baking, crafts, yardwork and home improvement projects.
What do like the most and the least about writing?
I love discussing with my readers about my stories and current projects. I do a lot of school visits for my children’s books. I’m slowly maneuvering my way around the adult audiences with book clubs and library events. Also, I love twisting surprising storylines in a plot. The worse part of writing is taking time to keep up with emails and social media posts. It’s time consuming.
Give us a peek into your latest published work?
Hailey Langley refuses to be a victim and has moved on from her traumatic past. But her marriage problems worsen when a deadly illicit drug threatens to draw her into the life she left behind.
Mark Langley has allowed his job to interfere with his marriage, but he never suspected the secrets in Hailey's past might hold the key to solving both of his current investigations.
Together, they must unravel the mystery of the drug called Euphoria and find a way to save not only their marriage, but countless lives, before it's too late.
What’s next on the writing horizon for you?
I’m deep into my second book of the Euphoria series: Losing Euphoria/Trust No one. The story takes place six years after Finding Euphoria. After that book is finished, the third novel, Reclaiming Euphoria, will keep me busy.
Is there anything you want to tell readers?
I love my fans and I appreciate all the support they offer! Writing is more satisfying when you touch readers’ lives and hearts.
Excerpt:
He turned the bottle around in his hand and set it on the end table. “Don’t put me in this position. You know what would happen. Grace is his mother. She’s the one who needs to stay with him.”
Regret tugged at her heart. “I wouldn’t take any time away from her.”
Parker groaned. “Just you being there would make her feel uncomfortable.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
“But I’ve stayed away for seventeen years,” she whispered.
“That was the adoption arrangement.”
She bit her lip. “I can’t stay away any longer.”
“You agreed to those terms in the contract. You terminated all parental rights.” Parker stood and paced to the kitchen.
“But it’s not fair!” She put down her water and began wringing her hands.
Straightening his arms, he leaned against the bar. “Hailey, please don’t start. I know how you feel…”
“You couldn’t possibly know how I feel. I need to see him.” She fought to control the bitterness in her voice.
“No.”
She rose, knocking over the water bottle. “He’s my son!”
“Not anymore, he isn’t.”
The rebuke stung. “He’ll always be my son!”
“When you gave him up, you promised to keep your distance.”
“I have.”
“Forever.”
The reminder lanced her heart. “You’re being unfair. He’s dying.”
He slammed his fist on the bar. “Don’t say that. He can’t die.” Parker pushed himself up and stomped near the window, raising his hands to rest on top of his head as he faced the curtain.
A muscle twitched in her hand. Her knees buckled. She sat on the edge of the couch, wringing her hands. “I was young. I couldn’t give Justin the life he deserved. I’m not asking to take him back. I only want to see him.”
Rubbing his jaw, he walked back to the couch and sat. The hard lines on his face softened. “The adoption papers were clear. No contact.” He placed his hands on top of hers and stilled them. “If the decision was mine, I would allow it, but Grace would lose it if she found out you’re Justin’s biological mother.”
Her hands squeezed into tight fists. The urge was unbearable. “I wouldn’t tell her.”
Parker ran a hand through his hair. “Argh! Don’t you understand? She’d take one look at your face and know the truth. Don’t forget, you’re the one who wanted us to protect him.”
She stood. “Well, you did a hell of a fine job, didn’t you? You divorced Grace and deserted him. Parenting takes sacrifice, Parker. You were too busy changing careers, and now he’s messed up with drugs. How did that protect him?”
Standing, he reached for her.
“No. You stay away from me.” She extended her hands and backed up a step. “Justin’s dying! Dying, Parker! And I don’t know him…You won’t let me see my own son.”
He wrapped his arms around her.
She pushed him, pummeling her fists against his chest with all her strength.
He silently took his beating.
Social media links:
Website address:
9 comments:
Thank you for hosting me today, Marie!
What an amazing life you lead! And I love your story. Such a timely concept. So fun to learn about you and your work!
Peace,
Emily Heebner
Great post by an awesome author! If you haven't read this book, you really should.
Thank you for stopping by, Emily!
CB, Thank you for your support!
I enjoyed learning about your writing life! I wish you Continued success Colleen
Thanks, Charlotte. Writing certainly is a fun ladder to climb!
Enjoyed the interview. So happy to hear it's part of a series. Wishing you all the best!
What a great excerpt! Best with your book!
Post a Comment