Questions & Answers
I’m hoping to see this list grow over time, but for now, I thought I’d start with the top four questions I’m asked at book signings and wherever I go to speak on my books, along with my usual response to all four:
1. I love to write, too, and wrote a book myself, but I really need someone to read it and give me some suggestions on how to make it better. Would you be able to help me?
2. I have this really great idea for a book, but I’m not a great writer. Can I tell you all about my idea, and then maybe we can collaborate and write it together?
3. I thought it was so great that you wrote about your grandparents’ history in “A Love Like Lilly.” If you like to write historical fiction, I’d love to tell you stories from my family history so you could use it for a future book.
4. I’ve had an amazing and unique experience happen to me that I know would make an inspiring book, but I’m not a writer at all. Would you be willing to be my ghost writer?
All four of the above requests are unbelievably flattering – I wish I could say “yes” to all of them, but since I’m currently still working full-time as a legal assistant, and trying to squeeze in time for family and friends and at least a semblance of a social life (LOL), I unfortunately only have time to work on my own books. I have so many book ideas I’m anxious to put down on paper that if I live to be 100, I still won’t get all of my books written!
So the answer to numbers 1 through 4 is: Sorry, no...
5. Are you ever going to write a sequel to “The Secret Journal of Brett Colton”?
I’ve been asked this question a lot – and now I’m being asked if I’ll write a sequel to When the Bough Breaks! If I do write a sequel, it will most likely include the futures of characters from both books – most importantly, Jason, Kathy, Rachel, Dallin, and Ryan. But that’s not going to happen for quite a while – I have a lot of other characters in my head who I want to give the spotlight to in my books first!
6. Have you met Stephenie Meyer?
This is easily one of the most flattering questions I get asked a lot lately – I have been thrilled to discover that there are many Twilight fans out there who love my books, too! Unfortunately, I have not met Stephenie Meyer, but hey – never say never! I have enjoyed her books tremendously and would love to meet up with her someday!
7. So what are you working on right now?
Although I have ideas for more YA LDS novels, I decided to take a break from that genre for now. Please see my "Events and News" page for more details of my current projects!
8. Who are some of your favorite authors, and what books would you recommend?
I have lots of favorite authors and books, but my top favorites for YA fiction are as follows:
S.E. Hinton (The Outsiders rocks forever! I read this one for the first time at age 12. This book is still the number one best selling YA fiction novel of all time. After reading it numerous times myself, it’s easy to see why!)
Lois Duncan (Anything by her, although Summer of Fear and Down a Dark Hall are two of my favorites – I loved her stuff as a teenager, and I still love her work now!)
Madeleine L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time series, of course – I love her Austin Family series, too. I read Book 2 in the series, The Moon by Night, every summer. Zachary Grey is one of my favorite rebel teen characters ever!)
Lloyd Alexander (Book of Three series – I couldn’t put this series down! His books are amazing!)
Norma Johnston (The Keeping Days series is probably tough to find these days, but I loved them as a teenager.)
Paul Zindel (No one has more unique titles for books than Mr. Zindel! The Pigman is still my favorite of all his wonderful books.)
Richard Peck (The Ghost Belonged to Me, A Long Way from Chicago, and A Year Down Yonder are my favorites, but everything by this author is wonderful.)
Robert Cormier (The Chocolate War and I Am the Cheese are two of my all time favorite YA novels.) Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird – a classic novel forever and ever! I love this book!)
Robert Cormier (The Chocolate War and I Am the Cheese are two of my all time favorite YA novels.)
Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird – a classic novel forever and ever! I love this book!)
9. I love to write stories, too – do you have any writing tips for me?
I have put together a short document with lots of tips on writing I’ve learned over the years, mostly from the incredible writing teachers I’ve had. If you’re interested in receiving a copy, just send me an e-mail and I’ll e-mail it over to you! :)