Q&A

1. What inspired you to write Secrets and Smoke?

   I’m fascinated with echoes in family history  --  how stuff that happened in one generation can affect the next one and the one after that.  If we’re all just a link in a chain, how do we overcome the mistakes of those who came before us?  My story is about two people who, in different ways, are dealing with the dangerous consequences of decisions made long ago.    

   There’s that main bit.  And the other bits:

   I also love underdogs, spooky stories, independent ladies, beta heroes, and talent in all forms.  I am fascinated with revenge, duty, and foggy countryside.  I put all this fun stuff together and it made a book! 

2. Why do you like gothics so much?

   If you love historical romances but also like fast paced, high-stakes stuff, Victorian gothics are PERFECT.  Historical romance can often be chapters on chapters of people talking in drawing rooms.  In gothics, things HAPPEN.  A lot of time, it’s really bad stuff that happens, like a murder or a haunting or something.  There’s often a juicy mystery about WHY the bad stuff is happening, which is fun to guess at.  After they figure all that stuff out, the relief at the happy ending makes closure that much sweeter.

3. Have you ever been to Yorkshire?

   Yes, twice!  It’s one of my favorite places in the world. On my first trip, I stayed along the coast and had the opportunity to explore places like Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby in between working on the first draft of what would become Secrets and Smoke. On my second trip, I stayed in Settle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and wrote a lot more. I also spent several wonderful days on a pilgrimage of sorts to Haworth, home of the Bronte girls. A quick side trip to the Beamish Museum outside of Durham was a highlight as well. History came to life!

4. What themes seem important in your writing?

   I write about “found families” a lot. I just love that concept. Over the years, you can choose to surround yourself with people who become as close as family. I also notice I write a lot about the struggle between duty and love.

5. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

   The only way to fail is to quit! And back up your work! In multiple locations!